Miranda Luze & Nathan Smith, COME FROM AWAY national tour

Jeffrey Laughrun, STRANGER SINGS off-Broadway

Savannah Gordon, New York's governor inauguration

VOICE LESSONS

Andrew’s has had six award winners in Metropolitan Opera competitions, over 50 winners at NATS, and grad school placements at McGill, Yale, FSU, New England Conservatory, and more. Alumni sing with opera companies all over the world while recent Musical Theatre students are on Broadway national tours (Anastasia, Come from Away, Hairspray), off-Broadway (The Office, Stranger Sings), on cruise ships (Beetlejuice, Cats, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots) at Disney (Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast, Frozen), and featured on several original cast albums.

“Professor Ryker’s work with our daughter in college as a private teacher helped create a new confidence in her and took her craft to a whole new level. The growth under his teaching and mentorship was palpable to all who know her. She also grew immensely under his leadership in the opera/musical theatre program, through a variety of musicals, recitals, and cabaret-style performances. We are so grateful for the opportunity for her to work with Andrew.”

— Erin Gorgas (Columbus, OH)

“Andrew ignited that first fire in me as a performer. He laid down a foundation of technique and knowledge that serves me to this day. His support continues to inspire me. A mentor I’m forever grateful for.”

— Stevie LeWarne (Hairspray National Tour)

“Andrew is an incredible teacher and mentor. He has helped to make me a better overall musician, in addition to facilitating my vocal technique, artistry, and repertoire growth. He excels at highlighting a singer’s unique talents and potential, and was an absolute joy to work with throughout my undergrad and graduate work.”

— Jeralayne Ruiz (Music Therapist)

ALUMNI NEWS!

Laurel Shae Beard teaches Voice at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Ruby Carlson completed her MFA in Musical Theatre at University of Minnesota Mankato and is Director of Dance Education at Northern Stars Creative Dance Center.

Christina Docter music directed TUCK EVERLASTING, PETER PAN Jr., FINDING NEMO Jr., SPAMALOT, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS over this last season and directed FROZEN Jr. She wrote a parody musical called JUST A BAD THRILLER and is the Staff Operations Manager at YAAL in Lincoln, NE. She has a studio with 86 active students, two of whom won the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards and went to the Jimmy Awards in NYC!

Eliza Foster sang in THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO with Knoxville Opera and will continue for the 2023-2024 season.

Michael Gedden released 3 new singles, streaming on all platforms under the name ISRAFEL.

Savannah Gordon will sing FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES at the Metropolitan Opera and recently performed SIMON BOCCANEGRA with Opera Philadelphia.

Madeline Jones is in the MFA program at The Old Globe where she recently performed in TWELTH NIGHT.

Jeffrey Laughrun made his Off-Broadway debut in STRANGER SINGS and is performing all over the Americas on The Ruby Princess.

Stevie LeWarne stars in JERSEY BOYS on Norwegian and was recently on the national tour of HAIRSPRAY.

Alec Lloyd opened the first cruise production of BEETLEJUICE and recently finished several years on the Broadway national tour of ANASTASIA!

Miranda Luze stars in the national tour of COME FROM AWAY and recently did KINKY BOOTS on Norwegian and LITTLE WOMEN at the Palace Theatre.

Taylor Mayne teaches Voice at Grinnell College and Drake University and completed his doctoral work at the University of Iowa.

Chloe McCartney is the choir director at Valley Southwoods in West Des Moines.

Kenna McWilliams sings with Indianapolis Opera where she’ll perform Opera in the Park and CARMEN this season.

Jason Millsap performed roles in CABARET and TITANIC with Revival Theatre Company.

Kara Morgan has been accepted intoSan Francisco Opera’s Merola program. She was 1st Place winner of Opera Tampa’s 26th Annual D’Angelo Competition as well as winning her district of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.

Travis Ness played Lola in KINKY BOOTS at the Des Moines Playhouse and won the Cloris Award for Best Leading Role for the role!

Lindsey Norine is owner and instructor of her own busy voice studio in Des Moines, IA.

Sean Pierce is an audio engineer who runs his own post-production company in St. Louis.

Ben Raanan is the Artistic Director of Phamaly Theatre Company, a disability-affirmative theatre company in Denver, Colorado.

Kent Reynolds performed the lead role in ELF with City Circle Theatre Company.

Nathan Smith is on the national tour of COME FROM AWAY and recently finished a long run as Chandler in the off-Broadway spoof of FRIENDS.

Paige Strasel won 3rd place in the advanced division of NATS and sang in masterclasses with Eric Owens, Christine Brewer, and Kathleen Kelly. She is pursuing her master’s at University of Louisville.

Kris Thornton starred in the Candlelight Processional at Disney World and will sing in LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR at Orlando Opera this season.

Ellie Waddell released several singles in 2023, streaming on all platforms under the name ELLIE WINN.

Sierra White is one of the busiest cabaret and jazz singers in Chicago and recently performed in AIRNESS with Citadel Theatre.

Lera Zamaraeva sang in the 10th Anniversary concert of 35MM at 54 Below.

Miranda Luze & Nathan Smith got married! My very 1st studio wedding!

Apologies if I forgot any big news - love you all and miss you!!

Sierra White, ALL SHOOK UP @ Williams Street Rep

Travis Ness, KINKY BOOTS @ Des Moines Playhouse