Maria - Voice
Maria’s journey as a singer kicked off in 5th grade with her first solo singing Someday My Prince Will Come. From there she studied classical voice under Joan Eckerman, Jean Loftus, and Elizabeth Koch. While her main performing opportunities were musical theater, her classical vocal training remained a constant and allowed her to use her skills for all genres of music. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ithaca College in Musical Theater where she performed in musical theater productions as well as some opera.
As a director/actress/choreographer her work explores actor connections and believability. She has directed many productions including Once Upon a Mattress at Oregon Community Theater, and has been on the director/choreographer team for 11 productions at Whiteford Agricultural High School including Fiddler on the Roof (twice), Into the Woods, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and many others. Known for driving the relationships between characters and searching for authenticity above all else, Maria wants actors and audiences to not just be entertained but become emotionally involved.
Maria also stays active as a performer. Most recently she was seen as Bella in Lost in Yonkers at the Toledo Repertoire Theater and Mrs. Phagan in Parade at the Croswell Opera House. Other notable roles include Jo in the one-woman show Aglio E Olio, Rusty in the national tour of The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle, and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast.
As a teacher, Maria wants singers to use and understand their entire voice. A great pitcher may be known for their fastball, but they still work on other throws and make sure their legs are strong! The same idea should ring true for singing.
As a director/actress/choreographer her work explores actor connections and believability. She has directed many productions including Once Upon a Mattress at Oregon Community Theater, and has been on the director/choreographer team for 11 productions at Whiteford Agricultural High School including Fiddler on the Roof (twice), Into the Woods, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and many others. Known for driving the relationships between characters and searching for authenticity above all else, Maria wants actors and audiences to not just be entertained but become emotionally involved.
Maria also stays active as a performer. Most recently she was seen as Bella in Lost in Yonkers at the Toledo Repertoire Theater and Mrs. Phagan in Parade at the Croswell Opera House. Other notable roles include Jo in the one-woman show Aglio E Olio, Rusty in the national tour of The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle, and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast.
As a teacher, Maria wants singers to use and understand their entire voice. A great pitcher may be known for their fastball, but they still work on other throws and make sure their legs are strong! The same idea should ring true for singing.
