Grace MacDonald is a soprano, teacher, and performer, who was born and raised in St.John’s Newfoundland. Even though she is classically trained, she is a versatile performer who loves to listen to and perform music of many kinds, with musical theatre being her all-time favourite. She believes that music is like magic, in that it can tell stories, take you off into far off lands or into someone else’s shoes, and give you confidence you need to overcome any obstacle!
biography
Grace has just completed her Bachelor of Music (with Honours) in Voice under the direction of Dr. Jane Leibel (2017-2021). Prior to her University studies, she had been taught by Ronalda Hutton MacDonald for over 13 years. She has had many different performance opportunities over the years, from theatrical and operatic roles, to fundraiser concerts for the Autism Society. She has been performing and competing in the Kiwanis Music Festival for over a decade and was a finalist for the Junior Vocal Rose Bowl in 2017. Most recently, Grace was invited to perform in a masterclass for Broadway actress Christy Altomare (Anastasia, Spring Awakening, Carrie, Broadway Princess Parties), and was also featured as a local artist in Brian Way’s Patio Series. She is also one of the St.John’s Musical Theatre representatives for the 2021 Provincial (Digital) Kiwanis Music Festival. Besides her onstage experience, Grace has also had experience working behind the scenes in the theatre world, working as a stage manager and assistant director for many children’s theatrical productions in the city. She was a competitor in the Canadian Improv Games for many years.
She has been so thankful to be able to work with so many wonderful theatrical companies over the past few years, some of which include Peter MacDonald Productions, Best Kind Productions, MUN School of Music’s Opera Workshop, Atlantic Light Theatre, The Enchanted Princess Kingdom, and as you can see, CFPA!
Grace also has a passion for Disney, having worked in Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida as a Cast Member for the Disney College Program in the summer of 2018. She was due to work in Entertainment as a Character Attendant in the summer of 2020, however COVID-19 put that dream on the back burner. In Newfoundland, she was a Princess Performer with the party company The Enchanted Princess Kingdom for nearly 3 years, performing as Cinderella, Ariel, and Queen Elsa for children all across the island.
Grace loves a lot more than just music! Some of her favourite things include superheroes and comicbooks, red velvet cupcakes, writing short stories, just about any movie (other than horror) and of course, all things Disney!
As for her career moving forward, besides chasing her dreams as a performer and musical theatre actress, Grace would like to use her music to help give back to the community and hopes to complete her masters in music therapy and become a licensed music therapist.
Performance experience
Jill/Bill in A Hand of Bridge (MUN School of Music Opera Workshop, 2021)
The Sandman in Hansel and Gretel (MUN Opera Workshop, 2020)
New Employee in 9 to 5: The Dolly Parton Musical (Atlantic Light Productions, 2020)
Flower Face and Victorian Alto Role Study in Alice in Wonderland (MUN Opera Workshop, 2019)
Clara in Scrooge! (Peter MacDonald Productions, 2018)
Street Chorus in Hairspray (Peter MacDonald Productions, 2016)
Crystal in Santa’s Place (Peter MacDonald Productions, 2015)
Grace, Dot, Penny Understudy in Honk! (Best Kind Productions, 2013)
The Ghost of Christmas Past in Scrooge! (Peter MacDonald Productions, 2010-2012)
The Sandman in Hansel and Gretel (MUN Opera Workshop, 2020)
New Employee in 9 to 5: The Dolly Parton Musical (Atlantic Light Productions, 2020)
Flower Face and Victorian Alto Role Study in Alice in Wonderland (MUN Opera Workshop, 2019)
Clara in Scrooge! (Peter MacDonald Productions, 2018)
Street Chorus in Hairspray (Peter MacDonald Productions, 2016)
Crystal in Santa’s Place (Peter MacDonald Productions, 2015)
Grace, Dot, Penny Understudy in Honk! (Best Kind Productions, 2013)
The Ghost of Christmas Past in Scrooge! (Peter MacDonald Productions, 2010-2012)
teaching philosophy
I believe in the importance of singing for joy – Never lose sight of the joy! When you walk into my lessons, I don’t just want my students to learn. I want them to look forward to them, let loose, and have some fun!
I believe in using music as a way to improve self-confidence and self-esteem, and as a creative outlet for self-expression and one’s identity. – I want to get to know my students and pick music that speaks to them that also helps them learn and improve. If a certain song makes them feel good vocally and emotionally, I want to know about it! Students always learn better if they enjoy what they’re singing. I also want to show my students that singing, whether by yourself, at an audition, or to an audience, isn’t something that should be feared.
I believe in teaching healthy vocal technique so that my students can enjoy their love of singing for the rest of their life! – As singers, our voices are our personal instruments, so we must do whatever we can to take care of them, and I can show you how, both at our lessons and in your practice at home!
I believe that singers are special because we can step into the shoes of any character or person we want and tell a story for you or others to enjoy. – Singers were some of the original storytellers. We have amazing gifts just waiting to be shared, and I love helping my students delve in character work, acting, and exploring what their song and their character means to them!
I believe in the importance of not just being a teacher to my students, but also a friend, a shoulder to cry on, and a cheerleader when they need it most.
I believe anyone can sing and play music, and that the arts are for everyone.
I believe in using music as a way to improve self-confidence and self-esteem, and as a creative outlet for self-expression and one’s identity. – I want to get to know my students and pick music that speaks to them that also helps them learn and improve. If a certain song makes them feel good vocally and emotionally, I want to know about it! Students always learn better if they enjoy what they’re singing. I also want to show my students that singing, whether by yourself, at an audition, or to an audience, isn’t something that should be feared.
I believe in teaching healthy vocal technique so that my students can enjoy their love of singing for the rest of their life! – As singers, our voices are our personal instruments, so we must do whatever we can to take care of them, and I can show you how, both at our lessons and in your practice at home!
I believe that singers are special because we can step into the shoes of any character or person we want and tell a story for you or others to enjoy. – Singers were some of the original storytellers. We have amazing gifts just waiting to be shared, and I love helping my students delve in character work, acting, and exploring what their song and their character means to them!
I believe in the importance of not just being a teacher to my students, but also a friend, a shoulder to cry on, and a cheerleader when they need it most.
I believe anyone can sing and play music, and that the arts are for everyone.
