Katrina Seabright

“I’m lucky because in performing, every day is going to bring something new to the space. No matter how many times you’ve rehearsed an aria or repeated your staging, each performance is going to be unique; that’s the beautiful nature of live performance. Once we get off the stage, we all live our normal lives and experience normal occurrences. Sometimes these events bring a new idea or perspective to your current role, and you end up delving deeper into who that character is. Even though nothing externally has changed, you’ve got yourself a new game plan for the next performance.”

“If you’re a recent graduate, this is wonderful because you possess a fresh perspective and all this awesome energy, but it’s crucial that you tap into the etiquette and practices that the more experienced performers tend to have. My education at Carthage helped me get into great habits that helped me feel fully prepared to walk into an audition like I deserved to be there as a professional candidate.

“Additionally, my support here ensured that I didn’t just focus on one element of my singing career. I got experience in administration, costumes, directing, writing, conducting, and more. My education at Carthage gave me experience in all aspects of the performing industry, which allows me to support my team beyond the role I’m portraying.”

“I cannot express how important it is to have an open mind at every point in life, but especially after graduation. Seeking a job can be difficult, and you will inevitably experience a change of plans in your life no matter how proactive you are.

“During my time at Carthage, there were moments when I had to decide that if I wanted something done, I had to do it myself. When I was in those leadership positions, I also had to learn the importance of remembering how to be a collaborator and good listener. Your employers will notice effective listening by watching how you take action. Always keep that growth mindset.”

“I chose Carthage because the atmosphere reminded me of everything that helped me succeed in high school. At that point, I had an idea of the personalities and learning styles that worked well for me, and I was especially glad to find something between Milwaukee and Chicago for future opportunities. After meeting the music faculty, I felt right at home and confident that I could make my own unique path here.”

“One of the most important experiences of my career, the Kenosha Opera Festival, was made entirely possible by Carthage. At that fellowship, I saw exactly how the inner workings of the opera industry function and got to live it firsthand. I was able to ask as many questions as I wished and was mentored by a variety of high-quality professionals that set me up for success.”

“Everyone in the Music Department. Professor Dimitri Shapovalov gave me a space to put my ideas into action and was an example of wise decision-making. Professor Peg Cleveland gave me the training and foundation that kept me loving music and its process. Professor Greg Berg helped me find the confidence to use that knowledge, no matter what size the stage.

“Professor Peter Dennee and his ensembles brought joy and peace into my relationship with music, especially when academics were crowding my headspace. Professor Melissa Cardamone has always been an enthusiastic and kind mentor who has always said ‘yes!’ to helping her students even after graduation.”

“To me, this has been a reminder to stay true to yourself, always strive to strengthen your craft, and seek to serve others. By doing these things, we’re preserving and improving the world around us and inspiring others to do so too. Community spaces and feelings of togetherness do not come easily when we are not in a physical or mental space to encourage this. It’s important to take a break from my negative distractions and spend it doing things that are more worthwhile. This has infinite interpretations, but for me, it means seeking temporary discomfort in exchange for beautiful experiences and meaningful relationships.”

“My senior year’s Christmas Festival was my favorite concert because I felt as though all of the hard work that my peers and I had put in ever since our freshmen year had come together into really beautiful music.

“I also loved all the walks by the lake my friends and I would take after meals. We’d throw rocks into the waves, share stories, wade through the water, and relax while watching the gorgeous sunsets. I think the lake was a really comforting element for most folks on campus.”

“Please be authentic and honest as much as you can. College is a time of change, exploration, and questioning everything you knew to be true before. You will inevitably change internally and externally as your ideas and judgment adjusts. When those shifts happen, stay true to yourself. When you need an escape, be childlike, but not childish. And if you end up changing your mind, that’s okay! Life is all about change and caring for the life that surrounds you despite those changes.”

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