Beverly O'Regan Thiele

To this day, one of the most important pieces of stage advice given to me was way back, probably my first year as an apprentice at DMMO after my Junior year of college.  Linda Brand was an AD (assistant director, for my friends not in theatre).  She was directing me in a scene. I don’t remember what scene, or what I was doing (it might have been the FLUTE Quintet, come to think of it, I was Erste Dame - first of many!), but I just remember her talking just to me.  In our conversation, she said simply…

Happy New Year!!

I have a little idea to share that could make for a nice way to start your new year.  If you’re a resolution maker,  perhaps this could be a *Kind New Years Resolution*.  I forget where or when I first heard this idea, and I have to admit, I’ve not done it enough myself. I wish I had started this sooner, and I wish I’d been consistent with it. 

Find yourself a special little notebook; preferably one you can tuck away in your purse, backpack, briefcase, car glove compartment, what have you…

I don’t even know where to begin to talk about my dear friend Rick Walters.  Rick passed away late last week, April 19.  I’ve lost one of my best friends, the world has lost one of its most brilliant, quirky, and individual minds, the music world has lost one of its most important creatives and advocates for music, art, teaching of music, and music publishing.

I still can’t believe it as I write this.  I can’t believe I can’t text or call him with a question or a silly observation or memory.  I can’t believe…

When getting fitted for your costumes, take a moment, if you can, and put yourself into character.  (You don’t have to let the costume people know, but they may - should - love that you’re doing this.  Most likely, they’ll love to talk with you about the who/what/when/where/why’s of your costumes.  It also shows you care about their work as colleagues!).

Everything from the first time you see your costume, trying it on, having it fitted, to experiencing the finished product, be your character - at least try…

Hagen Exercise Three: Changes of Self

Earlier his Fall, my husband and I went to Nashville!  For the flight, I wore a pair of flare-cut jeans, a henley, denim jacket, cowboy hat and Frye boots.  As we were waiting around the airport, I was just browsing some magazines and Bill took these pictures of me, telling me how he could see I was in my “Country Western” mode.  You bet I was!  I was feeling very laid back and completely comfortable, and if I may say, pretty cool. :-).  It took me back to the days I…

Actively listening in real life is a desired skill, even an art, in and of itself.  In this age of “SQUIRREL!!!”: multi tasking, reading and watching little snippets on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, streaming shows, etc., I think many of us find ourselves realizing we miss some real content in our listening.  It’s actually something we can practice for better personal and professional relationships. 

The same thing can be said for our work onstage as performers.  We all know it’s imperative to translate…

A week ago today, June 20th, 2022, a musical virtuoso left this world.  A musical genius, one of the most “musical” musicians I know, one of the most talented, most musically-giving, and a lover of the worst musical jokes there are…. And who loved to laugh at this own stupid jokes as he watched the recipient’s face for their reaction, still laughing.   Bill and I lost a dear friend and I lost a mentor. 

His music hasn’t left this world, nor will it ever.  It will never leave the souls of those whom he…

Opera Fan: “You work at the Met?! How COOL! What do you do?” 

Stagehand: “I make the magic happen!” 

I ask that people will take the time to read the recent article from METOPERANEWS.COM on the labor disputes happening at the Metropolitan Opera that I shared on my Facebook page. Not just opera fans, but anyone interested in labor rights, decent and safe working conditions and fair wages. Anyone who has ever been moved by any kind of music, theatre, dance, painting, photography or sculpture…

ACTING THOUGHTS (Sort of like SNL's "Deep Thoughts" LOL)

I've taken to rewriting smaller sections of some of my blog on my professional FB page, groups that I'm in and my LinkedIn.  Let's face it, the one on acting the audition was just too long.  So...  I'm doing smaller bits :-). 

When it comes to "props" start thinking of them and using them more as objects in your life!  "Your" - your character - the "new you".  Spend time with them to really give them a history and connection to "yourself".  Think…

The opera audition season is in full swing! I hope it’s going really well for you and you feel good about your auditions. 

Singers are so often unsure about how little or how much to “act” their arias in auditions. Auditions are their own crazy animal and can seem to unrealistic. I remember hearing that quite a bit - “auditions are so unnatural.... so awkward...”. Let’s try to think differently. If you think they are unnatural and awkward, you will come off as such. It is up to you to make them feel as…