This week we have Leigh Folta on the Podcast! Leigh is a killer musician and an incredibly intelligent human being. We talk perfectionism, travel, and our place in this brand new world. Leigh is going to be featured in Chicago Fringe Opera’s Holiday House Party on December 17th at the Berger Park Mansion. Tickets and … Continue reading Episode #78: Doing the Work with Leigh Folta →

This week we have Kira Dills-Desurra on the Podcast! We recorded this a few weeks ago so COT’s production of The Fairy Queen has come and gone! Kira was wonderful and continues to do great work in the city. Kira and I talk hustle, young artisting around, and puppetry. Check out her group, Forte, at … Continue reading Episode #77: Doing the Work with Kira Dills-DeSurra →

This week we have Mezzo-Soprano Emma Sorenson! Emma is currently staring in Chicago Fringe Opera’s Song from the Uproar. You have two more chances to see this show on Nov. 1st and 3rd at the Preston Bradley Center in Uptown. Emma and the cast are killing it and the orchestra is DIVINE!!!! Tickets and information … Continue reading Episode #76: Doing the Work with Emma Sorenson →

On a very special bonus episode of Doing the Work we talk with Missy Mazzoli! Missy is the composer of Song from the Uproar: The Lives and Deaths of Isabelle Eberhardt and will be joining us here in Chicago for Chicago Fringe Opera’s production which opens on Friday! Missy and I talk building tonal worlds, … Continue reading Episode #74: A Bonus! Doing the Work with Missy Mazzoli →

Amy Hutchison has been all over the world making art. Amy’s artistic vision led her to Chicago and she hasn’t looked back. We talk artistic vulnerability, emotional narratives, and why Chicago is the best city in the world for theater. Amy is directing Chicago Fringe Opera’s upcoming production of Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s Song … Continue reading Episode #73: Doing the Work with Amy Hutchison →

Bernard is an inspiration. As always, he is a pillar of positivity and a beacon of creative thought. Our conversations remind me that being human is perfectly ok, that our flaws make us interesting, and that we should hold onto our plans with a very light grip. This is our second conversation on the podcast … Continue reading Episode #72: Bernard Holcomb Returns! →

This week we have Jane Hulburt! Jane is the Manager of Artistic Operations at Chicago Opera Theater and she is a singer’s best friend! Jane and I talk teaching, D’angelo, late night jazz sessions, and how to get re-hired at an opera company. We also talk about COT’s upcoming production of Frank Martin’s The Love … Continue reading Episode #71: Doing the Work with Jane Hulburt →

VOiCEtalKs is a new opera podcast hosted by Zack Singerman and it’s the real deal. In-depth talk about the technique of singing and the in and outs of an artistic life. Zack is kind, smart and dedicated to bringing a positive influence to our community. Zack asked me to be a guest on VOiCEtalKs and … Continue reading Episode #70: Doing the Work with VOiCEtalKs →

This week we have Diana Stoic on the podcast! Diana is a killer soprano, mother, and Romanian folk music enthusiast. Diana is performing in Chicago Fringe Opera’s Season Opening Gala on Sunday, September 25 with Jessie Lyons, Ashley Armstrong, and Michael Mcelvain. Tickets are available at www.chicagofringeopera.com. Diana and I talk DMMO, potty training, and Shakespeare’s … Continue reading Episode # 69: Doing the Work with Diana Stoic →

This week Shannon McGinnis and I celebrate the start of The Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago’s Collaborative Works Festival that begins tonight! 4 days of wonderful music, poetry, and AMAZING artists! Shannon is so kind and funny and walks us through the inception of CAIC, gives us some practice tips, and we both geek out over … Continue reading Episode #68: Doing the Work with Shannon McGinnis →