Biography and Resume
Biography and Resume
Milena Thomas is an accomplished performer and teacher driven by a passion for self-observation and advancing her education in a wide variety of disciplines. Milena received a Master of Science in Finance from Walsh College in June, 2009 and Bachelor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance and Comparative Literature from the University of Michigan in December, 2002.
Throughout her career she has participated in a wide range of artistic and business pursuits: earning finance industry accreditation, conducting independent research in the fields of ethnic music and cultural economics, performing and volunteering in community and professional music and theater engagements, maintaining a private voice studio, and participating in personal growth and development courses, all of which have contributed to her diverse abilities.
Ms. Thomas is a recognized performer of opera, theater, ensembles, and is an experienced teacher of music and business education. She has performed leading roles in opera with University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Comic Opera Guild, Arbor Opera Theater, Michigan Opera Works, University of Michigan Productions, and as a Professional member of Kirk in the Hills Chancel Choir. She is often requested to perform as a guest soloist with local ensembles such as the Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra and the LaCorda Ensemble. She has also given lectures on the topic of cultural economics and is an adjunct faculty member at Walsh College teaching undergraduate finance.
Along with her active performing and teaching life, Milena Thomas is passionate about volunteering. In 2002, she founded and produced The Opera Project with University of Michigan colleagues, to provide an opportunity to perform and educate young audiences about opera free of charge. She passed on this project to the Motor City Lyric Opera Company which continues to provide educational tours throughout Metro Detroit schools.
Qualifications Summary:
Master of Science in Finance; Bachelor of Musical Arts and Comparative Literature
Owner and Director of private voice studio offering voice lessons and artist business coaching Professional vocalist, recitalist, ensemble member; member of En Passant guitar and voice duet Featured guest for recitals, private events, and lectures.
Notable Achievements:
2009 Cato University Bastiat Scholarship recipient
2009 Bauervic Writing Competition Finalist
2008 Award of Membership in Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business
2004-07 Member of financial advisory team earning Barron's Magazine's "Top 100 Financial Advisors" acknowledgement
2003-04 Founder and Director of The Opera Project bringing opera to underprivileged schools.
2003 Czech-Slovak International Voice Competition 4th place
Education:
Walsh College Master of Science in Finance 2009, GPA: 3.931
University of Michigan Bachelor of Musical Arts with High Honors 2002, GPA: 3.789
University of Cincinnati Opera and Theatre Festival of Lucca, Italy 2002
Voice Teachers: Soo Kim, Willis Patterson, Martha Sheil, Shirley Verrett, Jane Heirich
Voice Coaches: Timothy Cheek, Martin Katz, Donna Brunsma, Rolando Russo
Directors: Joshua Major, David Zinn
Vocal Skills and Services:
Private voice and acting lessons
Public speaking and presentation skills
Audition and Demo Preparation: repertoire / monologue selection
Voice over and character coaching
Business Skills and Services:
Basic demo and reel recording services
Artist personal finance and business coaching
Personal branding; design and marketing
Public speaking and presentation skills
Professional Performing Experience
Voice Over Actress
Goodbye Crutches
Archtech Virtual
Opera, Operetta, and Musical Theatre
The Marriage of Figaro Cherubino Arbor Opera Theater
Die Fledermaus Prince Orlofsky Comic Opera Guild
The Marriage Contract Fanny
The Beggar’s Opera Polly
Cunning Little Vixen Jay, Pepik, Ensemble University of Michigan
The Sorceror Constance UM Gilbert & Sullivan Society
The Grand Duke Princess of Monte Carlo
Iolanthe Iolanthe (Understudy)
Utopia, Ltd. Princess Zara
Partial Roles
Hansel and Gretel Hansel University of Michigan
The Marriage of Figaro Susanna
Concerts/Festivals/Ensembles
Victor Herbert Festival Comic Opera Guild
Musique in the Afternoon Dennos Museum
Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra
Lacorda Ensemble
Crofest
Kirk in the Hills Chancel Choir