Mitzi Smith

Mitzi Smith, Associate Professor of Theatre, and Coordinator of Musical Theatre teaches courses in Acting, Musical Theatre Performance, Voice and Movement, Music Theory, Audition Techniques and serves as the advisor to the student directed musicals as well as directing departmental productions.

Majoring in Musical Theatre, Mitzi earned a BFA from The Boston Conservatory, and her MFA from San Diego State University. She has taught Acting, Voice, Dance, Theatre History and Professional Development at the University of San Diego, Grossmont College, American Musical and Dramatic Academy in LA and San Diego State University.

A former Broadway casting director, with Binder Casting, Mitzi worked alongside Arthur Laurents, Baayork Lee, Kathleen Marshall and Tommy Tune casting for GYPSY, A Chorus Line, Grease and The Lion King on Broadway.  In addition, Mitzi is a professional actor who has appeared at many regional theaters throughout California, New York and Florida. Her favorite shows include, Lady of the Lake, in Monty Python’s Spamalot. Mitzi was a featured vocalist with The Boston Pops, and was an opening act for Carlos Santana in her hometown of San Francisco. Chicago theatre credits include Fiddler on the Roof with Drury Lane Theatre, Madame in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof with Music Theatre Works and the Genie Klein u/s in Beautiful the Carole King Musical at Drury Lane. Mitzi has returned to casting directing in Chicago for Drury Lane Theatre and Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. In 2025 Mitzi became a certified group fitness instructor and also teaches at Shred415. For more MitziSmithMFA.com

Courses Taught

Acting Fundamentals

Intro to Voice & Movement

Acting for Musical Theatre

First Year Seminar - Speaking

Music Theory

General Education - Senior Seminar

Store Front Series - Theatre Production

Musical Theatre Audition & Portfolio