Donor Parties

Opera in America does not run without donors. It is our job, as singers and spouses, to be present at parties, cocktail hours, parties in homes, etc etc during the rehearsal process and once the show is up. Meeting the people who choose to spend their money on opera, and essentially, my spouse, continues to amaze me. I'm in love love love *with talking to these individuals about their jobs, kids, grand kids, hobbies, their complete adoration of the art itself. They aren't all people who have come from generations of wealth, lots still work, aren't musicians themselves, but have to have this passion in their lives.

*three loves because I'm desperate from living in Germany and no one will speak English with me. Well, that and we are state funded in Germany, so the getting-to-know-donors does not exist there.

Here is my two cents for young singers. The opera world is small. Much smaller than you would think once you sing in a few places. Be a nice colleague. When you meet a donor and they tell you their name, say it in your head three times so you will remember. At the end of the night, call them by their name again. Be positive about your experience at Peachtree Poplar Opera Community House. This is not the time to brag about all the places you have sung, will sing, or all the people you know. Their opera house is what is important to them. People give because they are interested and believe in something. People keep giving because they see a difference in what their money is going towards. Maybe you all know this and I'm just that arrogant that I think I should bequeath you with my limited knowledge as an Operawife.

Getting hired at an opera house because you sing a great audition is fantastic. "We've only just begun though" as skinny little Carpenter once sang. Being prepared, working hard, not complaining when they show you the costume that will make you look 100 pounds heavier; these are the things that get you rehired.

I predict I work in development one day, where I would actually get paid to organize and cultivate the relationships with these individuals and corporations. I mean, who remembers names better than DO? I'm like the girls on Devil Wears Prada who studied the pictures before the big benefit and whispered into Maryl Streep's ear the entire night. Only difference, Maryl Streep is named Husband, he doesn't throw his bag on me when he walks through the door, and I don't starve myself to fit into the latest Valentino gown that is hanging in my very own Vogue closet.