Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah-Nicole Carter
Hi Sarah-Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Mezzo-Soprano Sarah-Nicole Carter has been hailed by the L.A. Times as “simply wonderful” and by San Diego Story as a “fiery mezzo-soprano”. A San Diego Native, Sarah-Nicole was introduced to opera through San Diego Opera outreach, and fell in love with the art form.
SN originated the role of 2nd Frida in the 2022 premiere of El último sueño de Frida y Diego at San Diego Opera. Other SDO roles include Suor Dolcina in Suor Angelica, Mezzo in the two-woman opera Ascension, Giovanna in Rigoletto, and Kate in Pirates of Penzance.
Sarah-Nicole made her debut at the Kennedy Center performing La Lettre du jardinière and her voice was featured in Netflix’s Chef’s Table. She has performed over 15 opera and musical theater roles in her long association with Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theater. She has sung in concert with San Diego Symphony, Opera Saratoga, Bach Collegium San Diego, Philharmonia Baroque, Mainly Mozart, Eureka Symphony, La Jolla Symphony, The Spreckels Organ Society, Musica Vitale, the Los Angeles Conducting Institute, San Diego Master Chorale, San Diego Festival Chorus, Loveland Opera Theater, Center Chorale & Escondido Choral Arts, and Grossmont Symphony Orchestra.
A specialist in comedic roles, Sarah-Nicole studied improvisation at the UCB Training Center and The Groundlings Theater & School. She maintains a private voice studio in San Diego and Orange County. She is currently a TA and Blaisdell fellow at Claremont Graduate University pursuing a DMA in Historic Performance Practice. Learn more: www.snrcarter.com @mobcapmezzo
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There is an idea that opera is inaccessible, and I absolutely disagree. Opera is funny, silly, outrageous, over the top, but also poignant, beautifully sad, and deeply moving. I wish people would give opera a chance! You can get a same day rush ticket for as much as a movie ticket, and a two minute internet search of the plot is all you need to have an amazing time. Companies like San Diego opera offer pre-show talks, student performances, and supertitles in both English and Spanish. You don’t even have to dress up (but you can)! Truly, just try it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Early in my career I was typecast in “mobcap” roles. A mobcap is a little frilly hat – envision a maid in a period piece and you have it. These roles are maids, best friends, basically anyone who holds a soprano while she dies. At first I did not love this for myself, but I have since completely embraced it. Comic relief in serious opera, or a supporting character in a comic opera is probably the funnest time anyone can have onstage. During the pandemic I decided that instead of learning how to make sourdough bread, I would study comedy in depth. I enrolled and completed a program at the Upright Citizens Brigade and studied at the Groundlings school. Comedy is a huge passion for me. I am currently pursuing a DMA in historic performance practice at Claremont Graduate University, and have plan on releasing an album of early comedic opera as my final project.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is extremely challenging for me as an “introverted extrovert”. I absolutely suffer from imposter syndrome, and putting myself forward, or advocating for myself is probably the most difficult aspect of this career. I am very blessed that I have made very genuine friendships with colleagues and companies who consistently put me forward. for opportunities or hire me back after working for me. My advice is to be true to yourself, and to be as prepared as possible. Be a good colleague and someone people want to work with. My greatest joy in this life is making music with my friends.
Pricing:
- Private Voice Lessons and audition coaching $110 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.snrcarter.com
- Instagram: @mobcapmezzo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@snruddycarter
Image Credits
Molly Noori
Michael Pearce
Waldron Creative
