YAPs
YAPs
a new DOCUMENTARY FILM produced by VHO
in conjunction with SINGTANK and Defiant Encore Films
Directed by Miriam Gordon-Stewart
Widespread closures threaten the very existence of live theater in America. A traditional career as an opera singer seems less and less viable.
And yet: In spite of a system stacked against them, young singers continue to follow their calling, risking everything to gain entry into fiercely competitive apprenticeship programs.
In VHO’s new documentary film, an open casting call has found some of the nation’s most compelling Young Artists, sharing their true stories with unprecedented access. What is driving their ambition? Who will “make it”? And what does success even mean to the next generation?
Filming is taking place throughout 2024. Film release planned for early 2025.
Cast includes the 5 singers listed below, as well as interviews with opera field experts including Marc Scorca, President & CEO of OPERA America; Brian Zeger, Director of Vocal Arts, The Juilliard School; Ariana Wehr, soprano & consultant, fmr. Dir. of Operations, SINGTANK; Kathleen Kelly, pianist/ conductor/ writer (Baylor University et al.); Kerriann Otaño, VP of Engagement, Opera Delaware; Jason Ferrante, tenor/ vocal pedagogue and YAP Consultant (Banff, Brevard et al.); Alex Fletcher (Fletcher Artist Mgmt.) and many more.
After multiple rounds of a nationwide casting call for young singers to be featured in the film, we are excited to announce the cast of YAPs!
Meet the cast in this short clip below: Ria Ipa (mezzo-soprano), Matteo Adams (tenor), Marissa Howard (soprano), Chuanyuan Liu (countertenor, pictured above in a still from the film) and Amandalynne Perzyk (soprano).
