Kayla Beard 
production manager & community engagement director

Kayla Beard enjoys working as a multi-faceted artist in opera and performance. As a singer, teacher, accompanist, stage manager, and production manager, every job and gig has opportunities to connect, solve a puzzle, and explore humanity. 

 

As a soprano, Kayla has garnered praise for “offering gorgeous vocal power and clarity, and the right comedic combination of flirtatious domination.” She received her Masters in Opera Performance from the University of TN in 2018 and has enjoyed singing with UT Opera Theater, Knoxville Opera Chorus, and in many roles and performances for Marble City Opera. One of her favorite recent performances occurred during 2020 with the world premiere of Frank Pesci’s Royal Flush where Kayla premiered the role of CeeCee while simultaneously stage managing the show. Other performances include with Harrower Opera Company, Idaho Falls Ballet Orchestra, master classes with Opera Idaho and Minnesota Opera, and as a folk musician with the Forest City Stockade in Litchfield, MN.

 

Recent exciting Knoxville shows you may have seen with her in a stage and production management capacity include Knoxville Opera’s Romeo & Juliet and Mefistofele, UTOT’s Elixir of Love, and Marble City Opera’s The Copper Queen, I Can’t Breathe, Tosca, Shadowlight, and City of Ashes.

 

In Kayla’s teaching studio, she is passionate about healthy sound production, self reflection and exploration through music, and finding a balance in fun and rigorous study. Her students over the last 14 years have participated in competitions, musicals, and other performances and many have continued to study music through college and their life.

 

Opera in any capacity is a creative joy that she hopes can move, connect, and inspire the greater Knoxville community. Let’s do some cool art together.