Mercer Artist: Vocalist, Katie Elliot

If you haven’t seen Katie Elliot running around the music building, always with a smile on her face, you’ve probably heard her signature booming laugh. She’s one of those rare people who will take the time to stop and say hello, even if she’s in a hurry. If you’re not fortunate enough to have made her acquaintance, you’ll probably recognize her from one of her stellar performances with the Mercer Opera.

Elliot is currently a senior, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in voice with a minor in theatre. A Macon native, she was first attracted to Mercer when she started taking voice lessons during her senior year of high school and her voice teacher, a Mercer alumna, encouraged her to audition. Although music has always been a significant part of Elliot’s life, her involvement in marching band and musical theater during high school were what really solidified her passion for the performing arts. “They helped me connect my leadership skills and musical talent, and showed me that music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” said Elliot.

Elliot is inspired by her friends and their successes in the arts, and seeing them push themselves to achieve their goals motivates her to work even harder to reach her own. Her greatest role model is her voice teacher, Marie Roberts. “She is the best thing that ever happened to me at Mercer. Roberts is not only an incredible voice teacher, she is also a wonderful mentor and guide in all aspects of life. I could not be more thankful that I could be a part of her studio,” said Elliot

During her opera career at Mercer, Elliot has brought a wide range of characters to life through her performances in the various Mercer Opera productions. Her favorite role to date was the Third Lady in the recent production of “The Magic Flute.” Elliot is committed to exploring and developing the characters that she portrays, and has a very meticulous approach with regard to this aspect of her performance. “The first step for me is research. I try to find information about the composer and/or playwright and their other works. I then read a synopsis of the show to get a feel for what happens and where my character fits in. I read the script, and if the show is a musical or opera I try and find a recording or video of it,” said Elliot. “It’s very important for me to read the script before listening or watching anything so that I can think of my character on my own without being influenced by another performance. I then ask myself: What motivates the character? Who exactly are they? Are they similar to myself in any way? The rest usually happens in rehearsal with the director.”

Elliot’s senior recital will be held on Monday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m., and she will also be singing in Mercer Opera’s one act productions from April 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 6 at 2:30 p.m. All of these performances will take place in Fickling Hall at the McCorkle Music Building and are open to the public. This is one Mercer artist you definitely don’t want to miss.