The Smart Singer

Dr. Stephannie Moore discusses finding out who you are and what your life's purpose is to create a more authentic performing experience. Mezzo soprano Stephannie Moore brings an eclectic array of experience into her work as a performer and educator. Known for her colorful stage characters and expressive musicianship, she is a true artist and communicator – equally comfortable on the operatic, concert and theater stages. Some of Stephannie's operatic credits include: Mother Goose in The Rake's Progress with Frost Opera Theater; Madame de la Haltière in Cendrillon with OperaMODO and Frost Opera Theater; Annina in La Traviata with Arbor Opera Theater; Hansel in Hansel and Gretel with Main Street Opera Theater; Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus with the Comic Opera Guild; Pitti-Sing in The Mikado with the University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society; Annio in La Clemenza di Tito and La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi with the University of Michigan Opera Theatre. Stephannie premiered the role of Aunt Xue for San Francisco opera’s workshop of the Bright Sheng opera, Dream of the Red Chamber. Stephannie currently teaches voice in the University of Miami's Department of Theater Arts and Broward College. She is a Lead Instructor for Magic City Opera's TOI (Teen Opera Intensive) in Miami, and the Act Healthy musical theater summer program in Belluno, Italy. Her private voice studio is located in Pembroke Pines, Florida and includes award-winning professional singers and emerging artists. In tandem with her work as a musician, Stephannie is a Tibetan language translator, specializing in the literary translation of Buddhist texts from the 18th Century. Her work has led her to Tibet, India, Nepal and China, where she studied with Buddhist lamas and scholars and worked in social service through the Ann Arbor organization, Vision Builders. She co-founded an orphanage and school for young Tibetan girls and helped lay the groundwork for a home for Indian slum children that has now taken hundreds of orphans and impoverished children off the streets of Varanasi, India. https://www.stephanniemoore.com/ Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

AEA actress, Melissa Cotton Hunter, gives tips for maintaining family, relationships and self care as someone in the performing arts. Melissa Hunter is an AEA actor based out of Michigan where she lives with her husband Patrick, two kiddos Christopher and Cotton, and two dogs Franklin Franklin and Elle Woofs. She received a BFA from Kent State and has since worked in various cities around the country. She enjoys reading, hiking, home improvement projects, knitting and donuts. Book recommendations: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline Follow Melissa- Instagram: @melissacottonhunter Follow The Smart Singer- Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

Michigan based actor, Patrick Hunter, discusses how to find the perfect balance between vocal technique and storytelling. Patrick is an actor, director, playwright and educator, currently serving as Managing Director at The Barn Theatre School. A lifelong student of all things theatrical, Patrick has trained at institutions such as The University of New Orleans (MFA Theatre), Ithaca College (BFA Musical Theatre), Interlochen Arts Academy and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. In addition to scholarly pursuits, Patrick has enjoyed an award winning career as an actor and director in multiple regional markets, and appeared in over 55 productions as a member of the resident company at Michigan’s Barn Theatre. Most importantly, he is a father of 2 wonderful Children, Christopher and Cotton, ages 5 and 4 respectively. Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

Master educator, composer, conductor, and clinician, Adam Paltrowitz, discusses his approach to building a successful choral program through student empowerment. During his 21-year tenure as the Director of Choral Activities at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School in New York, his groups have toured throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. ​What makes his choirs unique is his belief that anyone can sing; as a result, his ensembles are always self-selected, while maintaining the highest standard of musical excellence. He also has pioneered a philosophy that every student is a soloist. All students in his choirs continually learn and perform solo repertoire in various languages. Adam's choral program has also gained great acclaim for the cultivation of eight student-run a-cappella ensembles; some of these ensembles have performed on national and local television programs. ​Adam earned his B.S. in music education from New York University, M.A. in vocal pedagogy from Columbia University - Teacher's College, and Ed.M. choral conducting from Columbia University - Teacher's College. ​His weekly blog, Choral Clarity, has gained a large international audience as it provides a unique perspective to both the role of the choral director and the empowerment of all students. His choral compositions and arrangements have been performed by choirs around the world; many are available on his Choral Clarity instant download platform. ​Please join the Choral Clarity Facebook Group for an interactive and introspective conversation about finding our own choral vision. ​Adam resides in Manhattan with his wife, Blair Goldberg, a professional Broadway actress, and their daughter, Lyla, and son, Nolan. Follow Choral Clarity- www.choralclarity.com Instagram: @choralclarity Facebook: Choral Clarity Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger Facebook: The Smart Singer

NYC based actress, Hannah Weaver, discusses her journey to performing with Disney Cruise Lines and traveling the world. Upon graduation from Lafayette College, she worked on her first feature film in NYC, toured with VStar Entertainment, and traveled the world with Disney Cruise Line. She’s performed for people from all walks of life as a princess, a paleontologist, a bear, and much more. For the past year, Hannah has lived in NYC and loved (give or take a hundred subway delays) every minute of it! Welcome to her crazy adventure in the world of theatre! Follow Hannah- https://www.hannahcweaver.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahweaver001/ Tik Tok: @hannahweaver001 Podcast: @guysrcrazy Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmartsingerstudio/ Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesmartsinger

NYC based singer Jamie Glickman discusses her transition from college to the Off Broadway cast of Avenue Q. In Jamie's junior year at SUNY New Paltz, she got the call that she would be making her off-broadway debut in the cast of AVENUE Q. Some of her other roles include Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and Olive in SPELLING BEE at Jean's Playhouse. After debuting in the closing cast of Avenue Q, graduating college, and doing the audition hustle til Covid-19 hit, Jamie was literally left wondering: What do you do with a BA (in theatre) during a pandemic? Answer: You start a series on BroadwayWorld where you talk all about your obsession with theatre, style, and beauty! The Dressing Room: https://www.broadwayworld.com/topic/The-Dressing-Room Follow Jamie- www.jamieglickman.com Instagram: @jamieglickman Tik Tok: @jamieglickychick Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

Dekontee Tucrkile, a triple threat performer from California, shares her experiences as a bicoastal performer in New York and LA. She got her start performing in church musicals and community theatre. In high school, she performed with Mayfair High School's award-winning show choir "Showtime." ​She continued her education at Vanguard University of Southern California where she received a B.A. in Musical Theatre in 2014. After graduating from college, she attended Open Jar Institute in New York City, and trained at the world famous improv school Second City (Hollywood location). She has been seen in theatre shows such as American Idiot, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia. She was also featured in Invisible: A New Sci-fi Musical which made it's NYC debut at 54 Below and The Music Man with Adam Pascal. She performed with the improv- acapella team "Live! On Fire" and had a residency at ComedySportz Los Angeles. She has had the opportunity to work with worked Jeff Whiting, A.J. Rafael, Marc Kudisch, Tara Strong to name a few. Follow Dekontee- https://www.dekonteetucrkile.com/ Tik Tok: @dekontee2clay Instagram: @dekonteetucrkile Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger Facebook: The Smart Singer

Broadway vet Blair Goldberg discusses her experiences in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN at the age of nine to closing night of KINKY BOOTS and how other performers can find their own success in musical theatre. Blair went on to study theater in both high school and college, earning a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at NYU. On the very day of graduation from undergrad, she found out she had been cast in a developmental lab of the musical CARRIE. After taking part in the workshop, she was offered a spot in the Off-Broadway production, produced by MCC Theater, where she played the role of Norma, as well as understudying and performing the role of Chris. She can be heard on the Original Cast Album, produced by Sh-K-Boom records. Blair performed in the THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, directed by Jerry Lewis, music by Marvin Hamlisch, and book/lyrics by Rupert Holmes, playing the role of Peg and Understudying the lead role of Stella. She then toured the country as a nun in the 1st National Tour of SISTER ACT, directed by Jerry Zaks. Next, she appeared in the First National Tour of KINKY BOOTS directed by Jerry Mitchell. Some of her other favorite credits include: IF IT ONLY RUNS A MINUTE 5 (NYMF), HOMO THE MUSICAL (Suzie), MAKEOVER (Dinah), IN THAT VALLEY (NAMT), TIME TO KILL at the York Theater (Beth), THE FIX (Violet), AIDA (Amneris), and GREASE (Marty). She appeared on season 6 of Orange Is The New Black.

NYC based actress, Maggie Bera shares how performers can utilize social media to advance their career. During the pandemic, social media has become one of the few platforms to share our work and connect with other artists. Maggie Bera is an actress, entrepreneur, and proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. Off-Broadway, Maggie originated the role of Ruby in Helen on 86th St. at the Chernuchin Theatre. Regional credits include: Little Mermaid, Phantom (Fireside Theatre), The World According To Snoopy (TUTS), Peter Pan, Les Miserables (Connecticut Rep) and Grease (Count Basie). TV: "The Big C." Maggie can also be heard on the soundtrack to TAPES: A Song Cycle, a charity project inspired by Jay Asher's critically acclaimed novel "13 Reasons Why.” Most recently, she voiced the role of Jane in Lady Jane’s Radio Takeover on the new musical podcast, One Million Musicals. She is the founder of the blog, podcast and online learning community, Actor Aesthetic. BFA MT Texas State. Follow Maggie- www.maggiebera.com Instagram: @maggiebera Tik Tok: @maggiebera Follow Actor Aesthetic- www.actoraesthetic.com Instagram: @actoraesthetic Tik Tok: @actoraesthetic Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

CEO and Founder of My Music Match, Liana Salinas, shares how she went from being a public school music teacher to creating a private lesson community that revolutionizes education. Liana is a seasoned teacher, she believes in the power of music to connect people. Her goal in founding My Music Match is to build a vibrant community of students, parents, and teachers who share this belief. Liana holds a Bachelor of Music with a specialization in Music Education, and emphasis in jazz, from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. She also serves as the Artistic Director of the Miami Children’s Chorus, an organization near and dear to her heart. Follow My Music Match- www.mymusicmatch.org Instagram: @mymusic.match Facebook: My Music Match Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

Four-time cruise ship performer, Aja Goes, discusses her experiences singing in over 65 countries and how she booked it. Aja is a graduate from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She worked professionally at the Equity Jeff-award winning Porchlight Music Theatre, collaborated with Lookingglass Theatre Company and the Chicago Children's Choir, and performed in the longest running Broadway in Chicago show to date: Million Dollar Quartet. She can be heard on student reference recordings for Music Theatre International. She was also a member of the USO Show Troupe where I entertained our brave men and women in the military nationwide. Follow Aja- www.ajagoes.com Instagram: @ajagoesgram Youtube: www.youtube.com/ajag810 Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

New York City based casting director, Kate Lumpkin, uncovers the process of casting a show and how actors can best prepare for the audition space. Kate Lumpkin (she/her) truly believes in the power of storytelling and storytellers. She is the Founder of and Lead Casting Director at Kate Lumpkin Casting, CSA. Collectively, as a casting professional, she has worked on over 40 TV/Film productions and 80 theatrical productions in New York City and across the USA including shows at The Kennedy Center, The Actors Theatre of Louisville, The A.R.T, NYTW and many others. Kate teaches workshops in New York and at numerous Colleges and Universities. She is a private coach to clients all around the world. Kate is also the host of Broadway WELLness for Playbill. In addition to casting and coaching, some of her life adventures have led her to work as the VP of Marketing and PR for a major private consulting firm, spend time working at an elementary school in Tanzania, tour the country singing+dancing and work in development for National Geographic. Kate holds a degree in Anthropology and Folklore from Indiana University and is a graduate of The William Esper Studios where she trained in the Meisner Technique. When she is not working, Kate is a passionate activist, an avid traveler, lover of iced-coffee, and can often be found playing D&D or watching British period dramas on repeat. Follow Kate- kate-lumpkin.com Instagram: @katelumpkin Tik Tok: @katelumpkin Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

Joseph C. Townsend discusses his experiences on the national tour of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, performing at the Papermill Playhouse, and being a member of Actors' Equity living in NYC for over 10 years. Joseph's other credits include PHANTOM (YESTON & KOPT) at the Fireside Theatre, Brad in Hairspray at the Redhouse Arts Center, and the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. He also performed in venues such as Lincoln Center, The Town Hall, and Feinstein's/54 Below. He has an incredible soaring high tenor voice and was nominated for a BROADWAY WORLD AWARD for Best Vocalist in a Cabaret. Follow Joseph- www.josephctownsend.com Instagram: @thejosephctownsend Youtube: Joseph C. Townsend Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

Dr. Frank Ragsdale, head of the Vocal Performance Department at the University of Miami, discusses tips for getting into the school of your dreams and his journey as a teaching musician. Dr. Ragsdale, is Associate Professor of Voice, Department Chair, and Program Director at the FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC where he teaches a variety of styles of voice including classical, music theatre (legit, belt, and mix), pop, rock, and country. His students have gone on to graduate programs at Eastman, Indiana University, The Cleveland Institute of Music, and Rice, and young artist programs such as Seagle Music Colony and Tri-Cities Opera. They have sung with Houston Grand Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, Opera Omaha, Glimmerglass, Florida Grand Opera, and Utah Festival Opera. Many have secured agents and subsequently been hired by some of the top theaters in the country, including Lincoln Center (Broadway), Longacre Theater (Broadway) Goodspeed Opera House, Paper Mill Playhouse, Forestburgh Playhouse, Casa Mañana, Dallas Theater Center, Clinton Area Showboat Theater, in addition to taking part in national tours, cruise ship companies and theme park entertainment. Several have won competitions throughout the country with NATS, Classical Singer, Lotte Lenya, Crescendo, Utah Festival International Opera Competition, and the districts and regions of the MET Council Auditions. It is little wonder that in 2014, while teaching at Oklahoma City University, Dr. Ragsdale was awarded the University Full-time Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, for which he was also a finalist in 2008. Dr. Ragsdale boasts a long and varied performing career in opera, oratorio, musicals, plays, and recitals throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, South Africa, the Middle East, and Central America, where, for three consecutive years, he was invited by the U.S. Embassies of Costa Rica and Honduras to give recital tours and master classes. He has performed in such notable venues as Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Cairo Opera House, Mechanics Hall, Notre Dame, San Marco di Venizia, and St. Martin-in-the-fields. Dr. Ragsdale earned degrees from Atlantic Union College, The Longy School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Miami. Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

Two-time Broadway performer, Teresa Stanley, discusses her journey as a professional singer and how she puts forward her most authentic self on and off stage. Teresa made her Broadway debut in the cast of The Color Purple and was part of the Broadway and tour casts of Rock of Ages. She also toured the world with stars such as Todrick Hall on his "Straight Outta Oz" tour and Fantasia. You can hear her on the original soundtrack of the hit movie, The Greatest Showman. She is one of the founding members of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota, FL, a non-profit whose mission is to provide performance opportunities to BIPOC and celebrate the African American experience. Aside from her incredible vocals and successful career, she always leads with kindness and inspires many performers. Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer

Performer and educator, Jordyn Satterfield, discusses her experience with a vocal injury and finding her voice again as a singer. Jordyn is currently a senior Music Education major at the University of Miami specializing in classical voice and choral pedagogy. She is involved with the Frost chapter of the National Association for Music Education, American Choral Director’s Association, and Student National Association for Teachers of Singing. Her favorite styles to sing are musical theater and pop. She is so thrilled to be sharing her journey on The Smart Singer podcast! Keep up with Jordyn- Instagram: @jordynsatterfield Facebook: Jordyn Satterfield Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger

Miami based artist, Haley Fishberger, discusses her journey as a professional singer-songwriter and delves deep into her songwriting process. Ha1ey is many things: a vocal powerhouse, a fiery performer, and a lyrical risk taker. With a raw ballad or a spicy anthem, she motivates people to be the truest, most badass version of themselves. She was born in New York and raised in Miami, where she discovered her edge. With a fresh take on the Pop genre, Ha1ey calls her style Persona Pop: classy as champagne and dramatic as a film score, with a few jokes thrown in. She is currently performing throughout Miami and producing new music for her upcoming EP. Keep up with Ha1ey- www.haleyfishberger.com Instagram: @haleyfishberger Facebook: Haley Fishberger Spotify & Apple Music: Haley Fishberger Follow The Smart Singer- www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Facebook: The Smart Singer

Introducing The Smart Singer Podcast! Join your host, Lexi Pinnata, in learning more about her experiences as a professional singer in the musical theatre, pop and classical styles. Lexi has sung with performers who appeared in the Broadway productions of Hamilton, The Color Purple, Rock of Ages, Phantom of the Opera, and more. She was a resident actress for two years at The Barn Theatre, an Actors' Equity regional theatre in Augusta, MI. Also, Lexi served as the artistic director for Biscaydence, a contemporary a cappella group at the University of Miami. She is pursuing a Music Education degree in Classical Voice and Theater. Visit her website: www.lexipinnata.com Instagram: @lexipinnata www.thesmartsinger.com Instagram: @thesmartsingerstudio Tik Tok: @thesmartsinger