In the studio… In addition to their onstage assignments, Wolf Trap Opera Studio Artists participate in a career-building curriculum designed especially for them. WTO’s guest faculty have specific areas of expertise and are able to provide insight on what is expected of them from the industry at large.
Photo above (L-R): Deborah Birnbaum, Casey Caleba, Stuart Loungway, Stuart Loungway, Betsy Bishop, Jason Ferrante, Cory Lippiello, Tiffany Soricelli
Deborah Birnbaum is an internationally established voice teacher specializing in breath technique. She comes to Wolf Trap Opera to help artists incorporate the Bel Canto Breath Support while working within the context of their vocal technique.
Casey Caleba is a certified teacher and fight director with the Society of American Fight Directors. He has staged fights for many companies, including Wolf Trap Opera, Shakespeare Theatre Company and Washington National Opera. He comes to Wolf Trap Opera to teach a stage combat workshop, which is critical to make conflict on stage safe and believable.
Stuart Loungway is the Founder and Artistic Director of DC-based Terra Firma Dance. Stuart comes to Wolf Trap Opera to teach dance and movement for non-dancers to provide tools that get the artists more comfortable using their body on the stage.
Betsy Bishop is an American mezzo-soprano and founder of the Potomac Vocal Institute. Betsy performs regularly at Washington National Opera, The Metropolitan Opera and beyond. She comes to Wolf Trap to teach workshops on how to be an effective cover.
Jason Ferrante is a tenor currently performing with such companies as The Atlanta Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Virginia Opera and many more. Jason comes to Wolf Trap Opera to teach individual voice lessons (artists opt in for these, not mandatory).
Cory Lippiello is an Artistic Administrator at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Cory comes to Wolf Trap Opera to teach a workshop that provides the artists with insight on how challenging the job of a casting director can be, which reinforces the message that artists should not take rejection personally.
Tiffany Soricelli is a former singer and performer who then became a hedge fund manager and is now a wealth advisor with Marshall & Sterling. Tiffany comes to Wolf Trap Opera to lead a group workshop that will cover finances followed by individual sessions with each artist to develop a plan for their financial future.
Wolf Trap Opera thanks our guest faculty for the work they do with our artists!
A financial planning advisor? That’s brilliant!
How interesting! Thanks for the look behind the scenes.