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ҹɫÍõ³¯Meadows School of the Arts is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kimberly Grigsby as the inaugural Music Director of the new Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre. Grigsby will assume her role on August 1, as the Sexton Institute begins recruiting its first cohort of 10 students to commence classes in Fall 2026. With an extensive professional history of participating in the development of original work, Grigsby will support the Sexton Institute’s mission of equipping students not only to perform established work, but also to create new works from the ground up. As Music Director, she will teach students about the depth of information delivered through non-textual means, ensuring they understand how scores, orchestrations, and arrangements contribute to the overall storytelling of a show. As she continues her work with many of the most innovative directors, choreographers, writers, and producers working in American Musical Theatre today, she will help provide Sexton Institute students with access to a network of professional artists and creators.

An acclaimed music director, conductor, and pianist with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Grigsby’s distinguished career spans Broadway, opera, and concert stages across the country, working with notable collaborators including Bono and The Edge, David Byrne, David Yazbek, Aaron Sorkin, Duncan Sheik, Tom Kitt, Michael Greif, Camille A. Brown, and Jeanine Tesori. Her Broadway music directing and conducting credits feature notable works including Days of Wine and Roses; Camelot (2023 Revival); Head Over Heels; Amélie; Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark; Spring Awakening; The Light in the Piazza; Caroline, or Change; The Full Monty; and more. Currently, Grigsby serves as the music director for several new works, including this summer’s world premieres of DOLLY: A True Original Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, and Millions, with music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, both directed by Bartlett Sher. She is also part of the teams developing new works, including a musical adaptation of Thelma and Louise with music and lyrics by Neko Case and book by Callie Khouri. An alumna of SMU, her return signals a full-circle moment in a career marked by artistic excellence and mentorship, which she intends to continue by pursuing professional opportunities alongside her new role at the Sexton Institute.

“As an undergraduate student, ҹɫÍõ³¯Meadows School of the Arts prepared me for a career in musical theatre, and I find it very special to be returning to my alma mater to share my experience in developing new works with the next generation of students who will create the theatre of tomorrow,” said Kimberly Grigsby, Inaugural Music Director of the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre. “I look forward to beginning this new endeavor at ҹɫÍõ³¯as I continue my work as a music director and conductor for works in development across the country, providing Sexton Institute students with unique opportunities to participate in the creation of new work.”

The new Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre was catalyzed by a $15M gift from philanthropist, businesswoman, and Broadway producer G. Marlyne Sexton, further strengthening the existing theatre, music, and dance programs of the Meadows School of the Arts. Sexton’s gift supports not only the creation of the Sexton Institute, but also the creation and funding of the role of the Director of the Sexton Institute, held by director, choreographer, and educator Joel Ferrell, as well as the program’s endowment and associated operating costs during its nascence.

“Kimberly Grigsby is one of the finest Music Directors I have had the privilege of working with; her leadership and unparalleled commitment to every project she joins has helped to actualize phenomenal works of art and launch countless careers,” said Joel Ferrell, Professor in Practice in Theatre and Inaugural Director of the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre. “On behalf of the Meadows School of the Arts and the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre, I am thrilled to welcome Kimberly back to ҹɫÍõ³¯as our inaugural Music Director and look forward to the expertise she brings to our program, helping students form their own point of view, a unique perspective as they ultimately enter the profession and navigate the challenges of a difficult but rewarding vocation.”

Designed to keep up with and prepare students for the rigorous demands and shifting landscape of the contemporary musical theatre industry, the curriculum of the Sexton Institute will feature intensive conservatory training in acting, singing, and movement coupled with the well-rounded liberal arts education ҹɫÍõ³¯is known for, supported by a variety of performance opportunities, Masterclasses and Guest Lectures led by Broadway performers and industry leaders, mentorship and guidance from ҹɫÍõ³¯alumni, and collaboration with renowned organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth’s vibrant theatre scene such as the Dallas Theater Center and Theatre Three. Beyond performing existing works, students at the Sexton Institute will collaborate directly with composers, lyricists, and creative teams to help bring new musicals to life. By stepping into the creative process at its earliest stage, students will gain a deep understanding of the development of new work, preparing them to build original works from the outset of their careers.

“The impact of Marlyne Sexton’s generous gift cannot be overstated. Musical theatre is a rapidly transforming genre, and existing models of education do not go far enough—students need a complete training program that reflects the reality and complexities of the current industry,” said Sam Holland, Professor of Music and Algur H. Meadows Dean of the Meadows School of the Arts. “The Sexton Institute, helmed by renowned talent like Kimberly Grigsby and Joel Ferrell, will support the education, training, and development of the 21^st-century performer, making it an ideal program for today’s pioneering artists.”


About the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre

Launching in Fall 2026, the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre at ҹɫÍõ³¯Meadows School of the Arts offers a premier training ground for the next generation of musical theatre artists. With a curriculum that blends rigorous acting, singing, and movement training with a deep exploration of the evolving musical theatre landscape, students receive unparalleled preparation for professional careers. Guided by world-class faculty and industry mentors, students develop the skills, artistry, and connections to thrive on Broadway, in regional theatre, and beyond.