Sara Gott ’21

Sara Gott smiles for the camera

Performance and competition: soul thrilling

Sara Gott ’21 is studying classical music, emphasis on voice, with Associate Professor of Music Ellen Futral Hanson ’83. Having never acted before, in the two years she has been at Wesleyan, Sara has performed in four community musicals, two as an ensemble member and two in the lead role.

Sara has been singing ever since she saw The Phantom of the Opera at seven years old, but because she was so shy, no one knew about her talent or ambition until she was 18. “I would sing when my parents were out of the house or when I was in the car alone. I finally realized that if I wanted to pursue my dreams, I needed to be vulnerable, risk failing, and show people my talent.” The first time she sang in front of anyone was at an audition for Little Women, and describes the experience as “soul thrilling.” 

This Macon native chose to attend Wesleyan “because of the great experience I had with music faculty. I had a mini audition with Professor Hanson. She was so kind and encouraging and even waited outside the building to make sure I was able to find the right place. I also attended the Center for the Arts Academy summer camp where I worked with several members of Wesleyan’s expert music faculty.”

Sara, a soprano, participated in GA NATS (Georgia National Association of Teachers of Singing, the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world) competitions in 2017 and 2018 and placed second in classical audition both years. She also placed second in the First Year Women Classical category, third in the First Year Women Musical Theatre category, and was invited to sing in the final round. “For a first year competitor the experience was exhilarating and also a great validation that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.” 

In 2016, Sara attended a master class hosted by actor Russell Joel Brown who played Mufasa in The Lion King on Broadway. Her career goal is to pursue musical theatre with hopes of performing on Broadway. “Being on stage allows me to be vulnerable. Acting produces a connection between the performer and the audience and allows me to arouse emotions in people as they relate to the character I am portraying. To evoke that kind of a response is an amazing feeling.”

This article ran in WESmag Spring 2019 issue.

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