Students in the first graduating class of Tennessee Tech University's Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance with a concentration in musical theatre are leaving campus with more than diplomas in hand. Through a growing partnership with Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, they are also graduating with professional experience on their resumés.
Four graduates in the inaugural cohort completed internships with the Playhouse as part of their academic program — and all four were offered professional contracts following their experiences.
“Within two weeks of when they started their internships, management said, ‘Do you think we can make them an offer?’” said Bryce McDonald, CEO of the Cumberland County Playhouse. “We offered all four of them contracts.”
Three graduates — Rhea Geer, Robin Houghton and Emily Franklin — accepted positions beginning in May, while Riley Keegan accepted an opportunity with a Montana theatre company before a planned return to the Playhouse later this year.
The partnership between Tech and the Playhouse was created to give students professional performance and production experience while still completing their degrees. Students worked in a variety of areas during their internships, including stage management, costume work, construction crews and performance roles.
For Geer, the internship expanded her confidence beyond performance.
“Every day I’m here, I get to learn something new that I didn’t think I could do on my own, like tape a whole floor plan in a rehearsal space on my own,” she said.
Keegan said the experience gave students a rare opportunity to learn directly from working theatre professionals.
“I don’t know of any other school in Tennessee that has a partnership like this,” he said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to experience all aspects, and it makes us better performers and better people.”
Houghton described the Playhouse as a welcoming environment where students immediately felt supported.
“It’s a family environment,” she said. “I’ve interned for two summers, and it’s been a fantastic experience. They’re so welcoming — I’ve never felt out of place.”
The sense of community at the Playhouse was a common theme in each student's description of the experience.
Franklin said the partnership also helped her better understand the collaborative nature of theatre production.
“All I had done up to this point was acting and singing, but the variety of the work we did here this semester makes you realize how many people come together to bring something like this to life,” she said.
Wendy Mullen, professor of music and music theatre coordinator, said the collaboration between Tech and the Playhouse has become a defining part of the program.
“When we wanted to pursue this degree, there was no way we could have made it work without this man,” she said, referring to McDonald. “This partnership is a capstone and gem in the program.”
Mullen also praised the students for embracing the uncertainty and opportunity that came with being the first.
“They knew coming in that they were the first class. They were flexible and so wonderful as the first students in the program. They truly paved the way and set a high standard,” she said.
McDonald commended the graduates’ preparation and professionalism, saying they already demonstrate skills beyond what is often expected from early-career performers. He pointed to their ability to quickly adapt and rehearse with unfamiliar musicians as one example.
“Some professionals who’ve been in the business for 10 or 15 years don’t have the skill that these students do right now, and others have taken notice of that,” McDonald said. “They’re fine craftsmen, well-rounded, little treasures.”
He said the success of the partnership benefits both organizations while helping grow theatre opportunities in the region.
“I want to see support grow for both the Playhouse and Tech,” McDonald said. “You know you’re supporting homegrown talent.”
Learn more about Tech's theatre program within the School of Music at www.tntech.edu/fine-arts/theatre/.