AboutPamela Thomas Expertise Questions on Opera performance, repertoire, vocal technique, acting for opera. I have some 20 years experience in opera in both leading roles and chorus. I have sung with New York City Opera since 1981. I have studied voice in NYC for over 20 years and have also taught technique and coached singers in acting.
Question Hi Pamela! I am a classically trained high soprano. But I also have a love for musical theater. All of my teachers have been pushing me towards opera and they think I should make a choice to do one or the other. I just recently graduated with my BA and voice performance certificate from Florida State, And I have no idea what to do next. I auditioned for a few grad programs and did not get accepted. I landed a small contract for a role with my local opera company, And found a good teacher to study with. Should I keep trying and settle for a smaller grad school? Or just keep auditioning for musical theater and opera? And is doing both going to be harmful to my voice and/or my career? Also, is it true that there is now a stronger market for musical theater than there is for opera? I am already 24 yrs old so I feel I need to decide soon. I would appreciate any advise you have for me! Thanks!
Answer Hi Chelsa,
It's hard for me to really know without hearing you. But, clearly, you must have an operatic voice or you wouldn't have your teachers pushing you that way - and FSU is a darn good school. Now, having said that, as a high soprano the competition in opera (well, also in musical theatre) will be very high.
I think the best thing is that you have found a good teacher to study with... that's important. I'm not sure what grad schools you applied to - but there are so many good schools - did you look at NYC (Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes) and the other good schools. Check out www.classicalsinger.com (for a fee you can join - they have wonderful info on school program, auditions, professional companies, etc.
Now, having said all of that - if you heart is really in musical theatre - perhaps you should go for that. As long as you have a solid vocal technique, I can't see working in musical theatre hurting you... My friends and I all started in musical theatre and we all ended up in opera.
You don't say where you are now - but if you are in NYC - keep auditioning. It's true that having a career in opera if tough (but it's also tough in musical theatre). But your chances are probably higher in musical theatre simply because there is more going on and mostly they are "for profit" vs. opera which must be highly subsidized.
Since you like your teacher, and if you continue to learn and improve, I don't see why you can't continue studying and auditioning. But ultimately you will have to decide where your heart lies - in opera or musical theatre. You must do something you love!
