Hear what our parents and students have to say about Beau

 
Jasmine Overbaugh

“After I graduated from Point Park University with a BFA in musical theatre, I was in the original cast of Disney’s New Beauty and The Beast on the Disney Cruise Line; I then joined the 20th Anniversary international tour of RENT; and will soon be joining the cast of Off-Broadway’s BABY! the revival. None of this would’ve happened without the important vocal foundations Beau Stroupe provided me. He not only taught me vocal technique and vocal health; he was my first introduction to performing and telling a story through song and the person that ignited my passion for musical theatre. His support that he’s shown me inside his voice studio continues to follow me in the professional world. There’s no doubt he’ll be in my Tony acceptance speech.”

—Jasmine Overbaugh

Thomas Laub

“I took voice lessons from Beau for over 3 years during high school, and I can confidently say those lessons played a massive role in shaping the course my life has taken since then. With Beau's expert training in not only the hard skills of vocal technique, breathing, and repertoire curation, but also the soft skills of how to work within our industry, how to present yourself at an audition, and how to maintain the confidence necessary to perform to the best of your ability, I was able to audition and get in to the University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program (Go Blue).

From there, I found and deepened my passion for theatre and have been working on Broadway for the past two years. I owe so much of my personal growth as both a singer and a human being to Beau, and I could not possibly recommend taking the opportunity to learn with and from him more. He is a person and mentor of the highest quality.”

—Thomas Laub

Thomas Laub is a Broadway producer based in New York City and the founder of live entertainment company Runyonland Productions, which exists to collaborate with storytellers from communities nationwide to bring their work to larger audiences. He is represented this season in NYC by David Byrne's American Utopia, Slave Play, and Plaza Suite. Upcoming: Lauryn Hobbs' Rhapsody in Blue, Selina Fillinger's POTUS, Douglas Carter Beane's Fairycakes, Christopher Washington's race-ist, and the Palestinian Theatre Festival. Other collaborations with Disney Theatrical Group, Standing Room Theatrical Solutions, and Seaview Productions.

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“Sessions with Beau Stroupe were the highlight of my childrens' afternoons! His enthusiasm and knowledge of musical theatre and vocal technique are refreshing! Beau challenges each performer to not only master the music, but also to tell their story. Olivia and Grace felt respected and inspired after each and every lesson. Beau's encouragement and love of the arts helped them both grow and achieve as artists and as contributing members of the community.”

—Karin DeAmicis, mother of Olivia and Grace DeAmicis

Grace DeAmicis most recently performed as Lily Potter Jr. in the Broadway company of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. In TV and Film, she is known for The Darkest Minds, Bobcat Goldthwait's Misfits & Monsters, and Stan Against Evil. Voiceover includes Nickelodeon's Paw Patrol and English EGG. Grace has performed at the Red Bucket Follies, Laura Benanti’s Sunshine Concerts, Birdland Jazz Club, Feinsteins/54 Below, The Green Room 42, and the USS Intrepid. Grace originated the role of Callie in The Perfect Fit, a new musical, at the RAVE Theater Festival. During quarantine, Grace remotely recorded Broadway Records' release of "Stuck In Your Shadow", written by Joshua Turchin, as well as Mirabella Petruzzi's release of the cover "I Had A Dream", a duet benefitting teenagers with cancer. This fall, Grace will be performing with an all Broadway cast at The Sharon Playhouse for the Drive-In Concert series. @gracedeamicis


Olivia DeAmicis is known for Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings (Netflix) and The Early Night Show (Broadway Podcast Network). She recently performed the role of Mina in Countess Dracula at the Duke Energy Theatre. Olivia attends Northwest School of the Arts, where she was cast in the high school productions of A Chorus Line, which was selected for the main stage at the International Thespian Festival, and in Anything Goes. Olivia received an individual Excellence in Acting Award at the North Carolina Theatre Conference, Outstanding Dancer Finalist at NYCDA, and Apprentice RunnerUp Dancer at ASH. This summer, she served as an audition assistant for Broadway Artists Alliance. Recent vocal performances include Feinstein’s/54 Below and Tower of Talent at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. @olivia.deamicis

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“I will always remember and cherish my time with Beau. Not only did I receive outstanding vocal and music instruction, I always felt taken care of and listened to. I remember reaching out to Beau on a couple of occasions at the last minute and he always secured time for me. One of those instances happened to be on one of my returns home in the summer before a theatre contract.

On this particular occasion, I was struggling with my breath support. Even with short notice and only enough time for one lesson while I was home, Beau imparted to me technique that I use to this day. Beau is an amazing teacher and his lessons are always personalized to your needs and your personality. Thank you, Beau, for everything!”

—Zeke Edmonds

Since leaving Beau's studio I attended Syracuse University earning my B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. Since then, I have lived in NYC for the past three years. I have worked at various regional theatres, including, the McCarter Theatre, Westchester Broadway Theatre, the Signature Theatre in DC, and the Glimmerglass Festival in Upstate NY. I was scheduled to appear in Good Speed Opera House's production of Anne of Green Gables this summer prior to this horrible pandemic. Fortunately, that production has not been cancelled but merely postponed. Other than that, I continue to audition and pursue other interests in my life.

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“Beau has been amazing. When I first started working with Beau (4th grade) I just wanted to learn how to sing “Tomorrow” from Annie. Things quickly progressed and now we turn to him for advice on almost everything related to music. I always say that I can do without a lot of things but Beau will never be one of them! He’s my Tik Tok partner and one of the few people that my family and I trust in the music industry.”

—Bailey Griggs

Bailey is currently working with multiplatinum producer Andrew Lane from LA. She has many original songs available on all music platforms. She’s performed at Apollo Theater in NYC, the Roxy in Hollywood, Celebration of music in Atlanta and has appeared on Radio Disney. She’s been chosen as an SOS ambassador and will be touring all states in 2021. She loves musical theater as well and enjoys performing at local shows. 

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“I started voice lessons with Beau when I was a sophomore in high school. Beau's lessons were a safe space. We took away all that was going on in the world and in our lives and created music. He taught me how to really put the song over with vocal and acting techniques. You understand how special each note, word, rest, etc, is in music. You get a wonderful feeling after a lesson like you accomplished something you didn't think you had it in you. Beau always brings out the best in you to work hard, and never give up.” 

—Stephanie Weiner

I am a former Beau Studio student! I am a recent graduate of Appalachian State University with a BA in Theatre Performance with a minor in Dance. Throughout my college career, I performed in seven mainstage productions, both plays and musicals, studied theatre abroad in the UK, attended the summer intensive, SpringboardNYC, with the American Theatre Wing where I attended workshops, masterclasses, and even attended the 73rd annual Tony Awards, and so much more. I am now back in Charlotte, NC working as the receptionist for a local hair salon while also doing online theatre events with various organizations.

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“My fulfilling journey with Beau was the springboard for my pursuing a musical theatre career professionally. Even on the days I doubted myself most, I left all lessons with Beau grinning from ear to ear; I felt capable and had a coach/mentor who genuinely believed in me. Beau is always present and uplifting with a remarkable amount of informative ideas. I simply feel beyond fortunate to have found him. I love being a part of the encouraging community he created. Once in BeauD Studio, always in BeauD Studio.”

—Marthaluz Velez

The arts have been a great passion of mine since elementary school, when I learned their powers of human connection. Currently I am an NYC-based actor with credits in premiered new works, regional productions, readings, concerts, bilingual play developments, and TYA performances across the country. Western Carolina University grad with a BFA in musical theatre and minor in dance. 

“I started working with Mr. Beau when I was 9 years old. I remember being so nervous to sing for him for the first time because I knew he had trained many incredible people, but he warmly welcomed me into the “Beaudacious” family. Aside from helping me grow in my vocal and acting abilities, he helped me grow tremendously as an individual as well. No matter who you are or how long you work with him, he 100% leaves the same impact on all of his students. I am forever grateful for everything he has done for me and I wouldn’t cherish my 10 years of training with him for the world!”

—Gracie Bentley

Grayson (but most of the time Gracie) Bentley is a 20 year old student who has always had a passion for the entertainment industry. Gracie has been competing in pageants since she was 5 months old. She has won many talent awards and has placed in the top 15 various times at the Miss South Carolina state pageant. She is currently holding the title of Miss West Virginia Collegiate America and recently made the top 15 and won overall photogenic at the National Miss Collegiate America competition. She was very active in musical theatre during her high school years and starred in shows like The Drowsy Chaperone, Suessical, Young Frankenstein, and more. She has been singing since she can remember and loves everything about music of all genres. She is very grateful for every experience that comes her way and she is excited to see what’s in store!

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“Beau is an amazing performer and musician which is what makes him such an incredible teacher. He is dedicated to helping his students learn, not only about the voice, but also about the performance aspect of acting through song. Beau is constantly learning new techniques and ways of teaching so that he can relay the information to his students clearly and accurately.

My favorite thing about my lessons with Beau was digging and creating a character. He understands the importance of balancing the voice with acting a song, and that is what I love most about him. Beau loves his students and you can truly tell by the way he teaches!”

—Katherine Cherok

I recently graduated from The Hartt School with a BFA in Music Theatre and I am so excited to get out and start auditioning. Some of my most favorite projects have included The Days of 98 Show with Soapy Smith in Skagway, AK, Private Gomer at Goodspeed Opera House, and Brigadoon at The Hartt School. 

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"Throughout my 5+ years with Beau I discovered so many new strengths within myself to continue developing. My vocal abilities grew tremendously, along with my knowledge of vocal health. With Beau's help, my confidence in my potential to be a professional performer grew to where I felt ready and able to pursue my BFA in Musical Theatre."

—Ava Smith

Ava is a musical theatre major at Coastal Carolina University and will be graduating in the spring of 2021. She played Elle Woods in their production of “Legally Blonde” her junior year. While continuing her theatrical training in college, she's spent her summers doing summer theatre. Some roles and shows include, Pattie in “Beehive”, Frenchy in “Grease”, Sister Mary Downey in “Disaster!” and others. Ava trained with Beau Stroupe from 2011-2016 in voice, piano, and acting. 

“My time with Beau gave me a newfound confidence in my voice while building upon my natural ability and past training. He is such a prolific educator and is always looking for new ways to push his pedagogy forward. Not only is Beau a fantastic teacher, accompanist, and vocalist, he has the biggest heart and will do whatever it takes to see all of his students soar. I wouldn’t be the performer I am today without his vocal lessons and mentorship.”

—Hailey Thomas

Hailey Thomas is a junior at Texas State University, pursuing her BFA in musical theatre. Most recently you saw her in all 6 shows of The Wagon Wheel’s summer stock season in Warsaw, IN. Notable roles include Brenda (Smokey Joe’s Café), Sour Kangaroo/dance captain (Seussical) Margot (Legally Blonde), Emilia (Comedy of Errors). @haileyolivvia

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“Beau Stroupe has been one of the most influential teachers in my life. I truly credit him for helping me develop healthy vocal techniques. Without Beau’s  help I have no doubt that I would not be the classical singer I am today. I am so eternally grateful to him for not only being a phenomenal teacher, but also a wonderful mentor and role model to me. Not only is he an amazing teacher for students of musical theatre, but he has extensive knowledge of classical and opera styles as well. There is no doubt that Beau’s training helped me achieve my scholastic choral awards and prepared me thoroughly for my college auditions. He is the best around for performers of all ages.”

—Maya Grace Buckner

Graduate, Northwest School of the Arts ‘20

Wingate University full tuition music scholarship recipient

“Beau has to be, without a doubt, one of the most genuine and supportive souls I know. I reached out for extra vocal training while in high school and received so much more than that. He taught me how to be more confident in myself and encouraged me to pursue my dreams to the fullest.

I learned so much more about vocal technique and performance quality throughout my time with Beau. He has continued to support me through my time in NYC and even as I've become an NFL cheerleader. He is always cheering on his students in their endeavors and never fails to make us each feel loved.”

—Marissa Garrison

Marissa Garrison trained in all forms of dance for 17 years at Barbie’s Encore Dance Productions in Mount Holly, NC. Over the years, she has also had the privilege of working with the Joffrey Ballet, Abby Lee Dance Company, North Carolina School of the Arts, and the American Ballet Theatre. In addition to dance, Marissa also received theatre and vocal training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy as a Dance Theatre Major in New York City. In 2019, Marissa was recognized in the Top 20 Best Actress Category in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina at the prestigious Blumey Awards for High School Theatre for her performance as Sally Brown in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” She served the great state of North Carolina in 2017 as Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen and was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Gaston County for 2019. She has used those opportunities as a platform to raise awareness for organ donation through the Destiny Lives On Foundation. She founded the “Sharing Talent, Giving Life” benefit talent show in 2016 to raise funds for the foundation and has raised over $15,000 in seven years. During her competitive dance career, she achieved several National Championships, along with winning the title of America’s Miss Dance 2020. That same year, Marissa accomplished one of her biggest dreams of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. She was featured on CMT's "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" on Seasons 15 and 16. She is currently in her 3rd season with the Cowboys, while also being a member of their Show Group.

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“From the time I first started working with Beau, I was given constant encouragement and excellent instruction! It was always obvious that there was something different about the way he taught, in that he genuinely cared for each one of his students and poured into each one so uniquely and so generously. The vocal skills, as well as the life skills I gleaned from Beau have impacted me deeply and will stay with me for many years to come!”

—Luke Protasewich

Luke is currently a Communications Major at Appalachian State University. In Middle School he played Sebastian in The Little Mermaid and Shrek in Shrek. In high school, he was the Production Liaison and the Secretary for his schools' chapter of the International Thespian Society. Luke has played Nikko, Tough Tot, and the understudy for the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz,” along with Bomatabois, Joly, and the understudy for Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables.” Luke was a Finalist for a Blumey for Best Leading Actor for his role as the Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera” and was nominated for a Blumey award for his role as Tuck in “Tuck Everlasting.”

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“Hi I’m Hannah Puryear! I’m apart of the graduating class of 2020. I took lessons with Beau for a few years before I graduated and it helped me grow in so many ways. Beau is wonderful at helping find great and relevant material for an audition book. He also offers vocal exercises that help unlock everything that your voice is able to do. The thing that probably stands out about Beau the most is that he takes the time to not only be a vocal coach but a mentor for all of his students. He helped me in becoming a better artist and an overall better human being. While working with Beau I was cast in many community theatre productions along with a handful of professional productions. I will be attending Pace University for a BFA in Musical Theatre and I couldn’t be more grateful to Beau for helping me with the college audition process!”

—Hannah Puryear

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“As a former student of the fabulous Beau Stroupe, I hold many fond memories of my time spent with him. I began with Beau in my sixth grade year and continued throughout highschool. Beau really brought out the best in me; from teaching me proper vocal technique, to helping me come out of my shell and let my light shine, he has been the biggest help in my music career.”

—Katie Seay

I am a recent college graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Recordings Arts and I am currently working on my own music, growing my fanbase and building towards the career in music I have always dreamed of! I am in the process of releasing singles to create a catalog of music prior to an album release. I also work an internship at a recording studio as an audio engineer!

“I have absolutely adored working with Beau as he is not only a wonderful coach, but an even better human. Beau always made sure my lessons were personal and productive while having a great time simultaneously. He was always open to what I had to say and allowed constructive criticism that pushed me to try things I would have never thought to do. I am forever grateful for our time spent together and miss working with him!”

—Bailey Greemon

Bailey Greemon (she/her) is from Fort Mill, South Carolina and a current sophomore at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee where she is a Musical Theater major. She began dancing at the age of four and has yet to stop! She picked up singing lessons with Beau around age 14 which is when she began to transition into the musical theater world. You may have seen her performing in the Charlotte area at CPCC in Oklahoma!, Grease, and Evita, or in The Producers at Theater Charlotte. Her most recent performance was this past spring in The Boston Conservator's production of RENT in which she played Mark's mom and was also the dance captain. She is beyond grateful to get to do what she loves everyday and with the support of people like Beau, it makes it ten times better! Insta: @bailey.greemon

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“I am currently a Sophomore at Furman University, majoring in Elementary Education. However, I still perform in my down time. Recently, I was in Furman's productions of Pippin, as Pippin, and Mamma Mia, as Harry. I started taking voice from Beau right when my voice was changing from a high soprano, to a low tenor. Without his help, I would not have been as confident in my upper register. Learning to belt and being able to support your voice with strong breaths is a complex task, but Beau made it so much easier. His unique techniques and warmups kept me in check with my voice and helped me better understand how to use it. Thank you, Beau, for all your help and the great years we spent together!”

—Ben King

“I was a 40-year-old newbie to acting with one year under my belt and wanted to start taking my first official singing lessons. From my first lesson, walking in as an old dude bringing contrast to his teen and college students, I could feel his studio space was a welcoming, affirming, and safe place for me to be and grow. I'm so grateful I found Beau Stroupe. From the basics on up, he assessed where I was starting from and patiently taught me breathing and diaphragm work, vocal techniques, and storytelling through song and body. 

He clearly knows his stuff about musical theatre performance and was adept at finding my type with me and locating songs for us to work on that were right for my journey. His decades of professional opera, musical theatre, song recording, and directing experience shine through in his teaching and incredible singing voice.

He amazes me in the way that he can open up any sheet music and play it with you at the highest level accompaniment I've ever seen while still paying close attention to my singing work and needs. I worked weekly with him for a couple of years and he's my go-to coach when I need to work on an audition or musical. I know I can count on him for all my musical teaching needs. Thank you, Beau, for who you are and what you do!”

—Jonathan C. Stephens

Jonathan C Stephens has always been a lover of the arts and storytelling. In 2019, the MTA nominated him for Best Newcomer for his role as Simon Stimson in OUR TOWN. In 2020, he won Best Actor in the 48-Hour Film Project. After a career teaching English, he founded and is CEO of a teaching curriculum business. He holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in Fiction and has written four novels. You can see his work in films: The Gazelle, Felon Love, Dying! to Escape, and the feature film The Part Where I Cry. Contact him at www.JonathanStephens.com.

“Maggie has been working with Beau almost eight years. He has helped her grow and develop as a student of voice while preserving her voice as she has matured as a singer. In addition to long term development, he has been instrumental in helping prepare her for many auditions by being available and providing accompaniment and vocal cuts.

Not only has he helped with vocal growth, but acting out the song and other acting techniques. We love Beau!”

—Peter Bailey, father of Maggie Bailey

“Ashani Smith (she/her/hers) took lessons from Beau during her junior and senior year of high school while attending NWSA! After a few years in a BFA Musical Theatre program and tons of self-discovery, she graduated with a BA in Stage and Screen with a concentration in Stage Management. She is now an Equity Stage Manager and currently the ASM on the Broadway 1st national tour of “Jagged Little Pill!” 

Even though she isn't performing anymore, all of her past, current, and future endeavors would not have happened without the endless training she got growing up in Charlotte theatre. Remember you will hear 100 no's before you get the one YES that changes your life and story. It is also okay to change your mind, change it again, and shock the world. There is nothing more important than your happiness & the decisions you make for yourself now will impact how you made them when you're out in the professional world. 

Ashani is also sending so much love to the next generations of NWSA MT's, Beau studio students, Broadway Dreamers, and every BIPOC kid growing up in the same crazy theatre community that gave her her voice." 

—Ashani Smith

Here more from our student’s parents

“Beau is so much more than a voice coach to Emily. Through the years he became her audition coach, acting coach, mentor and friend. He is one of her biggest supporters in musical theater and life.”

—Angie Bowers, student parent

“Beau is an exceptional teacher who meets his students where they are and grows them to their potential. That said, it’s not just his teaching skills that are impressive, he makes it fun for his students. My son often said that his lesson was the best part of his week. Beau’s positive relaxed attitude and his ability to never give up on a child even after the lessons have ended proves his commitment to his students. His commitment and empathy to his students is admirable. I realize this is a lot of praise, but know I do not give it lightly or without merit. Beau is the best of the best.”

—Nicole Garriga, student parent

“Beau was a vocal teacher and performance coach for two of our children over the course of five years and I can’t say enough about his gifts. He really takes the time to get to know each student and crafts instructional plans and goals for each student session. His preparation was instrumental in them landing key roles in several shows in local community theaters. It was a pleasure to watch all of the students in the studio and witness their evolution and growth at each recital. The skills that Beau imparts to his students gives them confidence in all areas of their life like presenting in a classroom, handling job and college interviews, and more. We are so fortunate to have someone of Beau’s talents, experience, and heart right here in the Charlotte area.”

—Tori Springate, student parent

We feel so fortunate and genuinely blessed to have found Beau. He not only provides professional instruction, but he coaches and mentors the individual throughout their journey.  He’s adaptive to our daughter’s strengths and weaknesses, encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone and broaden her skills.  We’ve experienced other coaching styles in different settings and can honestly say, we believe Beau’s approach to teaching coupled with the care he has for each one of his students is like “catching lightning in a bottle.”

—Rachel Johnson, student parent