ACT of Connecticut is excited to announce that we now offer individual technical vocal instruction and performance coaching!
Instructors will be available for introductory lessons on Saturday, February 2 (Diane Tauser) and Sunday, February 3 (Colleen Fitzpatrick) when students can purchase one lesson before committing to a package.
Contact education@actofct.org for further information about the program, including pricing and scheduling.
About the coaches
Colleen Fitzpatrick (Performance Coach) is a 33-year Broadway veteran actor and singer who has appeared in over 15 shows, including the original companies of CATS, PASSION, INTO THE WOODS, and LESTAT for Elton John and Bernie Taupin. She has appeared in multiple revivals, such as 110 IN THE SHADE with Audra McDonald, BYE BYE BIRDIE with John Stamos, and she also starred as Donna in the Broadway National Tour of MAMMA MIA! Colleen is considered a “go-to girl” for Stephen Sondheim, with over 9 of his shows to her credit, including the recent revival of FOLLIES starring Bernadette Peters. Colleen has also worked at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park in MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN, starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline.
She appeared again at the Public in ROAD SHOW. She also had the privilege of standing by for BOTH Patti Lupone and Audra McDonald in PBS-TV’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s PASSION. Colleen has acted in 2 different opera productions at the Metropolitan Opera, has 4 City Center Encores! shows to her credit, and has appeared in myriad tours, concerts, TV shows, and movies.
“There is a reason why Colleen Fitzpatrick has appeared in over 15 Broadway shows and was Stephen Sondheim’s “go-to girl” for many of his shows. Simply put, she is a true Broadway diva! Colleen has a nurturing and enthusiastic demeanor which is intoxicating, and she truly loves working with students," says Daniel C. Levine, ACT of CT’s Artistic Director.
Diane Tauser (Technical Voice Instructor) is an established New York City vocal technique teacher, musical performance coach and produced composer/lyricist (“I’ll Be Seeing You” at the Kimmel Center For The Performing Arts, Philadelphia, PA). Formerly the Resident Voice Teacher at Davenport Studios, owned and operated by Tony Award-winning producer Ken Davenport (ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, KINKY BOOTS) from 2011-2015, her studio is currently featured at The National Opera America Center.
For over 20 years Diane has worked closely with young talent (PPAS, Rosie’s Kids, Harlem School Of The Arts). In addition to working with Broadway/Off-Broadway/Regional theater actors, Anime Voiceover and dance performance artists, she specializes in assisting singer/songwriters and multi-genre composers in developing and recording their original work. As a master voice teacher, she embraces vocal techniques and body-release work that increases range, breath, tone and overall vocal health. She believes in a “Mind-Body-Spirit" approach to the art of the performing voice, as well as exploring creative applications for enhancing musicality, stylistic freedom and most importantly dramatic intention. Diane's musical background features mentorship with the late, great SebastianEngleberg (Frederica Von Stade’s voice teacher who led her to win the Metropolitan Opera Auditions); Anthony Amato (Amato Opera); world-renowned dramatic soprano Doris Jung (Metropolitan Opera; Prima Donna of both Munich and Stuttgart Operas). Placido Domingo and conductor Felix Popper were advisors for her first company, American Singers Ensemble. She is forever grateful for the invaluable gifts that all these great artists have shared with her. She is dedicated to passing it on! Learn more: www.dianetauser.com
“I’ve known Diane personally for over 20 years and have always been deeply impressed and moved by her innate musicality and her seemingly limitless passion for the human singing voice. Diane is the rare teacher who is able to combine this love of singing with an expert knowledge of vocal technique passed down to her from master teachers. I am THRILLED and grateful to have her join the ACT voice faculty," says Bryan Perri, ACT of CT's Resident Musical Supervisor.
Visit ACT of Connecticut online here for additional information.