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 demonstrated a deep love for performance - singing in choirs, playing piano, and mastering the string bass. Her artistic foundation was shaped in the Performing Arts Magnet program at Robert E. Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama, where she studied under renowned educators Vivian Atkins and Barry Petty.

In 2001, Katy toured internationally as a lyric soprano soloist, performing in prestigious venues including Il Duomo and Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Italy. She has performed major oratorio works across Europe and throughout the United States, bringing clarity, warmth, and expressive storytelling to the classical repertoire.

Her work extends beyond performance into directing and arts leadership. Katy has been commissioned to direct musical productions for Apex Friendship Middle School in Apex, North Carolina, and Horizons Atlanta at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. She is deeply committed to inspiring young artists and lives by the mantra that shaped her own journey: Believe and succeed. She challenges her students with high expectations, firmly believing that “when you raise the bar, it will be met.”

Katy’s academic background reflects her dedication to both artistry 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 - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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

After spending a decade teaching in the general education classroom, Katy transitioned fully into theatre education in 2017, reigniting her passion for the performing arts. She began as the Drama Teacher at Scotts Ridge Elementary School before stepping into 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. In 2021, she founded Stage Presence Studio, where she continues to mentor and develop the next generation of confident, expressive performers.

Through every role - performer, director, educator, and studio founder - Katy remains committed to one core belief: performance training is about more than applause. It is about building courage, discipline, artistry, and leadership that lasts a lifetime.