BEYOND THE NOTES
classes, workshops, & projects
OPERA & THEATER DIRECTOR.
meghan kasanders,
Meghan extends her work beyond the stage, offering tailored acting workshops, one-on-one dramatic coachings, and directing services. With a focus on building confidence, strengthening acting skills, and fine-tuning performance strategies, she helps singers of all levels step into their full potential. Whether you're ready to level up your own craft or you're part of an organization or academic institution looking to boost students’ acting abilities, Meghan is committed to supporting artists at every stage of their journey.
Meghan’s acting training is rooted in her education at Juilliard, where she mastered singing-specific acting techniques under the mentorship of esteemed stage directors Stephen Wadsworth, Mary Birnbaum, and the late Eve Shapiro. With their guidance, she developed a deep understanding of stagecraft that she now shares through her directing and coaching, ensuring other singers have the tools to shine both on stage and behind the scenes.
DISCOVER.
At the heart of Meghan’s work is her belief in the magic of discovery. How do we, as singers, connect to the music, the lyrics, and the characters we portray? What threads link us to their journey and the overarching narrative? How do we connect with the other characters, props, and scenery that shape the world we inhabit for those few hours on stage?
Meghan helps performers go beyond simply “playing a character,” guiding them to uncover the parts of themselves within each role. She encourages artists to move past simplistic labels and instead create nuanced, authentic portrayals that resonate with their humanity and are anchored in their personal experiences.
By empowering performers to trust their instincts, embrace their impulses, and lean into the unexpected, Meghan fosters a creative environment where innovation flourishes. This trust and freedom spark the breakthroughs that make each rehearsal space a vibrant, dynamic hub for artistic growth and self-expression.
Ready to take the next step in your artistic journey? To get started, click below and fill out the form, or read on to explore her workshops and coachings!
TESTIMONIAL.
"Kasanders's teaching approach unlocked the imaginations of our students and fostered a culture of risk-taking within a safe environment. Witnessing the remarkable progress our students made in such a short time through Kasanders’s well-designed and clearly guided exercises was truly impressive. Her expertise provided our students with tools and the confidence needed to develop their characterization and stage movement and to elevate their artistic potential."
stephen lancaster | associate professor of voice, university of notre dame
AVAILABLE OFFERINGS
BEYOND THE NOTES
a performance workshop
This workshop is designed to help groups of singers (6 or more) connect more deeply with the emotional and dramatic aspects of their performances. Through a series of exercises and techniques tailored specifically for vocalists, participants will explore how to bring their music and lyrics to life by strengthening their acting skills. The workshop encourages singers to tap into their personal experiences, trust their instincts, and integrate authentic emotion into their vocal expression, fostering a more dynamic and confident stage presence.
Ready to bring your performance to life? In this hands-on workshop, singers will explore how to connect emotionally and physically with both the music and their characters, unlocking new layers of expression. Through interactive movement and dynamic techniques designed specifically for vocalists, participants will learn to merge vocal technique with acting skills, turning every note into a powerful moment. Get ready to trust your instincts and transform your performance into something truly unforgettable!
*For groups of 6 or more. This in-person workshop is tailored to meet the unique level and needs of each group.
DRAMATIC COACHINGS.
Ready to transform your character and take your storytelling to the next level? Dramatic coachings are all about bringing depth, authenticity, and flair to your roles. In these one-on-one sessions, we’ll dive into the heart of your character, exploring how to make them real, relatable, and captivating. Whether mastering a dramatic scene or exploring the emotional layers of a new aria, you'll leave with fresh insights and tools to make your next performance shine.
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*These 1-hour individual sessions are available virtually and in-person for participants in the Chicagoland area.
