SWAP'ra RETREAT APPLICATIONS
applicant information:
FIRST NAME:
FIRST NAME HIDDEN FOR 1ST ROUND
EMAIL:
EMAIL HIDDEN FOR 1ST ROUND
LAST NAME:
LAST NAME HIDDEN FOR 1ST ROUND
PHONE:
PHONE HIDDEN FOR 1ST ROUND
DATE OF BIRTH
Nov 28, 1990
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND THEIR AGES:
2 children. (3 year old and almost 1 year old)
ARTISTIC TRAINING AND ACHIEVEMENTS PRIOR TO BIRTH OF FIRST CHILD:
I did my Bmus and a PGDip at the RNCM, before moving to London to do a masters at the RCM. I left the RCM half way through due to having had vocal surgery which knocked my confidence and meant I had to take some time going back to basics with my singing teacher. During this time I worked with OHP as a Young Artist and subsequently doing small roles, and I worked with smaller opera companies in and around London. I then moved to Wales to do the Opera Course at the RWCMD where I sung some really challenging roles, as well as taking part in Masterclasses with Cardiff Singer of the World, and performing in opera galas with WNO. After leaving RWCMD I worked with WNO a couple of times, covering and small roles, as well as working on some contemporary opera just before COVID hit. I performed with OHP again when pregnant with my first child alongside singing some concerts.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THE SWAP'RA RETREAT?
Since having two children, the thought of getting work terrifies me. I did two opera contracts after having my first child and the logistics of organising those alongside managing mum guilt was extraordinarily hard. Now I have two, and I don't live in London, any time my agent puts me up for things I just panic about how I would make it work. I want to keep working as a singer so much but I just don't know how if I am honest. I would love to take part in this retreat as I couldn't make it last time due to contract commitments. It would be amazing to be spending time with like minded and supportive people, having open discussions about the difficulties we face as parents and how we can make it better. Alongside working technically as an artist and evaluating what I need to do to move forward in this industry.
DESCRIBE YOUR PRESENT LIFE AS AN ARTIST AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:
At the moment I have nothing in the diary, which I have made my peace with due to my children being so small still. I would like to still do auditions, and try my best to when they arise but I can't say I am actively looking for work. I run a small music school and this is keeping us going financially for the time being, but I miss being on the stage and in the rehearsal room so much.
DO YOU ENVISAGE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOU ON THE COURSE?
I think I would do anything in my power to not have to bring them!! ;)
REFEREE information:
REFEREE 1 NAME:
John Owen
REFEREE 1 EMAIL:
REFEREE 1 RELATIONSHIP:
agent
REFEREE 1 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Director, Owen White Management Ltd
Length of time you have known applicant:
2 years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
I have been representing xxxx since September 2022
Would you recommend the applicant for the SWAP’ra Retreat? Please describe the applicant’s ability and potential to build a successful career in opera/classical singing:
I first heard xxxx when she was performing for Opera Holland Park in Summer 2022. Her vocal abilities and excellent stage presence impressed me very much. The following year she took part in ETO's Spring Tour and was a respected member of the company. She has recently given birth to her second child and is ready to take advantage of any openings that find for her. The SWAP'ra Retreat would be an important step towards rekindling a promising career.
Any other comments:
xxxx is a talented, motivated and hard working singer
REFEREE 2 NAME:
John Savournin
REFEREE 2 EMAIL:
REFEREE 2 RELATIONSHIP:
Director
REFEREE 2 RESPONSE:
Position / Role Held:
Singer and Director
Length of time you have known applicant:
4 years
In what capacity have you worked with the applicant and when?
I directed xxxx in a couple of productions at Opera Holland Park, in 2021 and 2022.
Would you recommend the applicant for the SWAP’ra Retreat? Please describe the applicant’s ability and potential to build a successful career in opera/classical singing:
I think xxxx has a fantastic personality on stage and is an intelligent performer. She was making positive strides at OHP when I worked with her. She is also clearly someone with initiative who is interested in working in the wider industry as a whole. I can't speak specifically to her current vocal skills, as I last heard her in 2022, but I remember her being a committed singer, well suited to the character roles she played. She is one of the most lovely people to have in the room, too, and I have no doubt she'd find the retreat inspiring and beneficial.