Sometimes, sadly, the show can’t go on. Due to COVID-19, we aren’t going to be able to offer the week-long residential Torggler Vocal Institute this summer. We are so sorry — but don’t worry, we are working hard on creative ways to re-imagine Torggler. We are hopeful that if the situation allows as we move into the summer, we will be able to offer an alternative opportunity to get together so you can take masterclasses, receive world class vocal instruction and perform!
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Keep singing — now more than ever, the world needs the gift of your music! Tag us in any performance videos you post online using #torggler so we can enjoy your offerings, and, when we can, share your voice with our audience, too!
The prestigious Torggler Vocal Institute (TVI) is an immersive, one week residency program at Christopher Newport University for emerging high school vocalists.
Throughout the program, students work daily with leading professionals from the world of opera and broadway to learn the valuable tools and techniques they need to have a successful career in the world of singing.
Torggler provides a wonderful opportunity for young vocalists who are ready to take their performance to the next level. If you wish to elevate your voice and unleash your talent by training with world-renowned vocal teachers, performers and industry professionals who will prepare you to take the stage, Torggler is the program for you.
- Charlie, Virginia
It’s already inside you — a voice that stuns the room and lifts everyone up, emotion so raw the audience can’t help but feel each note, and a passion that has the potential to transform your future.
At Torggler, you'll take your performance to the next level with:
Don’t hold back. It’s time to show the world you’re more than just another great singer. You have to know how to work in a team, how to rehearse, how to sing if you’re a dancer and how to dance if you’re a singer.
You’ll learn from masters and stars who know the struggle. They’ll help you build confidence so strong, nothing can stand in your way.
Get ready for the spotlight. You'll really shine once you conquer what’s beyond the bright lights: how to take a headshot and conduct yourself in rehearsal, who gets the part and why and what sets winners apart. At Torggler, you’ll learn the arts business from the people who know the secrets of success.
The stage is waiting. Make it yours.
Learn from the best of the best in our guest masterclasses where you will receive the individualized attention and detail of a private voice lesson all while being able to learn from your peers! During these sessions, our amazing guest artists will work with each student one at a time to provide the valuable tips, tricks, and secrets needed to elevate your voice and unleash your talent! Your group of peers will not only get to see you transform on your way to taking the stage, but will also be able to learn while watching our faculty at work!
Your private voice lessons are where you get into the nitty-gritty of your vocal production! You will work diligently with our Torggler voice faculty one-on-one to uncover your full potential as a singer and to take what you learn back home to your teachers, coaches and directors. This is your time to learn how to navigate the waters of vocal production and apply that knowledge to your performance!
Whether you're auditioning for college or auditioning professionally, this class will equip you with the tools needed to ensure confidence in the audition room. From building your BOOK, knowing your TYPE, and being open to adjustments, this class is essential for every successful performer. In this class you will learn how to build your BOOK, choose the right music and how to organize it, and why your accompanist wants it that way. We will discuss YOUR TYPE and you will learn how to choose and prepare the right audition material and how to make proper cuts in your music. Most importantly you will learn how to effectively communicate with your accompanist at an audition.
- Hannah, Virginia
Director
Tiffany Haas is an acclaimed Broadway performer and concert vocalist. During her 10-year career on Broadway, Tiffany starred as Glinda in the Broadway and National Tour production of "Wicked", and also toured with the Tony Award-winning musical, "The Drowsy Chaperone." Tiffany continues to perform regularly with orchestras and regional theaters, and also teaches masterclasses at colleges, conservatories, performing arts schools and summer intensives throughout the U.S., working with students at some of the most prestigious music programs.
Music Director
Christopher Stephens, a voice teacher and music director, is a graduate of the University Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Credits include Wicked and Matilda (Broadway), Carnegie Hall with the Broadway Stars (starring Tony Award winner Jessie Meuller), and off-broadway shows, including Captain Louie, Shout! the Mod Musical, Bells Are Ringing, and Anything Goes. Alan Menken, Emily Skinner, and Adam Jacobs are several of the artists for whom he has served as pianist. Clients from ChristopherStephensVoice.com have appeared in Hamilton, Kinky Boots, School of Rock, Anastasia, Book of Mormon, and many other shows.
Guest Artist
Colin is an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at CNU specializing in musical theatre singing. Recently Colin has performed with the Virginia Symphony and appeared as Albert Lennox in the Virginia Stage Company’s concert production of The Secret Garden. Equally comfortable in Musical Theatre, Opera and concert work, Colin strongly believes in the importance of vocal cross-training. Colin is a proud graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music and Penn State University.
Guest Artist
Jim Gandolfo is a veteran performer and director with over 300 titles to his credit and is currently an adjunct instructor in theatre at CNU. Jim trained with Groundling’s founder, Barbara Contardi at First Amendment Improv of NYC, New York’s first improv troupe. He founded the comedy troupe In All Seriousness, distinguishing their brand of performance improv while performing with Ellen DeGeneres, Lewis Black, Sinbad, Jeff Dunham and others. A winner of The Theatre Association of Pennsylvania, Eastern States Regional and Festival of American Community Theater’s Best Acting awards, he has brought his high energy seminars to corporations and educators throughout the U.S.
Guest Artist
A Broadway/Film/Television Actor & Vocal/Audition Coach in NYC with over 15 years experience in the business and in NYC acting and teaching, Erin performed with Wicked Broadway and all National Tours over a span of 8 years, playing 3 roles throughout the years. She also performed with the 1st National Tour of Sister Act and numerous Regional Theater productions. She has had numerous TV appearances on a variety of networks, including a Hallmark Holiday film that debuted in November. With a passion for teaching young singers, Erin has taught master classes and private coaching for prestigious programs throughout the country including Broadway Workshop, Broadway Classroom, Destination Broadway, Omaha Conservatory Institute, Junior Tours NYC and countless colleges, including her alma mater BYU.
Constanza Cuccaro
Gary Kline
Twyla Robinson
Ryan Speedo Green
Patti Lupone
Nathan Gunn
Brian Stokes Mitchell
The Manhattan Transfer
Ben Heppner
Michael Rose
Lilli Cooper
Megan Hilty
Heather Parcells
Mandy Patinkin
Christine Brewer
Deke Sharon
Bobby McFerrin
Kelli O'Hara
Lawrence Browlee
Timothy Noble
Janis Seigel
Liz Caplan
Spider Saloff
Ray Fellman
Brent Wagner
Straight No Chaser
Kirsten Scott
- Casey, Alabama
Christopher Newport University Department of Music
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606-3072
Phone: (757) 594-8196
Email: torggler@cnu.edu
TVI is made possible by a generous gift from George and Mary Torggler, retired entrepreneurs and longtime supporters of the arts and education.
*2019 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges
**2018 Princeton Review Best Colleges