As far as “crossover” is concerned at CCM: My son (and several MT students) have been in at least one of the Opera productions at CCM. One of his voice teachers was from the Opera department (which is common at CCM.) At times an MT Major will get into one of the plays (even as the lead.) MT majors will get into the Spring Dance production, or an Opera Major will get into an MT show. There has been some cross-pollination among the Departments, but generally it is needs-based for the show and not a general practice.
As far as an Acting-emphasis is concerned at CCM: All the MT Students rave about (and at times rage-at) Bubba and his acting classes. It has been THE revelation for my son at CCM. Bubba utilizes “The Cohen Method” based on intention, forward-goal oriented acting rather than method/motivation-oreinted reflective acting. That, mixed with intense “emotional availability” makes for (in my opinion) some dynamic performances. My son also loved Steven Goldstein (who has moved) and Richard Hess. My son says that Acting is infused in every part of his CCM training. If you are dancing-where are you going? What is your goal? How are you connected to others? If you are sword fighting, what do you intend to do? What is your outcome? He feels confident as an actor now, and really talks about acting more than any other aspect of theatre.