As usual, my students are making me proud with various appearances and accomplishments. Ben Johnson is currently performing in Seussical Jr. with Theatre for Young Audiences in Sheboygan, WI.  Larry Marcus will be appearing in a duets revue presented by Mill Street Singers and Friends at the Plymouth Arts Center. Casey Campbell and Ben Johnson appeared to rave reviews in the North-South High School production of Les Miserables. Marielle Schuchardt is starring in Proof with Sheboygan Theatre Company. Danielle Rammer sang with Paul Sucherman’s ensemble in their Wicked revue in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Rachel O’Keefe appeared as Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Kohler High School.  Genevieve Gannon performed in Hansel and Gretel as a freshman at St. Norbert’s College. Caitlin Barclay is a voice major on full scholarship at Carthage College, a freshman, and also won a substantial scholarship from the Kohler Foundation in 2011.  More news as it comes up!

Congratulations to student Caitlin Barclay, who was awarded a $10,000 Kohler Arts Foundation scholarship to further her vocal studies this fall at Carthage College. Tyler Williams, who has worked with me for five years, has just been offered a contract for the Turandot chorus with Florentine Opera.  Congratulations as well to former student Katie Phillips, who, having finished her senior year at Interlochen Arts Academy, will now be attending Westminster Choir College and studying with dramatic soprano Sharon Sweet. Marielle Schuchardt was recently a finalist in the Sheboygan’s Got Talent competition. Holland White is performing at Maximillian’s this summer. Rachel O’Keefe will be performing in Kohler’s Taste of Italy event. Casey Campbell was just cast as Javert, and Ben Johnson, as the Bishop,  in Sheboygan North-South High Schools’ upcoming production of Les Miserables.

My students have been accomplishing extraordinary things this spring! Congratulations to Caitlin Barclay, who is one of five finalists for the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship; up to 60k, awarded to two graduating high school seniors in Sheboygan County for artistic merit. Caitlin was also recently named an alternate for Kids in Wisconsin and received a four-year music scholarship of 20k at Carthage College. Genevieve Gannon, who just completed a run as Babe in the Plymouth HS production of Good News, received a substantial music scholarship at St. Norbert’s College.

In other studio news, Brynn Crocker, Kayla Hang, Susan, Jim, and Ben Johnson, and Caitlin Barclay were all cast in the upcoming STC production of Guys and Dolls. Danielle Rammer is performing in the Lakeland Production of Godspell. Michelle White is starring as Jeannie in Carte Blanche Studios’ upcoming production of The Great American Trailer Park Musical in Milwaukee, WI. Jocelyn Dawson is rehearsing for a local production of Anything Goes. Erin Walton is in rehearsal with Soulstice Theatre for their upcoming production of American Enterprise.  Rich Kottke, Lauren Ensor, Genevieve Gannon, Brynn Crocker, Hannah Miller, Michelle Zuehlke, and Caitlin Barclay were all advanced to the state level for Solo & Ensemble, in addition to Rachel O’Keefe and Erika Herrman, who competed in earlier rounds.

I’m so proud of all my students and their numerous accomplishments!

Congratulations to Rachel O’Keefe, Michelle Zuehlke, and Erika Herrmann, all of whom made it to the State Level in their musical theatre events. Erika was also advanced for her classical solo, and Rachel for multiple ensemble pieces. Selections they performed included Honeybun, Turn Back O Man, and Moonfall. I’ll post further results as my students complete their auditions for S & E and college programs.

In other educational news, I’ve been working on a script for Chicago Opera Theatre’s “Opera for All” program, in which I work as a Teaching Artist. This spring, our students at four Chicago area schools will present the opera they’ve been working on with us and various other artists, including the late great Mary Scruggs of Second City, who taught the kids how to write lyrics. The opera, “School Rules!”, concerns a child’s day at school with flights of fancy including chocolate milk protest songs and celebrations of family legacy and heritage. It’s going to be exciting!