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This past weekend, amidst a whirlwind of emotion on the national stage, our studio spent an evening watching a number of our students on the local stage at Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater’s production of Shrek: The Musical, where we were also presented with ALSCT’s “Community Theater Arts Award” for 2017. It was a tremendous honor for our studio, made even more special by the fact that it was presented to us by Susan Raker and Wendy Plummer, mothers of former students Meagan Raker and Anna Plummer who helped make our name in this community as the stars of our first formal production (and my local directorial debut), Goblin Market. As we took the stage, greeted by Susan and Wendy’s friendly faces, to the sound of our students screaming joyously for us from the wings, it was difficult to maintain composure.

For my part, as a relatively new addition to my parents’ teaching studio, I was stunned and thrilled to be included in the award, and moved by the fact that my inclusion was specifically attributed to my “innovation and vision,” particularly my creation of the Opera Workshop and its most recent production, Il sogno d’Arianna, an original English narrative adapted from the works of Claudio Monteverdi. I feel I must stress, however, that not only could this work never have been possible without its major collaborators, musical director Lemuel Gurtowsky, editor/early music expert James David Jacobs, and choreographers Connie Flachs and Anna Plummer, but that the entire existence of the Workshop and everything I’ve brought to the studio would not be possible without the incredible foundation of training and support provided by my business partners and parents, Bob and Jan Klump.

When I look at the students in my Workshop, it could not be more clear that it’s the solid, early vocal training they’ve received from my mother and the thorough, passionate acting work they have done with my father that has not only made them able to perform the material we tackle, but also opened their minds to the beauty and complexity of it all. My vision would be empty without that core training, and the ideas I’ve brought with me could not have flourished without their support and their belief that this work is worthwhile. My parents took a chance on my wild notions, and our students moved them forward with their brilliance and curiosity. Without each other, we have nothing.

Here’s the full text of the speech Wendy and Susan gave as they presented the award:

It is now more important than ever that our Valley’s community of artists, students, passionate hobbyists, and enthusiastic patrons of the arts come together to ensure that these things we hold so dear—the arts and the truths and human understanding they make possible—survive to enrich future generations. Though we are recent arrivals to the Valley, we’ve cherished the warm welcome we received, and the opportunity to do this work that we love so much in this beautiful place. This award is icing on the cake.

Thank you, Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater, Wendy, Susan, and all the students and families who have allowed us to be part of their lives here in the Pioneer Valley. We are so grateful.