Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kerriann Otaño. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kerriann, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The amazing thing about being an artist is that it gets in your bones. When you are a singer, your instrument is your body and the art that you make can feel like an extension of yourself. For me, that resulted in some of the greatest highs and lowest lows in my life. When I was successful, I felt unstoppable. When I struggled, I felt as if it was all for nothing.

In 2019, I took a risk that changed the trajectory of my career and life. I was truly vulnerable. As artists, we learn to embody emotions and portray vulnerability, but of course we are people and we protect our true selves. We put on a brave face. We perform. There is a difference between playing vulnerable and being vulnerable, and the difference comes from trust. Fortunately for me, when I was at my most vulnerable, I was working for a company in California that valued me not just for the art I made but for the person I was. The compassion I experienced flipped the idea of being a “starving” or “suffering” artist on its head, and laid the foundation for the work I currently do as an artist and audience advocate.

What I realized was that I could not authentically advocate for others if I didn’t advocate for myself first. I couldn’t accept suffering as a part of my career while encouraging others to seek out joy in their art.

I took a major risk when I moved from being a professional opera singer into working in arts administration as the Vice President of Engagement with OperaDelaware, and I had to do much of this transition scared. I was scared I would disappoint people. I was scared I wouldn’t be good enough. I was scared I was making a mistake. But fear doesn’t stop me. Fear scares me, but it doesn’t stop me. So when you’re taking a risk, remember that the fear might be rooted in the newness of the endeavor and not your inability to execute. Trust yourself. Take risks. Try. Fail. Learn. It’s the only way to grow.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was a professional opera singer for ten years before I became an artist and audience advocate and began working in arts administration. I’m originally from Long Island, NY, and attended the Guiseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan, Italy, before attending Indiana University and Mannes the New School for Music where I studied vocal performance. During my time as a professional opera singer, I had the honor of sharing the stage with some truly exceptional artists at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera San Jose, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Opera. I lived out of a suitcase and bounced from city to city. I sang in multiple languages over a full orchestra with no microphone (a superhuman power that opera singers possess, in my humble opinion). Opera opened doors for me that I never knew existed. Opera introduced me to my husband, many of my closest friends, and a world of creativity and collaboration that continues to inspire me.

But the vast majority of Americans don’t regularly attend opera, ballet, symphony, or live theater. Why is that?

I believe that one of the key factors is that, like me, most Americans didn’t grow up hearing opera but because of media and opera’s reputation, we share an idea of what opera is and who opera is for. And the vast majority of Americans would say “opera is not for me” even if they’ve never attended an opera! We see opera as being expensive and exclusive, “high brow,” and maybe a touch pretentious. That idea makes opera unapproachable for newcomers and intimidating for folks who are opera-curious. My favorite thing about my job is showing people that the opera is a space for them. Opera is a joyful celebration of the talent and hard work of dozens of creatives, and as audiences, you are part of that celebration. At OperaDelaware, I believe we’re changing the way people think about opera, and that is revolutionary.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Something I struggled with was the idea that I was “just” a singer. I sought the approval of others more than my own satisfaction. Part of being an artist is seeking guidance and mentorship, but it can lead to us being dependent on others to validate our art and our existence. I had to learn that my value was not solely tied to the art I produced, but to the whole person that I am. That was a hugely freeing realization.

When you are an artist you are an entrepreneur, a creative director, a marketer, a bookkeeper, a travel agent, a social media manager, a website designer, a booking agent, and the list goes on. We as artists are so much more than just our talent. We are storytellers and advocates. We are mentors and changemakers.

Never say that you are “just” an artist. You are art.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Well, if you’re reading this, I truly hope you’ll follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @kerriannOMG! I’ve been steadily growing my social media audience through what I call joyful advocacy. I talk to my audience the way I talk to my friends, with passion and excitement. People resonate with authentic joy, and it unlocks curiosity. I love engaging with opera newcomers and the “opera-curious” folks who follow me. I love demystifying opera and sharing my love and support of artists with my audience. I think that when you can endlessly scroll through social media, what makes you stop is seeing a friendly face that you trust. I like to think of myself as everyone’s Opera Bestie or Opera Big Sis.

My advice is to figure out what would make YOU stop scrolling and watch your content. If you authentically love what you’re sharing, chances are good you’ll find your audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.operahypegirl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerriannomg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kerriann-Otano/6850755/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerriann-otano
• Other: www.operaDE.org

Image Credits
photo credit: Meghan Newberry Photography; Good Morning Wilmington