Nebraska Wesleyan University senior Shannon Engel has found herself in two very different worlds over the past two summers—bustling New York City and the quiet, charming town of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
The vocal music education major from Ames, Neb., says these contrasting experiences have shaped her future career and refined her passion for opera. “I have gained so much in two summers,” she says. “NWU prepared me for these opportunities, and I have new confidence in myself and my abilities.”
As an opera apprentice at the Soo Theatre in Michigan, Engel had the unique opportunity to perform in two operas: Mozart's The Magic Flute and Carlisle Floyd's Susannah. These performances were part of a "Young Artist Program," designed to provide pre-professional experience for singers aged 18 to 30. This summer, the Soo Theatre's program brought together eight apprentices, ranging from undergraduate students to those pursuing advanced degrees.
“We had lessons, rehearsals, or coaching almost every day since I arrived, with two or three days off thrown in the mix. It is certainly exhausting, but also extremely rewarding,” she says. “It truly takes a village to put on a show. Whenever you think a performance was perfect, there is always room for improvement. People don't come to a show just to see the character you are playing; they come to see you and the character. I learned not to lose my sense of self when performing.”
While the Soo Theatre apprenticeship involved opera, Engel’s experience studying at New York University in the summer of 2023 focused on art songs and arias—a solo vocal piece.
“I attended workshops on acting through song, vocal diction classes, yoga for singers, and of course, voice lessons and coaching,” she says.
She studied with Harolyn Blackwell, who performed with the Metropolitan Opera and had played the same role Engel brought to the program. “‘Saper Vorreste’ from Un ballo in maschera was a role that Ms. Blackwell herself had performed. She was able to give me excellent advice about performing the aria and what the character Oscar was like,” she says.
Engel says the greatest advantage of studying in the Big Apple is being surrounded by the arts culture. “I was able to attend La Bohème at the Metropolitan Opera and three Broadway productions. You don't get to do that every day in Nebraska. I remember feeling like I was a ‘professional in training’ while attending the program.”
After graduating this May from NWU, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in vocal performance and eventually teach at a public school in Nebraska.