Katy Bridges

Katy Bridges: A Passion for Performance and Education

Katy Bridges has been immersed in the world of voice and musical theatre since 1995. From an early age, she displayed a deep love for performing—singing in school choirs, playing piano, and mastering the string bass. Her dedication led her to the Performing Arts Magnet program at Robert E. Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama, where she studied under the esteemed Vivian Atkins (Viv) and Barry Petty.

Her performance career flourished, and in 2001, she toured as a mezzo-soprano soloist, performing in renowned venues such as Il Duomo and Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Italy. She has also performed various oratorio works across Europe and the United States.

Beyond the stage, Bridges has been commissioned to direct musicals for Apex Friendship Middle School in Apex, North Carolina, and Horizons Atlanta at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. She is passionate about inspiring students, holding close to the mantra that shaped her own journey: “Believe and succeed.” She firmly believes that “when you raise the bar, it will be met,” instilling confidence and ambition in her students.

Bridges holds an impressive academic background with degrees in music, theatre, and education:

    •    B.A. in Music Performance – Peace College, Raleigh, NC

    •    B.A. in Elementary Education – Meredith College, Raleigh, NC

    •    M.A. in School Administration – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    •    M.A. in Theatre – Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA

Bridges spent a decade teaching in the general education classroom before transitioning to theatre education in 2017, reigniting her passion for the performing arts. She began as the Drama Teacher at Scotts Ridge Elementary School before taking on her current role as Theatre Teacher and Director at East Cary Magnet Middle School in Cary, North Carolina.

Her journey into private instruction began in 2018 when she started offering voice and piano lessons. By 2021, she founded Stage Presence Studio, where she continues to nurture and develop the next generation of performers.