Theater and Opera Now

Brava! The curtains were pulled back on August 10, for the summer edition of our Second Tuesday series. Head of School Julia Heaton, Metropolitan Opera soprano (and her sister!) Sara Heaton, and Ph.D. candidate and professional actor Hope Ward ’11, delighted us with a conversation about their paths in the arts. These classically trained artists shared their unique origin stories, and how the pandemic has affected the industry and what they have learned from it. The students in the room gained insight on how to navigate biases and criticism especially for those considering a career in the arts. These amazing women gave us a beautiful "performance" by sharing their voice and authentic selves.

The gathering - a full recording of which is below - was a delightful way to spend an hour with MHS alumnae, our incredible students, and friends of the School.

Our Second Tuesday series, is open to Miss Hall’s alumnae, family, and friends. The events are underwritten with love from the Lily Auchincloss Foundation.

Hope Ward, MHS Class of 2011, is an actor, activist, and personal trainer. She is a graduate of Columbia University’s M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) acting program and a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. She has performed regionally with Baltimore Center Stage's mobile unit in Antigone, as Antigone; off-Broadway, in Intar Theatre's “Bundle of Sticks;" and on Amazon Prime Video in “Love My Roomie.” She defines herself as an actor and artist, emphasizing the synonymic role of black feminism and universal humanity.

Sara Heaton, a soprano praised for her “gleaming lyricism” by Opera News Online and her “sweet, pure soprano” by the Chicago Tribune, enjoys a rich career on the opera and concert stage. She has performed with The Metropolitan Opera, The Santa Fe Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Opera Boston, Boston Baroque, Odyssey Opera, American Opera Projects, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Boston Midsummer Opera, Opera in the Heights, the Xalapa Orchestra, The Greater Bridgeport Symphony, The Santa Fe Symphony, Symphony by the Sea, North Country Chamber Players, and Walden Chamber Players, among others.