About Us
Gillian Kelly
Gillian Kelly trained at Indiana University with Virginia Zeani and Lynn Luciano. She completed a Master’s Degree in Vocal Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University where she studied with Dr. Ron Combs. She also participated in the Institute of Voice Performance Pedagogy at Oberlin College with Dr. Richard Miller. Her singing career started as an opera singer and recitalist. Some of her operatic roles include Madame Butterfly, Countess in “The Marriage of Figaro,” Alice Ford in “Falstaff,” and Octavian in “Der Rosenkavalier.” Known for her ability to combine wit with warmth as well as theatricality with sincerity, Gillian Kelly has become a beloved staple on Chicago’s cabaret scene.
A talented actor, Gillian is a former ensemble member of The Artistic Home, “known for its…intense acting, and total commitment to the realistic cause” (Chicago Tribune.) Her roles include Vee in Tennessee Williams’ “Orpheus Descending,” Rose in Arthur Miller’s “After the Fall”, and Aurelia in “The Madwoman of Chaillot.”
A leading director of theatre and cabaret, Gillian is known for her ability to entice strong performances from her actors.
“…What director Gillian Kelly has accomplished is a feat of significant proportions…they give performances of meaningful range, revealing moments of sly humor that offset the incredible failings of these characters.” – Chicago Tribune
Gillian’s dedication as a teacher has made her one of most skilled and sought-after voice teachers in the United States. After working with the Center for Voice for 11 years as a private voice instructor, acting teacher, and Administrative Director, Gillian decided to create her own voice studio, Voice Quest Inc., where she and business partner, Claire Bigley, train professional singer/actors who have appeared in all the major theater companies in Chicago, including Steppenwolf, Goodman, Drury Lane, Porchlight, and Marriot Lincolnshire as well as National Tours, the Rockettes, and other New York theatres. Gillian and Claire have taught musical theatre classes at the Tony-award winning Victory Gardens theatre and The Artistic Home.
Claire Bigley
Claire Bigley received her Bachelor’s Degree in piano performance from Miami University of Ohio and a Master’s Degree in piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied accompanying with the renowned Anne Epperson. After moving to Chicago, Claire had the privilege of studying with the acclaimed CSO pianist, Mary Sauer. For three years, Claire was one of the pianists with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. A well-respected accompanist for vocalists as well as instrumentalists, Claire has become one of the leading accompanists in Chicago.
As a musical director, Claire has worked with some of Chicago’s finest theatres–including Apple Tree Theatre and New Tuner’s Theatre. She has worked nationally with Mishar Productions performing “The Fantasticks” and musical directing “Romance, Romance.”
As co-conductor (with Gillian) of the men’s ensemble, The Windy City Slickers, Claire started arranging music. Most recently, she has written original songs which she and Gillian perform in their show, “Love Struck.”
Vincent Lonergan
Vincent Lonergan began his education attending the North Carolina School of the Arts and finishing with a Masters of Music from Indiana University completing his graduate work with Margaret Harshaw.
This led Vincent to the Chicago stage performing in over fifteen operas plays and musicals in under ten years. In 1985, Vincent began teaching voice lessons, while continuing his career as an actor. This is Vincent’s fifth season as an ensemble member of the Signal Ensemble Theatre where he played Petey in The Birthday Party, Ben Franklin in 1776 (Jeff Award nomination), Mashkan in Old Wicked Songs (Jeff Award nomination), Polonius in Hamlet, Mr. Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer and Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing. Chicago area credits include Gepetto in The People’s Pinnochio (Quest Theatre Ensemble); the Beggar and Old Joe in A Christmas Carol, and Egeus and Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Metropolis Theatre Company); Karenin and the Priest in Anna Karenina, and Gloucester in King Lear (Vitalist Theatre); Gustav in The Christmas Schooner (Bailiwick); Buddy in City of Angels (Onetheatre Company); Cooly in Anyone Can Whistle (Pegasus Theatre); and numerous roles with TinFish Productions.
For more info on Vincent, check out 5 Questions with Vincent Lonergan http://blog.signalensemble.com/2009/12/five-questions-with-vincent-lonergan.html