The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance announces that Sydney Morton will join the Department of Musical Theatre as an assistant professor in the fall of 2024. Morton, an SMTD alumna, is a versatile stage and screen actor and arts educator.
“I am thrilled and incredibly honored to be returning to my alma mater,” shared Morton. “My time as a Michigan student shaped who I am as a person, artist, and educator. To share this space with the brilliant students and faculty twenty years after I began my first year as a Wolverine is an emotional, full-circle opportunity. I cannot wait to get started. Go Blue!”
In her first professional role, Morton performed in High School Musical at Paper Mill Playhouse. From there, she joined the Chicago company of the hit musical Jersey Boys. On Broadway, she performed in four original Broadway casts: Memphis, Evita (2012 revival), American Psycho, and Motown, where she worked closely with Berry Gordy. Other theatre experience includes The Wild Party and Cabin in the Sky (Encores! NY City Center), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Ogunquit Playhouse), An Octoroon (Berkeley Rep, West Coast premiere), the world premiere of The Secret of My Success (Paramount Theatre), and Flashdance (first national tour).
Her television work includes both seasons of Spike Lee’s hit series She’s Gotta Have It (Netflix), Meghan and Harry: Escaping the Palace (Lifetime), A Good Person directed by Zach Braff, the live capture of Jersey Boys, Three Women (Starz, Fall 2024), Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madame CJ Walker (Netflix), Younger (TV Land), FBI: Most Wanted (CBS), Jessica Jones (Netflix), The Intern, The Sound of Music Live (NBC), Service to Man, and the short films Thirdy and Love, New York.
“Professor Sydney Morton brings a rare blend of experience at the highest levels of Broadway, film, television, and commercials. Not only does she possess an exceptional professional background and a commitment to teaching, she also brings extensive knowledge and certification of holistic wellness for artists,” said Cynthia Kortman Westphal, interim chair and professor of musical theatre. “Moreover, she is a proud graduate of this very program! We are delighted to welcome her back, this time as an esteemed faculty member who will carry on the legacy she helped build.”
Morton is passionate not only about acting, but about arts education as well. She previously held the position of program director for a Broaderway Foundation, founded by Idina Menzel, and traveled the country as an instructor with the Broadway Collective. She has served as a guest instructor at the University of Michigan, Rider College, and Marymount Manhattan.
In addition to receiving a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Michigan, Morton studied Shakespeare in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. She is also a certified integrative nutrition health coach.