Braxton Peters has been Annapolis Opera’s Stage Director for over twenty-five years, and we’re so excited to have him direct Faust! We asked Braxton a few questions to help us get to know him a little better, and here are his answers!
What led you to a career in the performing arts?
“I was born that way! My mother was a musician and I began taking piano at age five. I then took up the trombone and singing.”
Tell us about your role in the production of Faust.
“As the Stage Director, I coordinate all aspects of the production: set design, costumes, props, choreography, etc. I am responsible for what the singers do on stage. I know what I would like them to do but sometimes they have ideas that work with my general concept. It is a collaboration but the final decision rests with me.”
Do you have any advice for aspiring performers?
“Know your craft and be professional.”
What do you have coming up after Faust?
“Teaching voice for the rest of the spring semester and directing South Pacific with Annapolis Opera in the fall.”
Why do you love opera?
“Dramatic stories with great music. I love to hear great voices sing beautiful music.”
Other than opera, what are you listening to now?
“Musical theater selections.”
What do you do for fun/what hobby or interest do you enjoy outside of theater?
“Movies, cooking and gardening.”
Thanks for the blog post, Braxton! (And make sure to get your tickets to Faust!)
Hello Braxton. I know you won’t remember me but we met during a production of Baby with the Cockpit Theater back in the late 80’s. You took me on at the college as a voice student. I studied with you and started to rehearse Avida with all of you until my husband took a turn for the worse and I had to give up everyrhing to rake care of him. You wanted me to join the opera company but that too never got to happen. I never sang again for over ten years and gave up ever hoping to do anything again. I still sing but I am too old to do anything now. I just wanted to say hello and thank you for working with me and wanting me in the opera company. It was a wonderful dream that I will always remember.
Just came across this while browsing the Annapolis opera page. Mr Peters was my voice teacher for many years while I was living in Maryland. He was such a fantastic teacher and provided me with great knowledge regarding vocal technique and projection. He challenged me with notes that I thought I could never reach, and pieces I thought I could never master as an undergrad student. I had later taken my studies further to the Boston conservatory and can whole heartedly say that Mr. Peters is a big reason why I was able to succeed with a degree in vocal performance. Thank you so much Mr Peters, you were a fantastic vocal teacher and such an encouraging person.
Hello Braxton. I know you won’t remember me but we met during a production of Baby with the Cockpit Theater back in the late 80’s. You took me on at the college as a voice student. I studied with you and started to rehearse Avida with all of you until my husband took a turn for the worse and I had to give up everyrhing to rake care of him. You wanted me to join the opera company but that too never got to happen. I never sang again for over ten years and gave up ever hoping to do anything again. I still sing but I am too old to do anything now. I just wanted to say hello and thank you for working with me and wanting me in the opera company. It was a wonderful dream that I will always remember.
Just came across this while browsing the Annapolis opera page. Mr Peters was my voice teacher for many years while I was living in Maryland. He was such a fantastic teacher and provided me with great knowledge regarding vocal technique and projection. He challenged me with notes that I thought I could never reach, and pieces I thought I could never master as an undergrad student. I had later taken my studies further to the Boston conservatory and can whole heartedly say that Mr. Peters is a big reason why I was able to succeed with a degree in vocal performance. Thank you so much Mr Peters, you were a fantastic vocal teacher and such an encouraging person.
Braxton, Please reach me. I have some of your compositions!