IPFAC gave me so much confidence through performance experience. Getting to perform on a daily basis for weeks at a time was invaluable. I left The Point knowing and trusting myself as a singer and performer and the surroundings could not have been more "inspirational". Opera in the Ozarks was a great life experience, I recommend it. Elizabeth Cass
Everyone has heard the old saying, every journey begins with a single step," and nowhere is it truer than in a professional opera career. Opera in the Ozarks was my first step in that career. It was there that I learned how to perform under pressure. I had already performed opera on the University level, but Opera in the Ozarks was the place where I could sing in the native tongue and in a repertory situation where I was singing and working every night. This was invaluable to me professionally. To know if one can do something, the safest way to find out is to do it. Mark Delavan
I learned a ton of roles and got a ton of experience. There is no other place I could have done this in such a short time. I also made some great friends, and even though it was a lot of hard work, some of my best memories come from this time in my life. I attendedOpera in the Ozarksin 1998, 2000 and 2001. Brandon Gibson
Gayle Grace Year Attended: 1971 Home Town: Wichita, Kansas Productions / Roles: Carmen/Micaela Acis and Galatea The Merry Widow Experience at IPFAC: The experience and information I gained there has served me through my entire professional and teaching career. I was there with Dr. Van Grove and learned from his experience. I have used Micaela's aria for countless auditions and recitals since then. My name at that time was Gayle Millspaugh I teach Music at Pikes Peak Community College and I still sing and conduct professionally. I've recorded an album and traveled the world singing.
Inspiration Pointis where I learned to rehearse, sing, act and perform like a professional. I'm planning a week of auditions in New York. When I walk into that room, I know that what will get me the job is something I learned at the Point. Joanna Hill
Opera in the Ozarks gave me my first taste of performing opera. What courage and confidence it has provided me throughout my career! Thanks, Opera in the Ozarks, for giving me the best experience I could ever have asked for! Hei-Kyung Hong
It was that summer in Eureka Springs where the infection took place which ever since has filled my body and soul with a passion and determination to perform at the highest artistic level. The opportunity to perform leading roles in fully staged operas at Opera in the Ozarks at the age of 20 was monumental in giving form to what is now my career. Weston Hurt
Without Inspiration Point my life would hate taken an entirely different course. A challenging, wonderful opportunity for young performers, Opera in the Ozarks instills certain values and an outlook essential to the professional singer. William Johns, Metropolitan Opera, Musica Bayreuth, La Scala, Convent Garden
Inspiration Point was my first experience with the world of opera! The standards of "The Point" are high, the guidance - firm and caring. They are building the artist of tomorrow! Gwendolyn Jones, New York City Opera
I made some friends for life and with the experience, I was able to refine the role of Figaro. Adam Juran, IPFAC 2006
Opera in the Ozarkswas an all-encompassing experience. I had opportunities to perform and simultaneously create deep bonds that will last a lifetime. Vanessa Leinani Kekoanui, IPFAC 2006
It was great. I learned so much. Now I am on the Board of Opera in the Ozarks and I am professor Emeritus from Pittsburg State University. Carolann Martin (1952 & 1953)
"I'm preparing for auditions in Houston, San Francisco and several other cities, and the preparation I've gotten at Inspiration Point is indispensable." Jason Marus, Inspiration Point Young Artist
Opera in the Ozarks was a big awakening for me has and allowed me to gain a wonderful and newly found perspective on opera, opera performance, singing, relationships and learning. Jay Meetze, 1995 Alumnus
The invaluable education and musical experience I received from Inspiration Point continues to help me even today as I sing at the worlds great opera houses. Chris Merritt, Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera
Singers...were expected to achieve the high performance standards of the Point. My strengths were developed and weaknesses improved. Louise Pinkerton, IPFAC 2004
I had a lovely time working hard and getting a lot of performing experience. I was delighted to win the Past Presidents Scholarship. Katherine Pracht, IPFAC 1998
I found Opera in the Ozarks to be a refreshing way to reawaken my creativity and artistic expression. Opera in the Ozarks is one of a few programs where artists can come to live and breathe opera for a full two months, thereby allowing the time necessary to fully coach, flesh out, and perform a character with integrity. And it's fun! The friends and colleagues I made that summer have been an integral part of my professional life. Networking is imperative to a career, and Opera in the Ozarks was a major contributor to my professional network. Ashleigh Rabbit, 2003 Member
Opera in the Ozarks was a great opera boot camp where I was able to gain valuable performance experience. Teaching at IPFAC helped develop my "chops" for working with a wider variety of talented singers. Stephen (Steve) Smith, IPFAC 1977, 1985
The marriage of music and theatre at Inspiration Point has been an infinite treasure and resource that I draw from on every production and performance that I sing. Louis Otey, New York City Opera
The "boot camp" reputation is no joke - I worked hard and learned a lot! The contacts I made at IPFAC have been invaluable. (Julie is currently pursuing a Master's Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, with emphasis in voice and operatic stage direction.) Julie Wyma, Prescott, Arizona