 We're only 3 weeks away from our annual A Winter Fantasy Concert! Look forward to Antonio Cipriano's performance for this special 10th anniversary event on December 17. Name: Antonio Cipriano Hometown: Grosse Pointe Shores Seasons in MOTCC:
Antonio Cipriano is a senior at University Liggett Upper School in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, This year he was the Sutton Foster Ovation Award NHSMTA Winner for the state of Michigan and was among the top four finalists in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, “Jimmy Awards”. Cipriano has also received awards for superior achievement in solo musical theatre from the Michigan Youth Arts Festival two years in a row. In 2013 Antonio Cipriano played the Prince in MOTCC’s production of The Happy Prince. Since then, Antonio has performed in theatre productions with the Birmingham Village Players, Grosse Pointe Theatre and recently performed the role of Mickey McKee in the University of Liggett Upper School’s production of Hello My Baby. What was your experience like at MOTCC?
My experience at MOTCC was one of the biggest learning experiences of my life. I learned how to read and perform music at a very high level for my age. The opportunities that I had while being a part of this group were unbelievable. I had the privilege of performing at the Michigan Opera Theatre in a main stage opera. I also played a leading role on that stage. This all happened before I turned eleven. Not many eleven year olds get to say that. The teachers who worked with us were so knowledgeable about their craft and all they wanted to do was help us exceed expectations of regular kids. In order to do that, they treated us as professionals, and had high expectations for us. This may have been a little scary at first, but throughout my time there, I realized that they want the best for us, and they made us so much better than we could have ever imagined. Is there any advice you would give to students in the MOTCC now? Be a sponge. Soak up all the information and knowledge that is being given to you. As I stated before, the experiences you will have while you are in that program will stay with you for a lifetime. When I was younger, I didn’t necessarily realize the amazing opportunities I was getting. Now that I am older, I finally realized how lucky I was to have had those opportunities, and some of them have actually inspired me to pursue music as a career. What are your future goals and aspirations? I plan on majoring in musical theatre in college. Even though I will be studying musical theatre, I really want to do all forms of the art such as film and opera as well. I have just been cast in a show that is slated to go to Broadway next year, so depending on where that show goes, that will determine this next year of my life. MOTCC was a big part of why I want to pursue performing as a career because of the amazing professionals that worked with us every day inspiring us to push for more than just the ordinary.  We're only 4 weeks away from our annual A Winter Fantasy Concert! Each week we will feature one of the alumni soloists returning for this special 10th anniversary event on December 17. Name: Kristine Overman Hometown: Farmington Hills Seasons in MOTCC:
Kristine Overman is an American-French Soprano who was born in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She first found her love for opera at 10 years old when she joined MOTCC. She went on to pursue a BM in Vocal Performance at the University of Michigan. Overman appeared as the soprano soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, in a collaborative production with Michigan University Choir and Michigan Youth Orchestra. She recently performed the role of the Countess in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro with Prague Summer Nights and will perform this role again with the University of Michigan next spring. What was your experience like at MOTCC?
My experience in MOTCC was nothing short of life changing. I came in as 10-year-old who had always been good at singing, but knew NOTHING about opera. I emerged a fairly competent young singer with stage experience at a major opera house! I knew from my first time onstage, as a chorister, in Carmen, this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was also fortunate to have been chosen perform as a Spirit for Michigan Opera Theatre’s main stage production of Mozart’s Magic Flute. It was absolutely invaluable to be able to glean that kind of knowledge and experience at such a young age. I learned how to take criticism, take stage directions, and make connections which is so vital in this industry. I’m happy to say that some of my friends in MOTCC have become lifelong friends and among the loudest supporters of my ongoing career. I wouldn’t be living my dream every day if it wasn’t for this fabulous program! Is there any advice you would give to students in the MOTCC now? I would advise any student currently involved with MOTCC to be exactly what they are: a student. Your job right now is to be curious, ask questions, and engage with those around you in order to learn. Soak up as much knowledge as you can, listen to your instructors and help build up your peers. Listen when you are given advice and criticism, and work hard to be the best you can be, while also realizing that you are young and you have a long time to hone your skills. Be kind to yourself, and try not to judge yourself or others too harshly. Above all, realize what an incredible blessing it is to work with industry professionals and form these connections now. Some people never get to live out their passion, so take advantage of this time now! What are your future goals and aspirations? In the near future, I will be graduating from the University of Michigan with a BM in Vocal Performance, after graduation I plan to apply for graduate school. I would love to study in Europe at some point. Ultimately, I would love to be able to share my voice with the world, and bring opera to my generation as I love the art form so much. To be able to call the major opera houses of this country home would be the ultimate gift, but until that day I am overjoyed to sing, learn, and share my passion with others.  We're only 5 weeks away from our annual A Winter Fantasy Concert! Each week we will feature one of the alumni soloists returning for this special 10th anniversary event on December 17. Name: Maddie Thibault Hometown: Grosse Pointe Seasons in MOTCC:
Madeline Thibault performed in three productions with MOTCC and in 2011 she performed the role of Amy in MOT’s production of The Very Last Green Thing. She is currently pursuing a MM in Vocal Performance at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. This summer, Thibault participated in the Young Artist Summer Program at The Seagle Music Colony where she performed the role of Clara in the The Light in the Piazza. Her most recent role was Kitty Packard in the University of Michigan’s production of William Bolcom’s new opera, Dinner at Eight. What was your experience like at MOTCC?
I loved every moment of singing with MOTCC. I was there from middle school through my sophomore year of high school. In grade school, I knew I loved music but there were not many opportunities to perform at my school. When I auditioned and became a part of MOTCC my whole life changed. I finally felt as though I was doing something I loved and meeting people that understood my love for music. It was such a friendly, nurturing environment to begin what has been an incredible journey of performing and learning this craft. Is there any advice you would give to students in the MOTCC now? The advice I would give is to never take anything that MOTCC gives you for granted. You are so incredibly blessed and lucky to be part of such a wonderful program. Soak in every performance and pay close attention to the professionals you meet and the people you get to work with. Most importantly, love and enjoy what you are doing. You are so young and have so much to offer and give this world, let your light shine in everything you do and work hard. I promise if you work hard and love every moment of performing and practicing you will never actually feel like you are working and the pay off will be worth it in the end. What are your future goals and musical aspirations? My future goals are to perform and be on stage as much as possible. I would love to have a successful career in both opera and musical theatre. I want to bring classical music back to younger generations and, through my passion for this art form, encourage people to continue to love and support the arts. Jehnya Footitt Chorister: Jehnya Footitt |
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