Madison
Zane
Mackey
Madison Mackey
Opera Director
Repertoire
Hansel und Gretel
Dido and Aeneas
Die Fledermaus
Magic Flute
Le Nozze di Figaro
La Boheme
Glory Denied
Carmen
La Traviata
Cunning Little Vixen
Madame Butterfly
Emmeline
Suor Angelica
Rake's Progress
Hamlet
Meet The Team
"I had the privilege of working with Madison in the production of Hansel and Gretel with Opera in the Heights. Madison proved to be an exceptional stage director, and I am truly grateful for the experience. Her professionalism and flexibility in collaboration was a standout quality, allowing for a seamless and creative working relationship. Her expertise in movement not only made me feel comfortable with the choreography but also encouraged me to explore and embrace the full range of possibilities as a singer-actor.
One aspect that truly stood out was her sensitivity and adaptability to my vertigo. She skillfully worked with me to create a safe environment, ensuring that I felt secure throughout the process. Madison's commitment to providing a supportive space allowed me to delve into my role with confidence.
Madison's outstanding qualities as a stage director, coupled with her patience, flexibility, and commitment to creating a safe and collaborative environment, made this production an unforgettable and rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented and inspiring stage director.”- Priscilla Salisbury, Opera Singer
Cast Testimonials
"What I loved about working with Madison was that she allowed me to fully be myself onstage. I am a ham by nature and NEVER had to water down the character at any point in time to gain her attention or approval. I very much appreciated the clear, concise, and encouraging direction she gave at all times. I never felt as if I was in a "sink or swim" position. If I had a question, or movement request, it was met with enthusiasm, grace, and kindness. At no part of the process was she unprofessional or condescending. I felt like we were making art together and that she was on my side. 10/10, would work with her again!"
-Julie Jackson, Opera Singer
"Madison's positive and uplifting personality made her a delight to work with! She always knew how to make us look great on stage while treating us with utmost respect and care. I appreciated how she was always able to find a solution if one of us was struggling with a particular staging direction so that we could all perform at our best. Her instruction was clear and easy to follow, she created a really beautiful production!" -Kayla Nanto, Opera Singer
Biography
Madison Mackey is a director, singer, voice teacher, and acting coach. She has a passion for bringing life to the stage as a director by creating three dimensional characters, filling the set with compelling shapes and motion, and shifting the lens of opera plots to uplift new character voices and resonate with modern audiences.
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Madison trained at The University of Tennessee (M.M) and Boston University (BM) where she studied under James Marvel and Nathan Troup. While at University of Tennessee, Madison directed and choreographed a new production of Dido and Aeneas for VolOpera. While at university of Tennessee, Madison also staged scenes from Le Nozze di Figaro and La Traviata.. Madison underwent intensive movement work as a performer through her collegiate studies and outside workshops, working with teachers such as Melinda Sullivan. Madison went on to teach movement workshops to undergraduate students while getting her Master's degree. This focus on movement paired with a background in dance heavily influences her directorial style which balance beautiful shapes and kinetic energy. She creates fanciful compelling movement that is still grounded in emotion and reality. Her staging is meticulous but is also taught with flexibility. Madison believes that each performer has their own strengths, both physically and emotionally shaped by their unique body and perspective. She is determined to discover this about each performer and use each singers skills to inform the best and most authentic version of the character they portray.
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Madison recently was the Assistant Director under James Marvel in the 2023 production of Hansel and Gretel at Opera in The Heights. On this project, Madison helped to stage the production and adapt the blocking for a new production. Madison also served as Assistant Stage Manager for the University of Tennessee's 2023 production of Suor Angelica.
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As a singer, Madison has performed the roles of Queen of The Night, Adele in Die Fledermaus, and Gretel in Hansel und Gretel among others.
