Dennisse Diaz | Contributing Writer
Vincent Connor, a dynamic figure in the world of musical theater, has established himself as both a dedicated educator and a passionate musical theater coordinator. Originally from Orlando, Florida, his journey in the arts started early, and over time, he discovered that musical theater was not just a passion but his true calling.
“I didn’t know theater was going to be my career for sure,” he recalls, reflecting on his younger years. “It was just something I found, and the more I did it, the more I realized I couldn’t not do it,” Connor said.
Connor’s educational path took him to several distinguished institutions. He attended Florida State University for his undergraduate degree, where he started to refine his craft. His pursuit of deeper knowledge led him to the University of Arizona for a master’s degree and ultimately to the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory for doctoral studies. Each phase of his education played a key role in shaping his artistic identity and his commitment to musical theater.
Currently, Connor serves as musical theatre coordinator for FIU’s Wertheim School of Music, as well as assistant teaching professor, where he has found his true professional home. His role as an educator goes beyond simply imparting knowledge; he is deeply invested in guiding his students to become more well-rounded artists.
“I’m not just a teacher. I am here to guide my students on their journey,” he said, “I believe in them. It’s important for them to believe in themselves.”
His teaching philosophy revolves around encouraging students to explore their creative potential, take risks, and push their boundaries as musical theater artists.
While his classroom efforts are his primary focus, Connor remains an active participant in the broader musical theater community. His past works have been largely experimental, tackling complex social issues and showcasing the power of storytelling. Even now, he is excited by the future possibilities in both his personal projects and his upcoming work at FIU.
“There are so many future projects in the works right now at FIU that I’m excited about,” Connor shared. “One thing that I’m particularly looking forward to is collaborating with the university to create a performance space that not only showcases student work, but also invites collaboration with artists outside of the university.”
Photo courtesy of Vincent Connor
Connor’s approach to musical theater is rooted in a belief that it must be both challenging and transformative. “The power of theater is that it can touch hearts, change minds, and help us see the world in a different way,” he said. His work on stage and as a director has always been about creating experiences that resonate with audiences and push them to think more deeply about the world around them. “If we’re not doing that, then we’re missing the point,” he added.
For Connor, one of the most important aspects of his work is inspiring the next generation of musical theater artists. He offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: “The world is constantly changing, and it is up to the next generation of artists to respond to that change,” he said.
“My advice is simple: keep learning, keep pushing boundaries, and don’t be afraid to fail. Failing is part of the journey, but it doesn’t define you.”
Despite his extensive experience in the musical theater world, Connor believes that education is not just about teaching students how to perform but how to think critically and creatively. “Take every opportunity to grow, whether it’s on stage or off, and keep challenging yourself,” he said. “It is the only way forward.”
As part of his ongoing commitment to both education and the arts, Connor invites the public to experience the work being done at FIU. “Our students are doing incredible things, and I would love for the community to see what we’re creating here,” he said. “We have a lot of talent in this program, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of it.”
With his deep dedication to both his craft and his students, Connor is helping shape the future of musical theater at FIU. His work and vision continue to inspire not only his students, but also the broader artistic community, reminding all of us of the transformative power of musical theater.
Vincent invites everyone to experience his work at the Kings, Queens, and Thieves performance at FIU on Nov. 8-9 at the Wertheim Performing Arts Center. The show features a mix of FIU students and Broadway professionals, showcasing the future of musical theater and emerging talent from FIU.
About Post Author
