Bella Thorne on The Masked Singer
Sierra Boggess
I met Mary Setrakian when I was 17 years old at the American Singer Seminar in Breckenridge CO and she changed my life completely. It wasn’t just how she talks about the voice but how she wouldn’t let me sing a note unless I was utterly connected to what and whom I was singing about! No one had ever talked about performing in that way to me before! She has been my teacher, mentor and dearest friend for years now and is one of the most encouraging, beautiful, inspirational humans on this planet. Anyone who has come in contact with Mary as a teacher, friend or human is transformed forever!!
Sierra is best known world-wide not only for re-inventing the coveted role of ‘Christine Daae’ in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, but for Lord Webber himself going on record to say that “she’s the best, the best Christine certainly.” Boggess made her Broadway debut as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Her additional Broadway credits include Master Class, It Shoulda Been You, The Phantom of The Opera, and School of Rock. She has been featured on multiple cast recordings and released a solo album, Awakening.
Eric Anthony Lopez
Mary Setrakian is simply the best. She guides students in all areas of the art of singing with patience, warmth and expertise. My work with Mary is the main reason why I've kept working & have been getting to live my dream around world. I have responded to her so positively and I truly believe anyone regardless of level or experience will without a doubt respond to her method of teaching. Mary is a godsend & I'm beyond proud to be her student.
BIO: Currently understudying the role of operatic tenor Ubaldo Piangi on the World Tour of The Phantom of the Opera. As Tony in Master Class in Chicago. The 25th Anniversary Revival of Crazy For You at Lincoln Center (Susan Stroman., Dir.), Broadway's Inspirational Voices (Tony Nominee Michael McElroy, Dir.). The Jackie Mason Musical-Off Broadway, Defying Gravity @ Lincoln Center (Stephen Schwartz, Dir.), Originating the role of Trevor in Holloway, A New Musical (Nate Brewer, Dir). West End/International: Carmen (London), Tosca (London), The Phantom of The Opera (UK), Dido & Aeneas (UK), Elijah (Sydney Opera House, Upcoming). TV: American Idol (14/15), Connected (Upcoming, Netflix). Lopez's award winning debut album "21 & Counting" featuring duets with three-time Tony Nominee Rebecca Lucker & Broadway/YouTube personality Natalie Weiess., released 11/18/2016 & went to No. 1 Worldwide on iTunes. www.ericanthonylopez.com
Asmeret Ghebremichael
Working with Mary has changed the way I approach singing! I came to Mary after having some vocal issues, and I can’t imagine having done that precious work with anyone else. Mary is so good at re-training your body to do what it naturally does! It seems so simple, so it’s hard to believe that we as actors and singers spend so much time and money learning to do so much extra work. Working with Mary just a few times before my run in the West End ensured that I had a long, healthy run. If you are interested in singing from a supported, intentional place, look no further. Mary is a positive, compassionate, intuitive magician of a teacher. I’m so grateful to have her in my corner!
Asmeret was most recently seen as Lorrell Robinson in the West End, London production of Dreamgirls. Asmeret thrilled audiences as Nickie in The New Group’s off Broadway production of Sweet Charity, starring Sutton Foster. Her Broadway credits include The Book of Mormon (Nabulungi and original ensemble member), Elf, Legally Blonde (Pilar), Spamalot, Wicked, and Footloose. West End: The Book of Mormon (Nabulungi). Other favorite theatre credits include In the Heights(off Broadway, Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble), The Wiz (Encores!), West Side Story at North Carolina Theatre(Anita). Film/TV credits include The Wiz Live! (NBC), Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Drummer, Red Hook, and Legally Blonde: The Musical on MTV. Asmeret hold a B.S. in Communications from New York University, where she was also Valedictory Speaker for her graduating class.
Robin Virginie
I've been lucky enough to call Mary my voice teacher since 2012. Mary is laser-sharp and I was in awe with how quickly she knew exactly what to work on within minutes after coming in for my first session. What makes taking a class with Mary so magical, is not only her extensive understanding of the human voice and body, but also her extremely intuitive and personal approach to the craft. Every lesson and every song, Mary finds a way to combine excellent vocal technique with the heart and passion that are needed to make the music come to life. I always leave our sessions feeling inspired, re-energized, healthy and full of inspiration. Mary doesn't just make you better singer, she will help you grow into finest artist you can be.
Robin Virginie was a working child actress in her homeland of Holland. She is now in New York following her Broadway dream. Robin was most recently seen as Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the RedHouse Arts Center. Other theatre credits include Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual...Spelling Bee, the national tour of Alexander and the...Very Bad Day and The Magical History Tour. Film credits include the short films 'Naked' and 'Lifeless'. International credits include Spring Awakening, Annie, Disney’s The Lion King and The Sound Of Music. She is a voice actress for Nickelodeon, Disney, Dreamworks and Nintendo. Robin can be heard on the world’s first musical podcast, Wait Wait Don’t Kill Me, produced by Wondery. www.robinvirginie.info
Sara Andreas
Mary has a way of explaining the voice that allowed everything to click for me. Not only did she teach me how to sing notes I didn't even know I had, she has a way of creating an environment where you're not afraid to try anything. When I booked my first Broadway show, I understudied a role that had to belt these insanely high notes, the only reason I was able to do it was because Mary taught me how. She is by far THE BEST voice teacher I have ever had.
Sara Andreas was recently seen on Broadway in Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville.. She starred in Rock of Ages in Las Vegas. Sara. has also been seen on Broadway in Catch Me if You Can (original cast), and the Broadway Tours of The Adams Family and the original cast of Legally Blonde.
Myra Ruiz
Mary completely changed the way I sing. She gave me the technique and showed how to sing from the heart. I became a better artist because I learned to be connected emotionally at all times. She is deeply dedicated to her students and truly cares about the work. Not only is Mary amazing at teaching the technical aspects of singing, but also at giving encouragement and great advice for us performers.
