Ed Baker is the man. He rides a motorcycle, has an awesome wife, builds stuff with his bare hands, and tries to leave the world a better place than he found it. Ed is the Associate Professor of Theater, Technology and Design, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Wichita State University. Yeah, his job is cooler … Continue reading Episode #46: Doing the Work with Ed Baker →

This week we have Anthony Barrese on the Podcast! Anthony is the Artistic Director of Opera Southwest, the Music Director of Chicago Folks Operetta, and one badass conductor. We talk Go-Karting, speed metal, psychological collaboration, his Spiderman costume, and how to build community support for your weird operas! Oh and also Amleto! Plus: check out … Continue reading Episode #45: Doing the Work with Anthony Barrese →

This week on Doing the Work we have composer Ross Crean! Ross is super kind an incredibly open. I had a ton of fun and I learned a lot about creating new music while listening to your own creative voice. We talk music school, Peter Maxwell Davies, being true to yourself, and Ross’ synesthesia. Dig … Continue reading Episode #44: Doing the Work with Ross Crean →

Huge thanks to Michael Chioldi for hanging out with me on the mics!  Michael is incredibly generous with his time and info! We chat about singing your scales, New York City Opera, Michelin stars, going on as a cover at the Met, and surrounding yourself with people you can trust. Get comfy because this is … Continue reading Episode #43: Doing the Work with Michael Chioldi →

This week we have Patrick Dean Shelton on the show! Patrick is a tenor from Boston who just finished at the New England Conservatory and is making his way in the opera world. Patrick is funny, kind, and intelligent and we have a blast talking shop. We talk about comprimario roles as structural support, being … Continue reading Episode #42: Doing the Work with Patrick Dean Shelton →

This week on Doing the Work, we have John Remmers! John worked as a public school teacher for over 30 years in Special Education, Science, Art. John was my Art teacher at Fayetteville High School and is a wonderful man who taught me so much about art, kindness, and equality. This conversation was a dream … Continue reading Episode #41: Doing the Work with John Remmers →

This week we have soprano Angela De Venuto! Angela is an extremly talented singer and yogi who combines her passions to make interesting and powerful art. We talk about trying to become art monsters, non-traditional notation, nudity in opera, and Sketchers Shape-Ups. We also play a spirited round of “Why do we have so many … Continue reading Episode #40: Doing the Work with Angela De Venuto →

This week we have Jared Esquerra on the Podcast. Jared literally lives in the building right behind my apartment so this was super easy to arrange. Jared and I talk Hip Hop, Hamilton the Musical, having Perfect Pitch, Chicago Fringe Opera, and The Lyric Opera of Chicago. Shoutouts to Elena Snow and Joachim Luis! #baritovember

This week we have tenor, Aaron Short on the podcast! Aaron and I go way back and this conversation was wonderfully epic. We talk about hairstyles in opera, Peter Grimes, Classical Vocal Reprints, and why “onstage” is always the best seat in the house. Aaron is in Illinois singing Ferrando in Dupage Opera’s Cosi fan … Continue reading Episode #38: Doing the Work with Aaron Short →

Welcome Back! After our winter hiatus in China we’re back with Samantha Sigmon! China was weird. My conversation with Samantha was not. When we had this conversation at The Shed in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Samantha had just started a new job as an Interpretation Manager at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas. Crystal Bridges is quickly becoming one … Continue reading Episode #37: Doing the Work with Samantha Sigmon →