Lyric Opera 2024-2025 Issue 2 - Fidelio

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 72 What was your path to Lyric? After graduating from Western Michigan University, I took a leap of faith and moved to Chicago without a job lined up. I was a house manager for Broadway in Chicago for a couple of years, and I got to see Hamilton like 35 times. When I saw a listing for a digital marketing internship at Lyric, I knew I had to apply. During college, I had taken courses in Tessitura, which happens to be Lyric’s database software. I think that’s what really caught their attention—they were surprised I was already familiar with it right out of school! Now you are in a new role.Tell us how you got here. I’m currently on my fifth job title at Lyric, and it’s been quite the journey. I originally joined as an intern during a major web upgrade project. My internship kept getting extended as Lyric worked towards building a solid digital team. Eventually, a digital fundraising position opened up, which I took on for two years. It was a mix of emails, social posts, analytics, and project management—honestly, I loved it. But when a role in website content opened up almost two and a half years ago, I couldn’t resist. Marketing lets me feel more connected to the art, which is where my passion truly lies. What are your typical, day-to-day activities? As the Website Content Manager at Lyric Opera of Chicago, I focus on enhancing the user experience from start to finish. My role involves training staff on website updates, gathering feedback to improve the site, and ensuring all online content is accurate, professional, and accessible. I collaborate with IT and web developers to maintain functionality and improve processes, like making it easier to RSVP for events or join Lyric Young Professionals. I also manage content creation and strategy, keeping the website’s voice consistent while using analytics to guide its future growth. My goal is to create a seamless and engaging experience for all our visitors. Do you have a musical background? Music runs in the family—my dad is a versatile musician who plays all woodwinds and frequently gigs with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as a saxophone player. He’s part of jazz groups that perform every year at the Detroit Jazz Festival. I started playing piano, then picked up a clarinet in third grade, then added bassoon to the mix, which I played throughout school. My high school highlight was landing the lead role in Thoroughly Modern Milli e. Singing is my true passion, particularly jazz. In college, I was part of an a cappella group called No Strings Attached. What have you liked best at Lyric? I have a deep appreciation for contemporary opera. While the classics are undeniably beautiful, I find myself more invested in the characters and stories of modern works. Champion and Fire Shut Up in My Bones were particularly powerful for me. I’m drawn to creative, suspenseful, and off-kilter storylines, which is why I’m especially excited about The Listeners this season. It’s the kind of fresh, unpredictable narrative that keeps me on the edge of my seat. People of Lyric A behind-the-scenes conversation Hometown: I grew up in a town called Ferndale 15 minutes outside of Detroit. When did you start at Lyric? September 2018. First opera you saw live: I went to a fine arts camp near Traverse City, Michigan, and they did a small-scale production of La Bohème for us. And when I came to Lyric in the 2018/19 Season, that was my first show here. Full circle! Go-to karaoke tune? “Crazy,” by Gnarls Barkley. Other outside interests? I have a dog. I like my dog. My dog is adorable. Her name is Ripley. She’s four. I dabble in music composition—purely a hobby, but it keeps my creative juices flowing. And I have a quirky collection of instruments, from kazoos to kalimbas. Samantha Berger Website Content and Digital Experience Manager Kyle Flubacker