Opera Voice with Catherine W.

I made my Broadway debut with the original cast of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s hit musical Mary Poppins and became Broadway's second Mary, flying over the heads and into the hearts of Broadway audiences for over 100 performances.  I left that production to join the original cast of the highly acclaimed Broadway revival of Ragtime.   I continue to cross the country representing Walt Disney Productions in national concert appearances. I have also has appeared on The Today Show, The View, the 2007 Tony Awards Show, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I have sung for the annual Broadway on Broadway Concert in Times Square, Broadway Sings for Toys and the Fred Ebb Awards.   Recently, I was seen at The Maltz Jupiter Theatre as Hope in Anything Goes, and in the title role of the musical, Gypsy, in the premiere production of the new North Shore Music Theatre, as Mary Poppins in the  televised 2010 IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 2011 Walt Disney World Christmas Parade. Previous to my Broadway debut, I performed a concert of Marc Blitzstein music at The Kennedy Center for their celebration of A New America: The 1940's and The Arts.  I sang with George Hearn in A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and performed with Stephen Schwartz in The Music of Stephen Schwartz for the Andrew Carnegie Society. My regional credits include Camelot at the Paper Mill Playhouse, starring Brent Barrett, and Jekyll & Hyde, directed by Robert Cuccioli and starring Kevin Gray, at Houston's Theatre Under the Stars.   Other regional credits include such roles as "Maria" in Sound of Music, Christine in Yeston’s  Phantom, Julie Jordan in Carousel; "Magnolia" in Show Boat; Emma in Jekyll & Hyde; Fiona in Brigadoon and Elaine in Arsenic and Old Lace. I have also originated roles, both in and out of New York City.  I am a native of Lancaster, PA, (no, I'm not Amish ;-) and earned my BFA in Vocal Performance from Carnegie Mellon University.  I am a proud member of the Actor's Equity Association & AFTRA. I am so excited to be teaching with Take Lessons and cannot wait to get started on making YOUR performance dreams a reality!   *** Lesson Details *** Though I love students of all ages, I do not teach Voice students under the age of 10. Students can expect a fun and laid back atmosphere where I teach everything from the basics of reading music and the mechanics of the voice to audition and performance preparation. Having been trained as a classical singer and now working as a professional in the Broadway world has given me a great appreciation for precise vocal training and technique as well as the importance of finding "you unique voice" in today's ever shifting performance demands. First and foremost, I desire for my students to be inspired and encouraged with each lesson. To quote one of my favorite shows, I believe that "Anything can happen if we only get out of our own way". I am here to help you clear the way to begin the journey to personal and creative fulfillment. We have so much fun ahead of us! *** Studio Equipment *** Open living room with keyboard and music library & seating for parents *** Travel Equipment *** You must live near public transportation and have a piano/keyboard. Extra fees apply. *** Specialties *** As a Broadway performer, I specialize in Musical Theater/Broadway. My training, however, was in Classical voice. I teach both and feel that the different styles compliment one another and make for a more versatile and healthy singer.