Marcus Nance

Dedicated vocal instructor with over thirty years experience as a performer in opera, theatre, television, film, and concert. Possesses strong communication and teaching skills, coupled with deep knowledge of different singing styles and genres. Known for creating engaging, supportive learning environments that inspire and motivate learners to achieve their full potential.

Areas of expertise:

• Contemporary/Pop/Musical Theatre
• Opera/Operetta
• Acting for Singers (stage, camera)
• Career Development and Business Practices
• Audition Technique
• Concert/Cabaret Creation

Chautauqua Opera - Apprentice Singer - 1998

Santa Fe Opera - Apprentice Singer - 1993

Glimmerglass Opera - Apprentice Singer - 1991, 1992

Fairbanks Alaska Summer Arts Festival - Opera Studies - 1987

Wilfrid Laurier University - 2025

• Contemporary Performance
• Musical Theatre

Opera On the Avalon - 2024

• Side Gigs/Jobs
• Crossover Singing
• Finance in the Music Industry

Wilfrid Laurier University - 2022

• Crossover Singing
• Music Theatre for Opera Singers
• Vocal Technique

In the Wings: Musical Masterclass Series - 2021

• Vocal Health for Performers
• Healthy Vocal Technique

The Latour Voice Studios, LLC (Nevada) - 2020

• Opera
• Music Theatre
• Contemporary Pop

California State University, Fresno - 2020

• Art Song
• Opera
• Folk Song

Parry Mansfield Performing Arts School (Colorado) - 2020

• Music Theatre
• Acting for Singers and Dancers

Western University - 2015

• Art Song
• Singing in English

Charlottetown Festival Young Company - 2013

• Communicating With the Voice
• Contemporary Musical Theatre
• Golden Age
• Opera

California State University, Fresno - 2010

• Art Song
• Opera
• Musical Theatre
• Career Planning

Ontario Music Festivals Association June - 2021

• Observed 130 junior musical theatre solo, duet, group performances
• Provided constructive feedback in writing
• Placed winners and honourable mentions

OPERA:

The Little Prince - The Businessman - Pacific Opera Victoria (2025)

Director Brenna Corner, Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia

HMS Pinafore - Dick Dead-Eye - Vancouver Opera (2022)

Director Brenna Corner, Conductor Rosemary Thomson

February (workshop) - Coach/Priest/Red - Opera on the Avalon: Newfoundland(2022)

Treemonisha (workshop) - Parson Alltalk - Volcano Theatre: Toronto (2021)

RUR A Torrent of Light (workshop) - Dom - Tapestry New Opera Works: Toronto (2020)

Dark Star Requiem - Bass - Tapestry New Opera Works: Toronto (2010)

Director Tom Diamond, Conductor Wayne Strongman

The Mikado - Mikado - Drayton Entertainment (2006)

Rigoletto in concert - Sparafucile, Monterone - Monterey Opera (2002)

Conductor Carl Christensen

Porgy and Bess (excerpts) - Porgy - Toronto Symphony (2001)

Conductors Wayne Marshall and Brainerd Blyden-Taylor

Beatrice Chancy - Rev. Moses - Edmonton Opera/Citadel Theatre (2001)

Director Michael Cavanagh, Conductors Dáirine Ni Mheadhra and John Hess

Spirit Garden - Winter - St. Norbert's Art Centre (Winnipeg) (2001)

Director Stephen Lawson, Conductor Rosemary Thomson

Rigoletto - Sparafucile - Tacoma Opera; Washington (2000)

La Cenerentola - Alidoro - New York City Opera Education (2000)

Director Mark Strashinsky, Conductor Gerald A. Brown

Elsewhereless - Malcolm - Vancouver New Music (1999)

Director Atom Egoyan, Conductor Wayne Armstrong

Ariadne auf Naxos - Truffaldino - Pacific Opera Victoria (1999)

Director Alison Greene, Conductor Timothy Vernon

Amahl and the Night Visitors - King Balthazar - Brott Music Festival - (1999)

Conductor Boris Brott

Beatrice Chancy (premiere) - Rev. Moses - Queen of Puddings Theatre (1998 &1999)

Director Michael Cavanagh, Conductors Dáirine Ni Mheadhra and John Hess

La Traviata - Dottore Granville- Mississauga Opera (1998)

Director Graham Cozzubbo, Conductor Dwight Bennett

The Barber of Seville - Basilio- Monterey Opera Association: California (1998)

Director Sid Cato, Conductor Stephen Tosh

Werther - Bailiff - Pacific Opera Victoria (1998)

Director Francois Racine, Conductor Timothy Vernon

Elsewhereless - Malcolm - National Arts Centre (1998)

Director Atom Egoyan, Conductor Wayne Armstrong

Elsewhereless (premiere) - Malcolm - Tapestry New Opera Works (1998)

Director Atom Egoyan, Conductor Wayne Armstrong

Madame Butterfly - Bonze - Ash-Lawn Highland Festival (1997)

Director Cecelia Schieve, Conductor James Caraher

Tosca - Sciarrone - Pacific Opera Victoria (1997)

Director Alison Greene, Conductor Timothy Vernon
L’Italiana in Algeri - Ali - Ash-Lawn Highland Festival: Virginia (1997)

Director Alexander Gelman, Conductor Mark Gibson

Tosca - Angelotti - Hawaii Opera Theatre (1997)

Director Matthew Lata, Conductor Chris Nance

L’Italiana in Algeri -Ali - Hawaii Opera Theatre (1997)

Director Matthew Lata, Conductor Stewart Robertson

Carmen - Zuniga - London Symphony: Ontario (1997)

Conductor Mark Laycock

Carmen - Zuniga - Pacific Opera Victoria (1996)

Director François Racine, Conductor Peter Mark

Cosi Fan Tutte (young artist performance) - Alfonso - Chautauqua Opera: New York (1995)

Director Jay Lesenger, Conductor Mirium Charney

Falstaff - Pistola - Chautauqua Opera: New York (1995)

Four Saints in Three Acts - Compere - Chicago Opera Theatre (1993)

Director Frank Galati, Conductor Phillip Bauman

The Protagonist - Innkeeper (us ) - Santa Fe Opera: New Mexico (1993)

Rigoletto - Sparafucile - Illinois Opera Theatre (1992)

The Magic Flute - Armed Man, Speaker - Glimmerglass Opera: New York (1992)

Orpheus in the Underworld - Jupiter - Illinois Opera Theatre (1992)

La Boheme - Colline - Illinois Opera Theatre - (1992)

The Barber of Seville (highlights) - Basilio - Danville Symphony: Illinois (1992)

The Mikado - Mikado (us) - Glimmerglass Opera: New York (1991)

Amahl and the Night Visitors - King Balthazar - Natchez Opera: Mississippi (1991)

Le Rossignol - Emperor of Japan - Illinois Opera Theatre (1991)

Giulio Cesare - Giulio Cesare - University of Texas Opera Theatre (1991)

Tosca - Angelotti/Sergeant of the Guard - Shreveport Opera: Louisiana (1990)

Showboat - Joe - Irving Light Opera: Texas (1990)

CONCERT/ORATORIO:

Austin Civic Chorus, Texas
Austin Sinfonietta, Texas
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Carmel Woman's Club, California

Chautauqua Symphony
Cornwall Concert Series (solo concert)

Curran Theatre, San Francisco

Danville Symphony, Illinois

Elora Festival
Fairbanks Alaska Summer Arts Festival Orchestra
Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, California (as a clarinet player)

Golden Bough, California (Solo Concert)
Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra
Illinois Oratorio Society
Impressions in Jazz Orchestra, Ottawa
Innerchamber, Stratford (solo concert)
Jazz Bistro, Toronto (Solo Concert)
Koerner Hall
London Symphonia
Luminato Festival
Metropolitan Room, NYC (Solo Concert)
Monterey Bay Symphony, California
National Arts Centre Orchestra
National Arts Centre Fourth Stage (Solo Concert)
North York Symphony
Ottawa Jazz Orchestra
Performing Arts Lakefield, Ontario (Solo Concert)
Primavera Concerts Series, Ontario (solo concert)
Roy Thompson Hall
Stratford Summer Music (Solo Concert)
Toronto Jazz Festival (Solo Concert)
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Vermillion Festival Chorus, Indiana
Victoria Symphony
Windsor Symphony

NEW YORK THEATRE:

Jesus Christ Superstar - Caiaphas - Neil Simon Theatre (2012)

Of Thee I Sing - Ensemble - Encores! City Center (2006)

Kismet - Ensemble - Encores! City Center (2006)

Baz Luhrmann’s La Boheme - Ensemble - Broadway Theatre (2002-2003)

La Cenerentola - Alidoro - New York City Opera Education (2000)

SHAW FESTIVAL:

Sweeney Todd - Judge Turpin (2016)

Alice in Wonderland - Bill the Lizard (2016)

Pal Joey - Mike, Earnest (2004)

Floyd Collins - Dr. Hazlett, Reporter (2004)

Bloomer Girl (reading) - Pompey (2004)

STRATFORD FESTIVAL

Cymbeline - Jupiter (2024)

Wendy and Peter Pan - Doc Giles, Crocodile, Skylights (2024)

Frankenstein - The Creature (2023)

Richard II - Abott of Westminster (2023)

Why We Tell the Story - Featured Performer/Writer/Director (2021)

Wendy and Peter Pan - Crocodile, Skylights, Dr. Giles (2020) POSTPONED

Frankenstein - The Creature (2020) POSTPONED

Little Shop of Horrors - Audrey II (us)(2019

Billy Elliot - Pit Supervisor (2019)

The Music Man - Olin Britt (2018)

HMS Pinafore - Bill Bobstay, Dick Deadeye (us) (2017)

Guys and Dolls - Rusty Charlie (2017)

Carousel - Heavenly Friend - (2015)

Sound of Music - Ensemble - (2015)

Crazy for You - Mingo (2014)

Man of La Mancha - Captain, Governor (us) (2014)

Jesus Christ Superstar - Caiaphas (2011)

Camelot - Knight Soloist- (2011)

Moby Dick - Queequeg (2008)

The Music Man - Olin Britt - (2008)

To Kill a Mockingbird - Tom (us) (2007)

My One and Only - Rev. J.D. Montgomery (2007)

REGIONAL THEATRE:

Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 - Andrey, Old Prince Bolkonsky - Mirvish (2025)

A Strange Loop - Thought 6 - Musical Stage/Crows/Soulpepper (2025)

Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 - Andrey, Old Prince Bolkonsky - Crows Theatre/Musical Stage Company (2023-2024)

Ragtime - Coalhouse (standby) - Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (2022)

Follies - Ben Stone - Koerner Hall (2021)

So, How's it Been? - Singer - Here For Now Theatre, Stratford (2021)

Jack and the Beanstalk: Panto - King Buttercup - Drayton Entertainment (2018)

Dracula: A Chamber Musical - Van Helsing - Innerchamber (2017)

The Wizard of Oz - Tinman - The Grand Theatre (2016)

Aladdin: Panto - Sultan - Drayton Entertainment (2015)

The Little Mermaid - King Triton - Drayton Entertainment (2014)

Evangeline (world premiere) - Clairborne - Charlottetown Festival (2013)

Amahl and the Night Visitors - King Balthazar - No Strings Theatre (2013)

Jesus Christ Superstar - Caiaphas - La Jolla Playhouse (2011)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Judah - Stage West (2010)

Guys and Dolls - Ensemble - National Arts Centre Orchestra (2010)

Beauty and the Beast - Beast/Prince - Western Canadian (2007)

Beauty and the Beast - Beast/Prince - The Grand Theatre (2006)

Annie Get Your Gun - Ensemble - Massey Hall (2005)

Showboat - Ensemble - Livent (1993-1995)

FILM/TV/DIGITAL:

Cymbeline - Large Principal - Stratford Festival New Media (2024)

Richard II - Principal - Stratford Festival New Media (2023)

Queen Tut - Large Principal - Fae Pictures (2022)

Good Sam - Recurring Principal - CBS (2022)

Backstage Pass - Singer - Drayton Entertainment Web Series (2021)

Why We Tell the Story - Singer/Director - Stratfest@home (2021)

Murdoch Mysteries - Principal - CBC (2021)

The Prodigal: the musical - Aven the Friend (VOX) - Glorious Films (2020)

Up Close and Musical :Voice of a Preacher's Son - Singer/Curator - stratfest@home (2020)

Mayday - Actor - Discovery Channel (2020)

Departure - Principal - Global (2020)

The Producers - Featured Accountant/Soloist - Universal Pictures (2005)

A Road to Elsewhere - Principal - Cohen Siblings Inc./ Rob Cohen (1999)

Beatrice Chancey - Rev. Moses - BRAVO (1999)

Salute for Service: Prayer for Victory - Elise Letourneau Music - 2019

Summertime - Alexis Gordon - Independent - 2018

Dark Star Requiem - Centredics/Tapestry Opera - 2017

Carousel - Stratford Festival - 2015

Crazy for You - Stratford Festival - 2014

Evangeline - Charlottown Festival - 2014

Marcus Nance - The Voice Next Door - Independent - 2010

Baz Luhrumann’s La Boheme - Universal Music Colombia - 2002

Songs from Ragtime - RCA Victor/Livent Music/BMG - 1995

Showboat - Livent Music - 1993

Dora Mavor Moore Award: Outstanding Ensemble for Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 - 2024 

My Entertainment World's Critics' Pick Award for Performer of the Year - 2023

Juno Award Nominee: Classical Album of the Year for Tapestry Opera's Dark Star Requiem - 2017

My Theatre Award Nominee: Outstanding Performance for Judge Turpin in Shaw’s Sweeney Todd - 2016

Distinguished Alumni of Fresno State University - 2010

Dora Award Nominee: Outstanding Male Performer for Malcolm in Tapestry Opera's Elsewhereless - 1999

Metropolitan Opera National Council Regional Award Winner - Washington - 1996

Marguerite McCammon Voice Competition Finalist (Dallas,TX) - 1995

National Opera Association third place Winner - 1994

Metropolitan Opera National Council District Award Winner - Illinois - 1993

Metropolitan Opera National Council District Award Winner - California - 1988

"[Marcus] Nance, however, is the star here. His performance (as the creature) is fabulous, otherworldly yet revealing the dawning humanity of the creature as he finds first his body and then society. He is hard to look at, particularly in early scenes, yet he always amplifies the pathos of the creature’s predicament without descending into caricature. Forget all memories of the green guy with the bolts in his head."

- The Globe and Mail

“…booms with a thrillingly powerful bass-baritone.”

- New York Times

“His voice, a deep flexible instrument that can rumble in his chest or soar above an audience, literally speaks for itself. And it seems to adapt as easily to an opera house, as to a microphone.”

-The Toronto Star

“Marcus Nance gives the production’s standout performance as the corrupt Judge Turpin: with his stunning singing voice and commanding physical presence, he is horribly convincing as a man who aborts justice and tramples morality…”

-The Toronto Star

“Marcus Nance has a set of pipes that can fill a stadium. His vocal performance as Judge Turpin is wonderful and sends shivers down your spine. Every time he enters the stage, the audience is hooked, and he keeps their attention with ease.”

- New York Theatre Guide

“Marcus Nance, as familiar from opera as musicals, uses his huge baritone to make Judge Turpin a terrifying and troubled character.”

- Stagedoor

“Mr. Nance’s operatically trained bass voice was forceful and he was given the opportunity to further command the stage during his often cut number of self flagellation, “Johanna.” Nance’s inner turmoil was palpable and given depth to yet another demented mind in this dark tale of Sweeney Todd.”

- Broadwayworld

“... that conniving cabal is led by Marcus Nance, a Metropolitan Opera (Regional) National Council winner whose bass voice resonates with silky menace. You can hear every nuance...”
- New York Post-

“As the scheming priest Caiaphas, Marcus Nance rattles the house with his rumbling bass-baritone.”
- Chicago Tribune

“Marcus Nance has one of the most resounding bass baritone voices heard in some time.”
- San Diego Examiner

“As the high priest Caiaphas, Marcus Nance has a bass that flows like melted butter.”

- Backstage New York

“Fans of cabaret, jazz or musical theatre have hit the motherlode here; Nance’s deep bass brings a unique flavour to these oft-heard classics. With only piano accompaniment and his remarkable voice, Nance transports you to an elegant evening of cabaret and sophistication.”

- FAB Magazine

"Mr. Nance soulfully sings each number with a clear understanding of the song's messages that still resonates within my very being even as I sit here writing this commentary an hour later. "

- onstageblog

“...and bass-baritone Marcus Nance’s mellifluous voice lent the proper gravitas to anchor the quartet.”

- la scena musicale

"Marcus Nance, both fearsome and endearing."

- The National Post

“As I witness [various cast members] and Marcus Nance- the assassin, Sparafucile throw out a hand as he brings forth his sonorous, earthquake of a voice, I try to count the times in my life that I have been aware of standing in the presence of greatness.”

- Tacoma Reporter (Washington)

“It is rare to hear a voice like Marcus Nance’s... deep as the ocean one moment, and soaring with pure, emotional height the next. It is gorgeously refreshing, dazzlingly impressive and makes me long for the days when such lush voices were not such an anomaly on Broadway.”

- twisitheatreblog.com

"It’s Nance himself who shines the brightest, showing off his stunning range as he beautifully rumbles through “Olʼ Man River” and sends “Wheels of a Dream” soaring."

- My Entertainment World

“Marcus Nance, well known for both musicals and opera, is an inspired choice as the Tinman. His deep, rounded toneis perfect for a man who basically has a hugh echo chamber for a chest.”
- Stagedoor

“Marcus Nance is an authoritative Triton with his resonant bass-baritone in an athlete’s body. It is largely due to his fine acting that Triton’s complete change in point of view comes across as convincing.”
- Stagedoor

“Marcus Nance practically carries the production with a rich powerful bass tone and a genuinely moving expression…”

- Musicworks Magazine

“In the hands of Toronto bass-baritone Marcus Nance, Malcolm emerges as the one memorable character in the show. Nance’s deep resonant voice gives the character a commanding presence but his performance also reveals the pain and vulnerability of a man stuck in limbo.”

- The Globe and Mail

"An accomplished cast... Nance was a sympathetic Malcolm."

- Opera News

“ Bass Marcus Nance is utterly convincing as Malcolm, both in his youthful innocence and his subsequent disillusionment.”

- Opera Now (UK)

“To the pleasure of many basso Marcus Nance set the highest standards of the entire performance, vocally and theatrically.”

- The Coast Weekly (Monterey, CA)

“... glorious voices and heartfelt performances carry [Beatrice Chancy]. Marcus Nance as the black-coated charismatic preacher Moses, is equal parts grace and fire.”

- The Globe and Mail

“Marcus Nance blew the audience away. His voice reflected the beast’s torture and torment...Nance’s powerful acting likely inspired the most emotion from the audience...”
- The Gazette (London, Ontario)

“Bass- baritone Marcus Nance was a resounding Ali, taking charge of his scenes... He has a solid vocal technique and a strong stage presence, which make him a memorable performer.”

- The Charlottesville Daily Progress (Virginia)

“While bass-baritones often have trouble reaching the back of the hall with their low notes, Marcus Nance’s Zuniga filled the Royal with delightful rumbling.”

- Monday Magazine (Victoria, British Columbia)

“Pistola was solidly sung and amusingly acted by Marcus Nance. He added considerably to the fun.”
- The Chautauquan Daily (New York)

“Marcus Nance has an unusual knack for projecting his magnetic personality into his character. He was extremely effective in complementing his voice with such a pleasant personality as the voice sparkled with an infectious grace.”

- The Chicago Defender

"Marcus Nance sang clearly and moved elegantly as the heavenly host."

- Opera News

“What the audience gave it’s greatest ovation to was a controlled and heartfelt performance by Nance… he made you feel the deep sadness and resilience in the music and lyrics with his trained bass baritone beautifully caressing the melody…

- All About Jazz

AEA, CAEA, ACTRA, AGMA, NATS