The Apprentice Artists program provides a platform for undergraduate voice students to gain performance experience with a professional company while working alongside and learning from Opera Orlando staff and guest artists. Currently, the Apprentice Artists program is a partnership with Stetson University, which allows singers to earn college credit through their participation in the program.
2026-27 apprentice artists
Charlotte Kierstead is a senior at Stetson University pursuing a bachelor of music degree with an outside field in theatre arts. A native Floridian, she began her formal vocal training with Sarah Cheatham at Eastern Florida State College, earning her Associate of Arts degree before transferring to Stetson and studying with Chadley Ballantyne and Karen Coker-Merritt. She expects to graduate in 2027.
Most recently, she performed as Gretel in Stetson Opera Theatre’s 2026 production of Hansel and Gretel and will appear in their 2027 production of Cendrillon as the title role. She has also been featured as a soloist in Stetson University’s Festival of American Anniversaries (2025), performed as an ensemble member in Stetson University’s production of In Pieces (2025), and placed second in the 2024 CFLNATS chapter auditions.
soprano CHARLOTTE KIERSTEAD
Elisabeth Lundstrom, from Hobe Sound, Florida, is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in vocal performance at Stetson University where she studies with Dr. Chadley Ballantyne. Some of her stage credits include Hansel in Steton Opera Theatre’s 2026 production of Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretel. She also sang the role of Sam in In Stetson University’s production of In Pieces, a new musical by Joey Contreras, and Rizzo in the musical Grease. In Spring of 2027 she will sing the role of Le Prince Charmant in Stetson Opera Theater’s production of Cendrillon.
mezzo-soprano ELISABETH LUNDSTROM
Hank Evans is an Opera Orlando apprentice artist from Stetson University, and is currently in his Junior year majoring in vocal performance. He was the 2026 winner of the Florida Federation of Music Club’s collegiate voice competition, and is an alumni ambassador for the Schmidt Vocal Arts program. Hank will sing the role of Pandolfe in Massenet’s Cendrillon with Stetson Opera Theater in spring of 2027, and will also perform the role of Herr Schlendrian in Bach’s Coffee Cantata with the Stetson Bach Society. Hank is also an alumnus of the Opera Orlando SINGS! program.
baritone HANK EVANS
For more information about the Apprentice Artistsprogram email education director Sarah Purser at Sarah@OperaOrlando.org or call (407) 512-1900.
2025-2026 APPRENTICE ARTISTS
Alyssa Pimental, soprano
Evan Martinez, tenor
2024-2025 APPRENTICE ARTISTS
Rachel Castillo, soprano
Tajah Garrett, mezzo-soprano
Nicholas Dieux, baritone
Kenneth Browning, bass-baritone
2023-2024 APPRENTICE ARTISTS
Isabel Barbato, soprano
Nidia Guevara-Nolasco, mezzo-soprano
