Singing for Theater Offers Young Vocalists a Pathway to Advancement

Aspiring performers between the ages of 9 and 17 have a new opportunity to advance their vocal skills and enhance the talents they bring to future performances.

A new partnership between Lake Wales Little Theatre and the Lake Wales Arts Council offers students a chance to learn basic vocal techniques, breath control, range extension, and emotive expression with seasoned vocal coaches. The program offers a dynamic method that focuses on empowering participants to build and enhance their singing talents for the musical theater stage.

The classes are being taught by Maribeth Mandell, who is recognized for her vast knowledge of musical theater, which includes everything from Broadway to opera, rock to country, and even jazz to standards. She loves nothing more than to share her love of music with aspiring musicians.

Two distinct locations are home to these fun-filled sessions, which will begin Thursday, November 16. Classes will take place at the Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 State Road, 60 E Lake Wales, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Additional classes will follow place on November 30, December 7, January 4, and November 25, at Lake Wales Little Theatre, located at 411 N. 3rd Street.

Maribeth Mundell has been singing professionally since the age of 17, where she got her start as a pre-show performer at the Coachlight Dinner Theater in East Windsor, CT. Her styles range from Opera to Broadway, from rock to country, jazz to standards.

Mundell's credits include the concert version of Philips Springer's musical based on Chaim Potok's "The Chosen" at Merkin Hall, soprano soloist for the New York Women's Choir, and select soprano for both the St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir and the New York Symphony choir in New York City. She has performed in one-woman shows based on the music of Rosemary Clooney, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, and was a soloist in a tribute to the Gershwins at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts center.

Those interested may go to lakewalesartscouncil.org to register and learn more. You can reserve your spot, purchase the $15 admission tickets for each day, and get ready for an experience that will change your voice and take it to new heights.

The Lake Wales Arts Council provides a range of programs, including classes for youth and families, adults and teens, and even a summer arts camp.