Music Alumna Zoe Pepper (BMus '23) shines onstage

University of Lethbridge alumna Zoe Pepper (BMus '23) continues to shine onstage in her career as an actor, dancer and singer. Joining ULethbridge for its Opera Workshop Program, Zoe was able to hone her skills in the field and gain experience from experts and seasoned performers while pushing herself to new heights.

As an undergrad, I got to perform several operatic scenes, a full operetta and perform with the Lethbridge Symphony on multiple occasions. When it comes to performance, you cannot underestimate the power of hands-on experience and that is exactly what the workshop gave me.

Meet Zoe (BMus '23). Ambitious. Disciplined. Resilient.
Program: Bachelor of Music | Major: Music studying Voice

Why did you choose to pursue fine arts at ULethbridge?

I was very blessed to have been introduced to the University of Lethbridge vocal program just before I graduated high school so I was somewhat familiar with the faculty. Truly, the draw for me was the Opera Workshop Program and the professors that supported that experience. Growing up in Lethbridge, I was always a part of the dance community, but once singing came into my life, I was very grateful to have a place so close to home that could facilitate that passion.

What was your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

My most memorable experiences have all been with the Opera Workshop Program. Throughout my time at the university, I have had the opportunity to do the Opera Workshop Program under the direction of Dr. Blaine Hendsbee and Dr. Sandra Stringer, both of whom I greatly admire and respect.

As an undergrad, I got to perform several operatic scenes, a full operetta and perform with the Lethbridge Symphony on multiple occasions. When it comes to performance, you cannot underestimate the power of hands-on experience and that is exactly what the workshop gave me. The days were long and stress levels were high but it was well worth it.

Did you take part in any experiential learning or Work-Integrated Learning opportunities as a student? How did they impact your education/career?

I suppose this comes back to Opera Workshop and also the University of Lethbridge Singers. The Opera Workshop gave me the chance to go beyond my voice and hone my acting and stage movement skills. Although it was not the 'real deal' professional setting, it was a great introduction to what the standards and expectations are in the real world.

The University of Lethbridge Singers stressed the importance of teamwork. In any capacity, you have to learn to work with people from various backgrounds and I felt that choir was a great way to facilitate that skill.

What inspires your artistic/musical practice?

I have amazing family, friends and mentors in my life who were very inspiring through my undergrad and continue to do so to this day.

I have been honoured to have worked under and alongside seasoned professionals and talented performers who have introduced me to different aspects of the fine arts world.

Aside from the people in my life, taking on different projects has been a massive inspiration. I have found that as I take on new roles and creative projects, I eventually get a wave of inspiration that aids me in setting a new standard for myself. It is very exciting to have those projects that have a balance of inspiration and complexity.

What have you been up to since graduating?

Since graduating, I've worked as an actor and choreographer at the Cardston Carriage House Theatre for the third summer (The Addams Family and The Wizard of Oz).

My most recent project is performing the role Maria in 'The Sound of Music' with Little Lethbridge Opera Theatre and Lethbridge Symphony. Aside from performance, I still have my hand in teaching dance, which is so fulfilling and reignites my passion for dance every time.

As for the future, I hope to perform for as long as I can and see how far I can push myself. I have no immediate concrete plans as far as performance is concerned, but the goal is to find my place in the fine arts world.

What advice would you like to give to Fine Arts students?

Give yourself so much grace because you are doing better than you think. Not just in the performing arts, but in any discipline, we can be our worst critics and we can be our own worst enemies. Try your best to take that bad grade or poor performance and instead of dwelling on it, learn from it. You will feel disappointed and discouraged but that is OK because it means you care! But the semester keeps going forward and you have to do the same. Ride the university roller coaster and see what you are capable of overcoming. I can promise you, that you have the potential to do more than you think as long as you keep going. Cherish your victories and learn from your setbacks.