Manon Gimlett, voice instructor at MacPhail since 1998, draws from her extensive library of materials and knowledge to give her students, ages 16 and up, every possibility to nurture and demonstrate their unique talents. She believes that clear, strong technical teaching needs to be at the core of a relationship with every student. Her 20 plus years of teaching has given her the ability to assess a student’s learning style early in the course, thus adapting lessons to each individual’s ability and goal, bringing out the best in each of her students. Manon is also the founder/director of MacPhail’s Prelude Program for highly motivated teens.
Manon’s own performance career includes playing the leading role of Carmen and Cleopatra in Minnesota Opera Regional Tours; performing in The Voice of Bertolt Brecht at the Southern Theater; and more than 10 years of leading roles at Minnesota Festival Theater and the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. A special interest in the development of new works has led Manon to her involvement in numerous workshops and premieres including Kim Sherman’s Lamentations with Nautilus Music Theater.
Manon has a Bachelor of Arts in voice and theater from Occidental College in Los Angeles, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota, and additional works as a performer and director with the Wesley Balk Summer Institute, and post graduate vocal study at the Institute of Vocal Artistry.
