With over 13,000 followers on Instagram, Tracy Cox aka @sparklejams has leaned into using the egalitarian nature of social media platforms to build a fan base and broaden her artistic network. Learn the basics of the ever-changing algorithm, how to tangibly grow your following — and how authenticity will beat an over-filtered, over-crafted message every time.

The duo behind the popular web series, “Angry Fat People”, Matthew Anchel & Tracy Cox present this exclusive workshop designed for all opera industry professionals — singers, voice teachers, opera administrators and casting professionals. Learn the foundational principles of Body Justice and how as singers we can and should set boundaries around our bodies when working in the arts. Designed to also demonstrate how inclusivity can actually help us at the box office and improve power dynamics within the industry. An educational and entertaining class you won’t want to miss.

Digital Opera Content: How to Look and Sound Like the Pros - Ever wonder what the pros use for their online content? Daniel Welch of The Beard & Lens will break down gear (cameras, mics, lighting, interfaces, and software), workflow (set-up, post-production), and tips for content creation. He will also discuss what can help you stand out in a sea of material already online. To submit questions for the Q&A, please email daniel@thebeardandlens.com with "Digital Opera Content QA" in the subject, by July 19th, 11:59pm. 60min Lecture, 30min Q&A.

After working at major houses for 25+ years, Dramatic Soprano Miriam Gordon Stewart began to hunger for more agency in her creative journey. So she moved to a small Southern town, and with two other co-founders — set to work building one of America’s most innovative, singer-centered chamber opera companies.

Musicians — particularly singers, are always on the receiving end of feedback.  We spend much of our time leaning on the ears and expertise of others - voice teachers, coaches, conductors, etc.  Constructive criticism is a useful and a necessary tool to pursue excellence in our craft — but interpreting this information is a skill.  From auditions, to coachings, to rehearsals, to reviews — how do we survive this intense scrutiny?  In this 3-part series, we will create a process for disseminating feedback in the most useful and beneficial way. The goal is to help create independent thinking, self-awareness, and not be derailed by negativity.

You spend time and money to prepare, audition, secure the work. Once hired, you spend money to coach your role, prepare as a musician and actor, read source material and....on day one--it suddenly becomes clear the rehearsal room isn't going to be what you imagined. 

What next? How do singers deal with problematic directors and still preserve artistic integrity, ensure awesome directors are obsessed with your art, and holistically utilize personal creative passions, intelligence and gifts without sacrificing one's own ideas and self worth?

A serious seminar for the serious vocalist less interested in being an influencer and more curious and dedicated to a productive, engaging and ultimately rewarding creative process in the new reality of opera in 2020. A four-part class to build simmering, idea-ready artists eager to unleash new potential all while navigating the rehearsal room, auditions, and months of work before the first day as well as an exploration of progressive ideas and structures about how to best prepare. 

This discussion and media course is designed to openly and boldly explore and discuss the intricacies of Director + Singer relationships, broaden one's own personal artistic awareness and brand that can translate into actual projects for the future, facilitate important discussions about how to approach and dismantle auditions and rehearsal room ""norms"", work well with colleagues and give a glimpse into the processes and thoughts behind this director's own process and response to the shifting landscape of the opera field.