Behind the Scenes with Jennifer Bryant

Amici, the young friends of Opera Birmingham, continue the countdown to the opening night of Hamlet and the celebration of Opera Birmingham's 60th Anniversary season with our 60 Days of Opera countdown! (If you've missed the fun, check out the Amici facebook page or find us on twitter by following @AmiciBirmingham or searching the hashtag: #60DaysofOpera.)

Today we bring you a story from Jennifer Bryant, regular Opera Birmingham principal and local music professor, who offers her perspective on what it takes to prepare a role:

Jennifer Bryant, Soprano

In fall of 2012, while living in Tuscaloosa and completing my music degree at the University of Alabama, I auditioned for secondary roles in the upcoming Opera Birmingham season. The company was presenting Madama Butterfly and The Magic Flute in the spring. It was the first time that I had auditioned for an opera company (excluding young artist programs) and I was excited to test the waters and use the skills that I had learned in my degree program. 

Jennifer, Singing at the Birmingham Museum of Art

John Jones, Daniel Siegel, and Kevin Chance were the only people at the audition, which took place in the studio space at the main office. I had performed for Mr. Jones once before when he came to UA to present a master class in Paul Houghtaling opera workshop class. He was very knowledgeable about the casting process and the qualities that casting directors look for in a young artist so I felt prepared knowing his expectations. 

Jennifer as Kate Pinkerton

A short two months later, I was contacted about singing the role of Kate Pinkerton, as well as doubling as a geisha in the chorus, in Madama Butterfly. Many aspiring young sopranos have gotten their start singing this role, even though it is listed as a mezzo soprano role, so I was particularly excited to be offered this opportunity! 

Cast, The Magic Flute

When rehearsals started in January, I was quite nervous even though I had spent a considerable amount of time preparing my whopping seven lines, haha! That first rehearsal with the conductor (Israel Gursky) and répétiteur (Ben Malensek) taught me everything I needed to know about a singing career. Everything that I learned in school was correct, but it was magnified 100 percent in the professional world. For instance:

1. Effective communication skills are necessary: be someone who adapts and can make changes when necessary, but be sure that your goals are still being met and that you maintain your identity as a singer and performer. 
2. Size of voice does matter on the operatic stage: the sounds coming from professional singers are not limited by inhibition or boundaries. They are otherworldly. 
3. Every slight gesture of the face and body needs to be a little bit bigger or it won read to the audience. 
4. In every part of the rehearsal process, make sure to communicate the character and express the text: subtle details in word inflection, color of voice, and facial and body expressions must be present before the first rehearsal. This can change throughout the process but something must be offered from day one. I found that working with conductors and coaches who speak the language in which you are singing is extremely helpful. 
5. Take the opportunity to rest during breaks, but also build relationships with your fellow singers: this makes your onstage relationships stronger.

Jennifer as Second Lady

Jennifer and Soprano Jan Cornelius

After singing the role of Kate, I sang in two choruses and learned three more roles with this wonderful company: Second Lady in The Magic Flute, Suor Genovieffa in Suor Angelica, and I covered the role of Gilda in Rigoletto under the stunningly beautiful, Jan Cornelius.

Jennifer and Baritone Todd Thomas

Jennifer doing a TV spot with Jeh Jeh Pruitt, aspiring opera divo

I am so thankful to be a part of the Opera Birmingham family!

Stay tuned for more stories from the Opera Birmingham family! For those of you playing along at home, our countdown stands at 32 days until the curtain goes up on Hamlet! (Click here for ticket information.)