Marian University student Abigail Krahe placed third in her division at the Indiana National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions on November 7 at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Krahe competed in the Fourth Year Musical Theatre Treble Voices division, performing four memorized selections from Ride the Cyclone, The Fantasticks, Spamalot, and Songs for a New World.
One selection, “Much More” from The Fantasticks, held special significance. Krahe first studied the song during voice lessons as a Marian freshman and recently performed it onstage in the university's production of the musical, where she portrayed Luisa.
Krahe was one of seven Marian students who competed in the statewide competition. The others were Kate Collins, Piper Gibbens, Emilie Hillenburg, Claire Orcutt, Lillian Pflueger, and Casandra Schaefer.
Collins competed in both classical and musical theater categories, preparing eight memorized selections. Her preparation reflected years of vocal training with Marian music professor Danielle Hartman, begun while Collins was still a high school dual-enrollment student.
Each NATS participant performs before a panel of three voice teachers, who evaluate vocal technique, musicianship, diction, artistry, and stage presence. The judges also offer feedback that students and instructors can use to strengthen future performances.
Hartman, who has taken Marian students to state and regional NATS auditions since 2024, said the experience gives students an opportunity to measure their skills against singers from other Indiana colleges and universities while gaining valuable feedback from professional voice educators.