Whit Whitaker

I am a Performing Artist still trying to live the dream in an often unappreciative and less than financially stable arts world. Currently, I live and work in Lexington, Kentucky where I attended the University of Kentucky to earn both my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and my Master of Arts in Arts Administration. Prior to solo and ensemble singing and studying voice at the university, I began my music education as violinist at the age eight. Graduating second in my high school class, I enrolled as an undergraduate at Kentucky State University where I had the privilege of studying with noted composer and conductor, Dr. Charles Lloyd, Jr., currently the Director of Voice and Choral Studies at Southern University at Baton Rouge, prior to transferring to the University of Kentucky.

While at the University of Kentucky, I studied voice with Dr. Everett McCorvey, Director of Opera Studies and founder of the internationally known American Spiritual Ensemble; and Prof. Emeritus Phyllis Jenness, founding Director of Opera of Central Kentucky and founding Director of the world-traveled Lexington Singers. As a singer, I have had multiple performance opportunities to perform in England, Spain, France, Canada and the United States. As a stage actor, I have had the privilege of performing regional and local stages, garnering such roles as Sportin’ Life (Porgy & Bess), Chad Deity (The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity), The King of Siam (The King and I), Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote (Don Quixote), Fred Graham/Pertruchio (Kiss Me Kate), Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell), Choreographer/Singer Dancer (Ain’t Misbehavin’), Tom Robinson (To Kill a Mockingbird), George Murchison (A Raisin in the Sun), Private C.J. Memphis (A Soldier’s Story), Godfrey Crump (Crumbs from the Table of Joy), Bardolfo (Falstaff), Mr. Kofner (The Consul) and Betto (Gianni Schicchi).

I continue to perform as a contract performing artist and church soloist for concerts, recitals and as a member of the American Spiritual Ensemble, the Kentucky Bach Choir, the Lexington Singers, and a lead singer and percussionist with the band the Mercy Men. When I am not performing, I also work as personal trainer/fitness instructor teaching fitness classes at the YMCA and an arts administrator for the Kentucky Bach Choir.