Roberta Duchak is a highly acclaimed, award-winning music director, vocal coach, and Broadway actress, known for her remarkable contributions to both Chicago and New York theater. Currently serving as the North American Music Supervisor for Broadway’s hit musical SIX, Roberta has built a sterling reputation for her expertise in vocal coaching, music direction, and performance. Her recent projects include Broadway: The Notebook (Vocal Coach) and Hell’s Kitchen (Vocal Coach) at The Public Theatre, now on Broadway.
With over three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Roberta has mastered the intricate demands of sustaining vocal health for long Broadway runs and tours. She is widely recognized for coaching stars such as Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman for their roles in Les Misérables (Film), and her students consistently appear on Broadway, National Tours, TV/Film (including The Voice and American Idol), and in the recording industry.
A sought-after private coach, Roberta teaches in both Chicago and New York, and virtually, with a client list ranging from emerging artists to established performers. Her workshops and master classes on vocal technique, pop and musical theater auditions, and vocal performance are in high demand at universities nationwide.
As an actress, Roberta has graced stages on Broadway and National Tours, portraying iconic roles such as Mother in Ragtime, Magnolia and Ellie in Hal Prince's Showboat, Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Ghost of Christmas Past in Scrooge opposite Richard Chamberlain. She has also performed as a soloist at the renowned Ravinia Festival and released her own CD, Intersections.
Roberta has served as musical director for productions at notable venues like Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Goodman Theatre, and Drury Lane Theatre, earning two Jeff Awards and five nominations for her work. She is also the proud founder of Vocal Boot Camp America (vbcamerica.com), a program designed to help singers of all levels strengthen their skills and master a variety of vocal styles.
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Roberta’s enduring connections with casting directors, producers, and directors, combined with her deep musical talent and industry insights, make her an indispensable force in the world of musical theater. Whether working with seasoned professionals or those new to the craft, her passion for elevating vocal performance is unparalleled.
“Roberta speaks “voice” in a way that singers can truly wrap their heads- and voices- around. Her focus on both vocal technique and the ability to communicate a piece’s true intent is remarkable. She has the extremely rare gift of helping a singer get out of his or her own way, and- in so doing- helps them to discover vocal potential they didn’t realize they had. Working with her has been the single most effective thing I’ve done for my voice."
-Summer Naomi Smart, Wicked Chicago, Jeff-Award Winner
She was the on-set vocal coach for Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman for the 2012 feature film Les Misérables, as well as the 2013 Academy Award performance.
A former Broadway and national touring performer herself,
Roberta teaches privately in Chicago, NY and via Zoom!
She musical directed and composed additional vocal and instrumental arrangements for Brigadoon at Goodman Theatre in Chicago, IL, and is currently the US & Canadian Music Supervisor for Six: The Musical on Broadway at the Lena Horne Theatre, the Aragon and Boleyn National Tours and a brand new Canadian Company opening in Toronto!
Roberta spent several years as the resident Musical Director at the Drury Lane Theatre, where she received seven Jeff Nominations and has won TWO Jeff Awards for Ragtime and Six. She has worked with Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, Mercury Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Northwestern University, Writers Theatre, and created new arrangements for the Original Grease
at American Theater Company.
She performed on Broadway in Ragtime (Mother) and several national tours, including Scrooge (Christmas Past) with Richard Chamberlain, Showboat (Magnolia/Ellie), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa Peretti), which she also played in the sit-down Chicago production.
As a vocalist, she can be heard on numerous cast recordings, including her debut solo CD “Intersections”, ”Second City Divas," and "Second City Divas: Live at the Mercury." She was a featured soloist at the prestigious Ravinia Festival, where she also performed with Patti Lupone and Audra McDonald in A Little Night Music and Sunday in the Park with George.
Roberta is pleased to share the news that she will be performing in a one-night only benefit concert with the Original Broadway company of RAGTIME on Monday, April 27, 2020, at the Minskoff Theatre (200 West 45th St.). This celebratory benefit concert will star original cast members, with six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald (“Sarah”) and two-time Tony Award-winner, Brian Stokes Mitchell (“Coalhouse Walker, Jr.)
After eight years as adjunct faculty at Columbia College Chicago, the Indiana University graduate now visits universities, colleges, and high schools around the country to share her expertise and train the next generation of musical theatre artists.
Roberta is the founder of Vocal Boot Camp America (vbcamerica.com), now in its eighth year, dedicated to helping singers master a wide range of vocal styles. Her program is designed to inspire and empower students at all levels, providing expert coaching and guidance to develop their full vocal potential !
It's all in the family! Roberta is married to acclaimed photographer Brett Beiner. Looking for new headshots, production stills, or publicity shots? Visit Brett Beiner Photography to learn more.
"Roberta hasn’t just been a voice teacher to me, she’s kinda been like a second mom. I’ve been seeing Roberta for close to six years now, and she has taught me everything I know about music. Since I’ve started seeing Roberta, I’ve gained confidence and so many skills. To say that I’m thankful for Roberta would be an understatement.
She quite literally changed my life in the best way possible,
and I can’t imagine it without her."
-Maya Hlava, Steppenwolf (The Wheel), Writers Theatre (Trevor), Drury Lane (White Christmas and Bye-Bye Birdie), and Court Theatre (Secret Garden)
Roberta Duchak and Carey Deadman's
CabaretandConcerts.com
During this Pandemic, performers have had a difficult time making a living.
Carey Deadman, one of the greatest orchestrators in the business, and I decided to help our community stay employed and suddenly a new business was born!
We have been fortunate to create concerts with the most talented singers and musicians. CabaretandConcerts.com will create a brand new show for your event, private party, theatre or fundraiser. We can build the show of your dreams!
Here is a clip of "In love with Broadway" featuring Allison Sill and Evan Tyrone Martin.
Call me to discuss your event. We will bring the music to you!