Current Otterbein Students and Alumni Collaborate with Opera Project on June Production

Posted Jul 12, 2022

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The Opera Project Columbus is an educational opera company founded by Italian-born opera legend Maestro Alessandro Siciliani. This summer, seven Cardinal alumni, two current students, one incoming first-year student, and an Otterbein staff member all worked on “Don Pasquale.” 

“Opera Project Columbus’ mission is to educate younger generations on the world of opera,” said Hannah Pohlman ’18, production manager and stage manager. “This opportunity is wonderful for people early in their career as they continue to grow as artists, add other experiences to their resume, and grow their networks.” 

“Don Pasquale” is a comedic opera sung in Italian but is performed with English subtitles so the audience can still follow along. The production was held at the Southern Theatre in downtown Columbus in June. Pohlman said the performances far exceeded expectations and were met with great audience approval. 

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“All our performances had standing ovations! We also heard from patrons and donors that this was one of the best performances that Opera Project Columbus has ever put on. We are very proud of the shows and our Otterbein performers and crew,” she said. 

With hands-on learning a focus of an Otterbein education, not only was this a chance for the students involved in this production to learn from the alumni, it was also a chance for the alumni to give back to the University. 

Otterbein Cardinals in the production’s chorus included Geoffrey Gear ’18, Chance Landers ’19, Jimmy Brown ’22, Michaela Cooper ’22, and Izzie Lindsey ’23.  

Backstage, Pohlman, Libby Carrol ’25, Paul Kavicky ’91, and Otterbein staff member Beth Parker all contributed to the production.  

Incoming Otterbein music student Owen Miller was the only high school student playing in the pit orchestra. 

Pohlman also works as an admission counselor at Otterbein, focusing on the visual and performing arts. She knows just how valuable something like this can be for all students. 

“Opportunities like this are important because it allows the chance to take what has been learned at both in the classroom and in Otterbein productions out into the world of professional theatre,” she said. “We’re helping to make Otterbein a nurturing environment for emerging professionals as a place to grow as they start their careers.”