Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Riegle.
Hi Kristina, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Hi – I’m Kristina Riegle, and I am a singer, actor, teacher, entrepreneur, and owner of Riegle Voice Studio. I wear many other hats, and have many other interests – but those are for another article – or two.
When I was 22 years old, I made a life-changing decision: I completed my biology degree at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, put aside my initial plan to be a doctor, followed my heart, and pursued singing and acting as a career. After completing another Bachelor’s degree and an Artist Certificate in Vocal Performance, I moved to Massachusetts, where I earned a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory.
All I wanted to do was perform on stage! Not to be in the spotlight, per se – I’m an Aquarius – but to share other people’s stories on stage through plays and songs. Having the opportunity to portray other people, in different time periods, settings, and costumes, is such an honor, and something I dedicate my life to doing professionally. I have lived in 5 different states, and have performed opera, musical theatre, concerts, and plays professionally in the U.S. and internationally.
In 2018, I started Riegle Voice Studio, where I teach singers and actors of all ages, gender identities, races, abilities, ethnicities, and religions. Despite having been a teacher of singing and acting off and on since 2004, it is only recently that I have recognized how teaching compliments my performance career and decided to embark on being an entrepreneur.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since 2004, I have lived in 4 different states. With each move, I had to introduce myself to a brand-new community, where I didn’t have any connections. Every state provided its own challenges, and several different ‘survival jobs to make ends meet. It felt as though I had to start from scratch in each new city, promoting my two businesses: Kristina Riegle the performer, and the teacher. While establishing myself in the new artistic communities, I have had MANY other jobs, working in restaurants; PR/Marketing; Development; customer service; as a dog walker; barista; caterer; event planner; personal assistant; Registrar; and Standardized Patient.
It has taken several years to whittle down the ‘survival’ jobs, and be able to focus 100% of my time, energy, and passion on my career and family! It wasn’t until moving to Michigan in late 2016, that I felt as though all of my previous moves provided me the skills to establish myself immediately as a performer and teacher, without having to work ‘other’ jobs. Soon after moving to Michigan, I was hired as an adjunct theatre instructor at Wayne State University, began teaching voice and acting at Next Step Broadway in Birmingham, and started teaching private singing lessons again – formally starting Riegle Voice Studio in 2018. I am also an adjunct acting instructor at Rochester University.
In addition to teaching, I perform annually in Meadow Brook Theatre’s holiday production “A Christmas Carol” as Mrs. Cratchit; regularly with Detroit Opera; have been on stage with Flint Youth Theatre, The Encore Musical Theatre; and have an upcoming concert in 2023 with Renaissance City Repertory Theatre.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
One of my goals as a voice teacher is to provide students the necessary tools to find and cultivate their unique voice. No two voices are the same. Therefore, I seek to empower my students by helping them navigate their own vocal journey – be it as a singer in opera, musical theatre, jazz, rock, pop, or country styles; a singer-songwriter cultivating their own musical sound, or someone wanting to become a more confident actor or public speaker. In addition to musical styles and confidence in communication, I help people through vocal transitions, such as adolescent puberty and transgender changes.
I am a consummate student – studying the human condition (aka people watching); taking lessons/classes/workshops; and, when I am not performing myself, going to see productions regionally, and in NYC/on- and off-Broadway. Everything I learn I pass on to my students to prepare them with the most current and up-to-date information as they embark on a career in the performing arts. In turn, I am humbled by the fact that I am continuously learning from my students of all ages, genders, races, religions, identities, and ethnicities. They keep me engaged in the present and craving to learn more so I can best serve them and their goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristinariegle.com/voice-studio
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rieglevoicestudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RiegleVoiceStudio
- Other: www.kristinariegle.com
Image Credits
HER Design
Alisa Garin
Open Box Photography
The Encore Musical Theatre
