#TheStories, part 13

Editorial

"It seems to be quite a non-standardized industry, so many people think they can dictate how 'the industry' is run, and they can tell that to young, inexperienced, bright-eyed bushy-tailed students, and do whatever they want."

#TheStories, part 12

Editorial

At one point, I tried to express how uncomfortable I was, my teacher told me that I was an adult and I could have left at any time. I was 20. On my way back home, my teacher's husband told me that they had decided to increase John's paycheque for all of the extra work he had put in.

#TheStories, part 11

Editorial

"Each rejection only affirmed this belief; if I really had talent, someone would want me. On the other hand, each time I did manage to be cast, I was afraid it had been a mistake, and wondered if there was some other sort of agenda. To this day I find it difficult to trust mentors."

#TheStories, part 10

Editorial

"Several years ago I was cast in a production opposite a tenor I had briefly dated. After the breakup he had harassed me and my friends, so I was dreading seeing him, but figured that as he was cast as Basilio, we wouldn't have too many scenes together."

#TheStories, part 9

Editorial

"It is my sincere hope that men in the opera industry and in general will read stories like this and gain a deeper understanding of what real consent looks like."

A tale of two cities: 6 fall items to catch in Boston & Toronto

Editorial

Two cities, and plenty to catch this fall. As you're marking your calendars, we've got a short list of must-see items - from bel canto to world premieres - based out of Boston and Toronto.

#TheStories, part 8

Editorial

"A well-known older male singer in the cast, with whom I had never spoken, walked past me. As he did, he placed the flat of his hand on the small of my back, just above my bum. I was taken aback that a professional singer, who I thought was an amazing musician, would randomly touch me in such an intimate way, a young woman he had never met."

#TheStories, part 7

Editorial

"The one thing she said that never left me was the virgin-shaming. She said that maybe if I had sex or got a boyfriend, that it would relax me and make me a better singer. These insinuations or outright comments went on for the three years I studied with her."

#TheStories, part 6

Editorial

"It's sad to say that I feel lucky that this is the worst thing that has happened to me in this business. I wish I had done more at the time."

#TheStories, part 5

Editorial

"Later that day, he sent me an email, in which he again referenced my 'innocence and negativity', and once again attempted to coerce me to meet with him alone at his home. I responded to this email with a reply, in which I clearly laid out my boundaries, and made requests for the parameters of our professional relationship going forward."