This summer, I was able to attend my first ever collegiate summer music program! My acceptance included being the cover (aka understudy) for the leading male character in Handel’s opera, Alcina. I was so excited to get to perform my first major role, explore the city of Chicago, and work with so many talented new mentors and colleagues! I spent four months prior prepping the role to the best of my ability, and getting myself ready for whatever twists and turns I might face. Little did I know, a few days into the program, I would get offered to be the assistant director and stage manager of the production, in addition to covering the lead! Directing has always been a special interest of mine (I even was a double-degree student at Oberlin with Voice & Theater for one whole month haha), so this was such an exciting opportunity. I did a lot of logistical and stagehand things for the production, but my favorite day was when our director allowed me to stage one of the most pivotal scenes in the opera. Not only that, but it was a scene that the character I played was in, so I was going to get to perform my own blocking. Going back and forth between playing the role of Ruggiero (my character) and the role of Assistant Director was a challenge, but one I thoroughly enjoyed. I had the chance to perform the full opera as my character in the production’s cover run, and savored every second getting to perform my first lead! Not only did I have wonderful artistic opportunities, but I met wonderful people through my cast who I am sure are now going to be lifelong friends.
Now, you may be wondering, “what does this have to do with Oberlin?” Well, Oberlin helped me fund my travel, program, and living expenses through the Summer Experience Funding program. It is a need-based program available to freshmen and sophomores, that is one of the MANY grant opportunities Oberlin provides for its students. It is open to both college and conservatory students. I received it last year to help me cover travel expenses to/from my job at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, and received it this year to be a young artist with Chicago Summer Opera. The process is pretty simple and includes: scheduling an appointment with a career advisor, researching expenses and creating a thorough budget, exploring low-cost options, and submitting your application answering each prompt to the best of your ability. I scheduled an appointment with Susan Ellinger in the professional development department of the conservatory, and she helped me refine my resume and artist bio. Then I calculated my tuition, food, and travel expenses. I knew I wanted to rent my own apartment, so I found a low-cost one to sublet with a friend in uptown Chicago, lowering my estimated cost of living while in Chicago. After putting together my budget and application materials, it probably took me about 45 minutes to write out my answers to mini-essay questions, and submit. One of the main reasons I knew I wanted to go to Oberlin was because of their ability to support their students in every aspect of life, including funding for different adventures! So far, 3 out of 4 of my winter terms and summers have been possible because of help from Oberlin and various grants, and I am so grateful!
