NJP (Nice Jewish Person) Katie Cassell!
Each month, The Well highlights an amazing (and eligible!) individual.
This month, we have a conversation with NJP Katie Cassell!
TW: How did you decide to make your adult life in Metro Detroit?
KC: I grew up in Woodhaven, which is part of the Downriver area. I love what the city of Detroit has become over the years, and basically everything I've ever known is here.
TW: You currently work as an analyst at an advertising agency, but you have a very strong creative side (more on that in a minute). How did you get into this work and what parts of your job do you enjoy most?
KC: I actually stumbled on this position while looking for full-time work online. The parts of my job that I enjoy most are the culture, and learning so much while auditing all the sites, and television and radio scripts.
TW: You graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in music, and in addition to your day job, work as a professional classical and opera singer. Tell us a bit about how you discovered this passion and talent, and where your musical journey has led you so far.
KC: Well, I first wanted to study voice after seeing a touring production of the Broadway musical Annie, and Phantom of the Opera in Toronto. So I started taking singing lessons at a very young age and still do to this day. Since then I have performed at Carnegie Hall, Michigan Opera Theatre, been a guest soloist with various orchestras, as well as performing on tour in Vienna, Saltzburg, and Prague. I currently study with the head of voice at Wayne State and have a temple job anchoring the soprano section during High Holidays and music Shabbats, along with assisting the cantor when needed.
TW: In addition to vocal performance, you've also dabbled in modeling and acting. What are some of your favorite performances or opportunities to date?
KC: I've done a few commercials and print ads. As for my favorite performances, that would have to be being one of the actors for the Murder Mystery Company, the Detroit troupe.
TW: After a long day, what's your favorite way to destress and unwind?
KC: I'll either practice my music, play video games, or just binge watch Netflix.
TW: If you could travel to any fictional place, where would you go and why?
KC: That would have to be Hogwarts because I'm a hardcore Harry Potter fan.
TW: How do you like to give back to the community / others?
KC: I enjoy volunteering, such as face painting at Menorah in the D, as well as other events. I also performed a concert with the Pebble Creek Chamber Orchestra for seniors at Fox Run Senior Living. And I once visited a cancer patient at U of M Hospital.
TW: What's your favorite Jewish holiday and why?
KC: I like them all really, but I would call it a toss up between Rosh Hashanah and Passover, because one involves singing the prayers. But they both involve spending time with those I'm closest to, and that's the best part.
TW: Would you rather win an Olympic Medal (for what sport?), an Academy Award (in what category?), or Nobel Prize (in what)?
KC: Definitely an Academy Award in either voiceovers, stage, and/or film.
TW: Who would you invite to your dream Shabbat dinner? (modern and historical figures allowed!)
KC: I would have to say the cast of the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hanson because I can totally relate to the music and the storyline of the show.
TW: Best movie ever made, hands down?
KC: Some old English movies such as Pride and Prejudice and My Fair Lady that I used to watch with my grandmother all the time.
TW: If you could add an 11th Commandment, what would it be?
KC: People should accept others for who they are, and not judge on differences, appearance, etc.
TW: How about a fun fact?
KC: I was in a couple of scenes of the Superman vs. Batman movie.
TW: Finish the sentence: When I go to The Well...
KC: I hope to meet new people with whom I share interests, find friends, and share my ideas for other Well events.