Mezzo-soprano Bridget Skaggs (she/her) has swiftly gained the attention of Chicago audiences as “a compelling force” with an “agile, expressive voice” (Chicago Classical Review) equally at home in classical, contemporary, avant-garde, jazz, and musical theater. Critics have noted the way she “lights up the scene” (Chicago Reader) in appearances with Chicago Fringe Opera, Chicago Folks Operetta, Haymarket Opera, Fourth Coast Ensemble, the Chicago Ensemble, DuPage Chorale, Opera Steamboat, and Pittsburgh Festival Opera.

Bridget studied with Florence Birdwell (legendary teacher to Broadway stars Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O’Hara), during her bachelor's and master's education at Oklahoma City University’s Wanda L. Bass School of Music. Bridget embraced Birdwell’s teaching approach, which emphasizes the importance of words and honest storytelling.

A Chicago resident since 2012, Bridget has found her “forever teacher” here in acclaimed soprano Maria Lagos, professor emeritus at Roosevelt University. Maria’s teaching has ingrained in Bridget the tenets of excellent bel canto singing: agility, legato, breath support, balanced registers, and the art of singing a perfect high pianissimo.

Bridget is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) currently working towards an advanced 500-hour certification in Yoga Medicine. She believes that yoga and bel canto vocal techniques can work in conjunction to create a holistic approach to healthy singing.

A passionate advocate for art song, Bridget is a founding member of the vocal quartet Fourth Coast Ensemble. She will record this year in music by composer Lori Laitman and has recorded the American premiere of Paul Abraham's jazz operetta Ball at the Savoy for future release on the Naxos label.