Blog Post: Oct 14, 2021

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis announced today the second class of the Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship. This innovative program is designed to cultivate future leaders in arts administration who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The class, which will join OTSL beginning October 18, includes Kiandra Mays (Artistic Fellow), Andréa Ochoa (Advancement Fellow), and Aaron Walker (Administration Fellow).

“OTSL is thrilled to be building on the success of the first year of this compelling program,” said Andrew Jorgensen. “Our company is known for preparing young singers to succeed on the world’s largest stages, and it’s vitally important that we take a holistic approach to identifying and nurturing talent in all aspects of opera, including young arts administrators. Kiandra, Andréa, and Aaron are fantastic talents in our field, and we can’t wait for them to join the OTSL team. We look forward to working with them as they further their careers, and are excited about their future contributions to the field of opera.”

The Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship provides in-depth work experience to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and capabilities that make careers in the arts possible. Building on their experience at OTSL, the inaugural class of Clayco Fellows have progressed into roles at prominent opera houses and music festivals. Lyanne Alverado, Administration Fellow, is now the Artistic Services Coordinator at the Houston Grand Opera. Artistic Fellow Chandler Johnson went on to serve at the Santa Fe Opera as an Artistic Intern and is currently the Artistic Programs Coordinator at the LA Opera. Quentin Beverly, Advancement Fellow, will graduate from his Master of Arts Administration program at Indiana University next spring; in addition to his studies, he worked with the Ojai Music Festival and also continues at OTSL as the Institutional Giving Assistant.

The second year of the Fellowship runs from October 18, 2021 through July 30, 2022. Over the course of the program, participants will serve in a full-time position specializing in one department while gaining hands-on experience in a range of essential functions across the organization. All Fellows will receive a full-time salary, benefits, transportation and relocation stipends, professional development, and networking opportunities. Each Fellow will also be mentored by another leader in the field, providing connection to the broader arts community. The Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship is possible thanks to a generous three-year commitment from Bob and Jane Clark and Clayco, the 2021 recipient of the Missouri Arts Award for Philanthropy.

“As we enter the second year of this initiative, Clayco is very excited to continue building on this important program with OTSL,” said Bob Clark, Founder of Clayco. “There’s a lack of BIPOC leaders in the arts, and this fellowship is taking steps to address that. We are incredibly encouraged by our first class of Fellows and their respective accomplishments. We extend a hearty St. Louis welcome to our second class of Kiandra, Andréa, and Aaron, and look forward to watching their success, as well.”