Kellen Schrimper is a baritone vocalist with classical training and performance experience in multiple genres of music.  He currently trains in the voice studio of Leanne Freeman-Miller at Drake University, where he will return the 2019 fall to complete his Bachelor of Music degree.  

 

This summer Kellen is making his debut on the Des Moines Metro Opera stage during the 47th festival season! As an apprentice artist, he is studying the role of Colline from Puccini's La bohème and will be featured in the chorus of all main-stage productions of La bohème, Candide, and Berg’s Wozzeck. 

 

At Drake University Kellen has appeared in numerous main-stage productions, including Falstaff (Mr. Ford), Die Zauberflöte (Sarastro), Alice Ryley by Michael Ching (Richard White), Le nozze di Figaro (Antonio), scenes from Verdi’s Macbeth (Banquo), scenes from La traviata (Dr. Grenvil) and Jesus Christ Superstar.

 

Beyond the university stage, Kellen has performed with The Opera Project DSM in their production of Carmen (Escamillo) in 2018.  His debut performance with Cedar Rapids Opera was in Michael Ching’s Speed Dating Tonight!  As a featured soloist, Kellen has sung with Drake University's choir as well as the Ft. Dodge Choral Society.

 

Kellen has enjoyed opportunities to study and perform internationally.  He reprised the role of Sarastro in The International Lyric Academy's production of Die Zauberflöte last summer and previously trained with renowned tenor, George Shirley, while studying with the Opera Viva program in Verona Italy.  Kellen has also participated in numerous master classes, including one with world famous baritone, Sherrill Milnes.  

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As a young student, Kellen began his musical journey in the public school system, singing with award-winning classical, jazz and show choir ensembles. In addition, his acting debut as Sky Masteron in Waukee's production of Guys and Dolls led him to Broadway!  As the first male recipient of the Iowa High School Musical Theater Triple Threat Award, Kellen performed during the Jimmy Awards at the Minskoff Theater in New York, after training with Grammy and Tony award-winning performer Leslie Odom Jr.