Meet Lizzie
Originally from the Chicago area, I spent my adolescence engrossed in music with formal training in piano and mallet percussion. I began singing in choirs at age nine and participated in a multitude of musical endeavors, including a hand bell choir and school musicals. After moving to Northern California in junior high I met several wonderful music teachers who helped me discover my passion for singing, particularly jazz. As a graduate of Enterprise High School I was an active member of many award-winning ensembles throughout my four years, including Starship, the vocal jazz choir "TBA", percussion ensemble and Victorian Carolers. I was the honored recipient of numerous awards, including being a member of the 2003 Downbeat Magazine Vocal Jazz Ensemble of the Year and being recognized as an Outstanding Soloist at the Folsom Jazz Festival.
After graduating high school I went on to study at Shasta College where I was a proud member of the Community Chorale, the vocal jazz ensemble and the Shasta Symphony. I was featured as a soloist with the Chorale (Coffee Cantata) and served as student leader in the jazz choir, conducting sectional rehearsals and arranging several songs debuted on the Shasta College stage. I founded and co-directed an on-campus A Cappella group and had several lead and minor roles in the Opera Workshop (Die Fledermaus, Tales of Hoffmann, The Marriage of Figaro). I currently hold an Associate's Degree in Music from Shasta College.
I auditioned and was accepted to the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois and studied classical voice with Elizabeth Norman. After two years I moved back to Northern California to start a family. After having two beautiful children, I studied privately with operatic soprano Gwen Curatilo. I was cast as Mrs. Claus in A Cascade Christmas and enjoyed portraying the role for the following five years. I was hired to direct the South Shasta County Children's Chorus and served as director for four years while slowly transitioning into the realm of theatre direction. I was honored to be music director for several spring productions with SSCCC and Anderson High School (Beauty and the Beast Jr., Annie Jr. [ensemble vocals], Freaky Friday) and was Artistic director for the organization's final production in 2019 (James and the Giant Peach Jr.).
The last several years have taken me deep into the world of theatre and I have worn many different hats. With Axiom Repertory Theatre I have been honored to be Costume Designer (Cabaret, Next to Normal, The Rocky Horror Show, Small Mouth Sounds) and Vocal director (Newsies, Next to Normal [Assistant vocal director]). I am now the Director of the Axiom Children's Theatre, for which I've previously served as Music Director (Aladdin Jr.) and Director (Willy Wonka Jr. & Seussical Jr.). I've been on stage with A.R.T. as well, twice performing in their annual show The Bucket List, and had distinct the pleasure of performing the role of "Lady of the Lake" in Spamalot in the spring of 2020. Most recently I directed the musical The Secret Garden, which was my debut in directing an adult production.
With the Cascade Theatre I was the Ensemble Vocal Director for their 2016 production of Tarzan, for which I composed an original percussion piece performed in the show. Most recently I was Music Director for the 2021 Cascade Christmas production of Jingle Arrgh the Way, as well as the smash hit Mamma Mia in the summer of 2019. I was also honored to appear as Mrs. Claus in the Cascade Christmas productions from 2015-2019.
My studio home, Redding Performing Arts Center, is also where I direct a children's choir and a high school A Cappella Choir. In addition to teaching and performing in theatrical productions, I have also performed in many concerts, most recently in a benefit concert produced by Arts Theatre, Broadway Cabaret produced by RPAC and a streamed concert sponsored by the Redding Performing Arts Society.
In addition to being an active member of the local theatre community I am actively pursuing professional development opportunities. I was recently appointed as the director of the choir at Pilgrim Congregation Church in Redding, teach middle school choir at Cottonwood Creek Charter School, and run my rapidly growing private studio. I am very eager to bring an invigorated vision of performing arts education to our community.
I hold a deep belief that music and theatre education are an intrinsic part of developing confidence and creativity. My favorite part of my job is seeing the growth in my students and being part of their journey, even in a very small way. I pride myself on being a collaborative member of the musical community and have been so honored to work with and learn from a multitude of local professionals. The future is bright and I am excited to be part of yours.