About the Program
Over the past decade, the Kent State Opera Theatre has continued to grow and diversify, presenting scene programs and fully staged productions with the Kent State University Orchestra to great acclaim each academic year. Students in the program experience a rich curriculum of vocal coaching, acting lessons, and production best practices.
Learn about of Voice Division here
Faculty
Marla Berg, Director, Associate Professor: Regarded as a versatile performer of opera and musical theatre, Marla has sung with some of the countries premier opera companies, including Glimmerglass Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Kansas City Opera and more. Her musical theatre credits include appearances at Porthouse Theatre, Dobama Theatre (Cleveland), and more. Since 2012, she has directed the Kent State Opera program, facilitating the expansion of its productions and robust training with Jay White. Read more here.
Jay White, Music Director, Professor: With a career spanning 35 years, Jay has realized an extensive performing career as a chorister and alto soloist singing every conceivable style of music. Now the Artistic Director of Quire Cleveland, he also spent eight years with the acclaimed choral ensemble Chanticleer, with whom he traveled to over 40 states and 15 countries. In addition to his full studio of student and classes, he has served alongside Marla Berg as the Music Director of Kent State Opera since 2014. Read more here.