INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL ACDEMY
Our Partnerships
Our Legacy
Academy Director: Joana Thomson
Since 1996 in Pennsylvania, we’ve shaped performers into working stage professionals. We’re proud that over 15,000 students have trained with us and now carry the IMA name onto stages around the world, performing in major productions. Our program fuses Acting, Singing and Dance with daily stage time, rigorous coaching, and professional discipline. The promise is simple: craft, stamina, impact.
Our Story
Founded in 1996 in Pennsylvania by working artists with one clear idea: training belongs on stage. From a small rehearsal studio we grew into an international academy with 15,000+ graduates.
The Building
A focused home for performers: light-filled rooms, high ceilings, sound isolation and proper ventilation. Central location with easy access to venues and auditions.
Faculty
Teachers are active performers, directors and coaches. Small cohorts and one-to-one feedback keep progress fast; guest artists from major productions lead regular masterclasses.
Studios
Sprung-floor dance studios, acoustically treated vocal rooms, a black-box theatre and a self-tape/film suite—built for daily rehearsal, safe practice and professional results.
ADMISSONS
Whether you are just starting to explore the world of musical theatre or are ready to take the next step in your performing arts journey – we are excited to meet you.
At our academy, everyone aged 18 and above is welcome to apply, whether you have professional experience or are completely new to the stage.
Get in touch with us, ask your questions, visit our events, and speak with our instructors and advisors. Wherever you are starting from, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Who Can Apply
We welcome applicants aged 18+—with or without prior stage experience. You’ll be evaluated on equal footing by our faculty jury, which looks first and foremost at potential and trainability, not polish.
Placement & Levels
Each intake is split into two cohorts in Year 1—Foundations and Advanced. Beginners receive intensified coaching and additional class time to close experience gaps. From Year 2, all students follow the same curriculum at the same standard.
Study Plan
In Year 1, the schedule varies slightly by placement. From Year 2 onward, all students follow an identical timetable. Stage experience begins in Year 1 with public showings and productions—building confidence, real stage feel, and control over nerves.
Professional Training
IMA’s three-year program is an intensive, practice-first training in Acting, Singing and Dance. Technique is drilled daily and immediately applied on stage: from table reads and blocking to vocal support, interpretation and stylistic range, from ballet, jazz and tap to ensemble staging and camera awareness. Small cohorts and one-to-one coaching ensure precise feedback and fast progress, while weekly showings and productions build timing, risk and confidence. Fitness and mental care sustain your instrument; repertoire classes shape your book; audition labs refine material, etiquette and self-tape craft. By graduation you hold a polished repertoire, reel and headshots, and you know how to rehearse efficiently, take notes professionally and deliver consistently—on stage and on camera. The result is not just strong technique, but durable performance discipline and the mindset to step straight into real productions.