Metropolitan School of the Arts has appointed Walter “Bobby” McCoy, a multiple Helen Hayes Award-winning music director, to its musical theatre faculty and private lesson staff.
McCoy, a Nicaraguan-American artist prominent in the D.C. regional theater scene, will teach private music lessons and serve as music director for the school’s musical theatre workshop class, according to an announcement on Wednesday.
“Bobby’s collaborative spirit and deep understanding of musical storytelling are exactly what we want to bring to our students,” said Sara Hart, MSA’s executive director. “His experience, especially within the regional theatre community, will be an invaluable asset to our private students and our musical theatre program.”
McCoy has built an extensive resume as a music director, with credits including “In the Heights” at GALA Hispanic Theatre, “Legally Blonde” at Keegan Theatre, “Beauty and the Beast” at Olney Theatre and “Masterclass” at Arizona Theatre Company. His work has earned him multiple Helen Hayes Award nominations and wins.
The music director began his career early, working as a piano accompanist for his high school chorus at 14 and as a rehearsal pianist for local theaters by 15. While still in high school, he landed his first assistant music director position for Keegan Theatre’s production of “National Pastime.”
McCoy currently serves as an adjunct professor of musical theatre at Howard University.
Metropolitan School of the Arts, a nonprofit performing arts studio at 5775 Barclay Drive, Suite 5, Alexandria (Fairfax County), has trained more than 10,000 students in dance, music and theater since its founding in 2001. The school’s alumni have performed on Broadway, at national tours, and with prestigious institutions including The Juilliard School and Ford’s Theatre.
