The Marriage of Figaro

The Boston Conservatory's official poster for its production of Le Nozze Di Figaro. 

Covering the role of Marcellina in The Boston Conservatory's production of Mozart's Le Nozze Di Figaro was a both challenging and riveting experience. Learning how to cover a role is one of the most important skills a professional opera singer must acquire. It requires being an attentive listener, patient, hard working, confident, and most importantly it requires being a reliable and supportive colleague.  

Understudying a role can be one of the most awakening experiences for an artist. Firstly, it is an extremely humbling process because it highlights one's potential for performing a role. It allows the artist to learn an entire role to add to their resume without the initial pressures of performing it. However, the artist is responsible for  internalizing all the physical blocking and musical notes from the creative team. It requires flexibility, preparedness, and willingness to jump in at a moment's notice. It also requires strength to step back and learn from the skills and talents of the principal cast.   

Observation is one of the best mediums for finessing this craft, and for that I am so grateful for this experience. It has provided me with more insight into my strengths, my weaknesses, and my potential for growth. Perspective is key for success. 

-Ann Fogler