My first encounter with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis was when my son had the opportunity to appear in one of their festival opera performances at 12 years old. For starters, I was unaware St. Louis was the home of such a well-regarded opera. How surprised I was! How did I not know St. Louis had this treasure? Second, I was highly impressed with their professional yet nurturing atmosphere. You can tell they really care about their artists and their craft.
To say it was a transformative experience is an understatement. My son spent a summer learning how the opera works inside and out from passionate professionals. It was much more than any summer camp could provide. They had such patience for this little kid. Even though they had a job to do, they took the time to answer any question and provided the feedback he needed to become a better performer. He couldn’t wait to show up every day. He soaked up every hour he spent there. He felt a part of something bigger. It set the hook for his life journey of one day becoming an opera singer. As he told me, he found his people.
From the moment I heard about the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training (AIT) program, I knew it was a special opportunity for my son to continue his journey and to be influenced by those same people who sparked his passion for opera, singing, and music.
Four years later, he showed up for his AIT audition full of teenage self-consciousness with a still-changing voice. He kept asking me, “should I really be here? Maybe next year, my voice will be more stable.” He walked into a room full of warm, accepting faces. This was the Opera Theatre he remembered. He was glad he came. There was nothing to be afraid of. He was ecstatic when he heard he was accepted into the program.
That acceptance opened a door of opportunity. From the start, he was paired with a vocal coach and voice instructor who oversaw weekly lessons. There were opportunities to attend performances, workshops, masterclasses, and university tours. I feel grateful for the nurturing and supportive environment the Opera Theatre provides. It’s evident that the instructors genuinely care about the development of each artist and encourage them to explore their artistic potential fully. They even took the time to help my son explore college opportunities.
It’s incredible to see the growth and dedication my son displayed throughout his time in the program. Witnessing his vocal performances, I am constantly amazed by the progress he made in such a short time under the guidance of experienced coaches and mentors. He learned to manage his voice change (which is traumatic for male singers) and shed his self-consciousness. They taught him that if he was trying, there was nothing to be self-conscious about.
The transformation I’ve seen in my son’s confidence and stage presence is remarkable. He’s not only honed his vocal skills but also developed a deeper understanding of the art of storytelling through opera. He has learned how to draw the audience into the story he is telling. And most importantly, he learned how to have fun doing it! If the performer is having fun, so is the audience.
It’s rewarding to observe the friendships he has formed with fellow artists-in-training. They share a special bond and a mutual appreciation for their craft, and these connections will undoubtedly last a lifetime. In an age where the arts are no longer highlighted in school and only sports are rewarded, it can make music kids feel like outsiders. He was able to talk freely and openly about music to kids who understood. They were eager to talk about the performances they watched or why a certain music piece moved them. He found a community where he was not an outsider.
As a parent, I know that supporting my son’s artistic journey at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis was the right decision. I am confident that the experiences he’s gained here will shape his future as a successful and fulfilled professional. He has learned skills that transcend music performance. They will carry him forward in whatever field he chooses. I’m excited to see what that future holds.
Written by: Gwen Best, Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training parent
Learn more about the Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training program here.
If you have a high school singer in your life, we hope they will consider registering for auditions on September 21 & 23!
