Crafting the big picture through every detail.
From the depths of the orchestra pit to the glow of the stage to backstage crew and boardrooms; I've seen it all. This wide perspective allows me to shape complete stories for every individual involved; technicians, artists, patrons, and audiences.
Biography
I fell in love with classical voice at seventeen when a conductor took a chance and hired me as a soloist for Vivaldi's Gloria. I knew I didn't know anything about the art form, but I was instantly hooked. What started as a performance career soon evolved into a deeper calling to preserve and advance the vocal performing arts through teaching and directing.
I've directed more than forty productions across the US and have held multiple roles in academia. Today, I serve as Director of Opera at the University of Iowa, where I help shape emerging artists and bring vital, living art to our community.
My passion for singers and vocal pedagogy shape my stage directing, allowing me to produce world premieres and reimagine classic works for canonic fans and new audiences.
I hold a Doctorate in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy and a Master's in Opera Production. I've served as Executive Director for two professional opera companies and have taught piano and voice to students of all ages. Many of my students have gone on to win national awards, including the Irene Ryan Competition, and have performed at Lincoln Center, LA Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Sarasota Opera, and more.
When I'm not in the theatre or the studio, you'll find me walking my two Great Danes, Goldie Fawn and Kurt Russel, soaking up the quiet beauty of everyday life.
Career Highlights
Director of Opera: University of Iowa
Executive Director: Eugene Opera
Director: Law In Opera with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
National Finalist: MTNA Vocal Competition
Winner: Van Waynen Vocal Competition
Resume
Selected Directing Credits
Hunchback of Notre Dame (Iowa City, IA)
The Classical Style (Iowa City, IA)
Rita & La Colombe (Coralville, IA)
Cosi fan Tutte (Coralville, IA)
Werther (Ann Arbor, MI)
Die Zauberflöte (Ann Arbor, MI)
Cendrillon (Ann Arbor, MI)
Gisela in Her Bathtub (Cheney, WA)
Orfeo ed Euridice (Ann Arbor, MI)
Provine Up (Ann Arbor, MI)
Fables (Cheney, WA)
Sweeney Todd (Eugene, OR)
All Wounds Bleed (Ann Arbor, MI)
Law In Opera (Castleton, VA)
Scenes Spectacular (Cheney, WA)
Amahl and the Night... (Walnut Creek, CA)
Orfeo ed Euridice (Eugene, OR)
Der Schauspieldirektor (Ann Arbor, MI)
Der Schauspieldirektor (Walnut Creek, CA)
Hansel und Gretel (Coralville, IA)
Don Giovanni (Concord, CA)
Cosi fan tutte (Concord, CA)
Hansel und Gretel (Tallahassee, FL)
Der Schauspieldirektor (Tallahassee, FL)
L'Elisir d'amore (Coralville, IA)
My Fair Lady (Concord, CA)
Orlofsky's Ball (Eugene, OR)
Daughters of the Bloody Duke (Ann Arbor, MI)
Grey's Tonality (Cheney, WA)
The Contestant (Cheney, WA)
Qualchan Opera (Cheney, WA)
Selected Performance Credits
Krystyna, Farewell Auschwitz (Cheney, WA / Eugene, OR)
Featured Guest, Midsummer Night's Dream (Eugene Ballet)
Lead Role, La Voix Humaine (Eugene, OR)
Fiordiligi, Cosi fan Tutte (FSU Opera / Concord, CA)
Suor Angelica, Suor Angelica (Concord, CA)
Drusilla / Fortuna, L'incoronazione di Poppea (Summersong)
Soprano Lead, Vivaldi's Gloria (Spokane Symphony / Rossmore Chorus / Moraga Chorus)