“Anna’s directing brought out the best in me.”

- Actor in Suor Angelica

As a director

Anna wishes to create a safe space for expression and digging deeper. A natural on stage herself, Anna believes that her extensive experience as a performer brings a special quality to the shows she directs. As a new and budding director, Anna led a production of Suor Angelica through UMKC’s opera department. This production saw three sold-out performances in the intimate setting of UMKC’s Black Box Theatre. She is eager to continue directing and expanding her repertoire in this way.

An actor from this production remarks,

“Suor Angelica was truly the best show experience of my life thus far. Anna fostered an open and welcoming rehearsal space that allowed us as cast members to be vulnerable, which is so important, especially with a show with as intense a subject matter as Suor Angelica. Her directorial style was very organized and concise while also encouraging artistic expression and collaboration.”

All Suor Angelica photos courtesy of Kirstie Lynn

Instagram: @kirstietheworsty

The Emperor’s New Clothes…Cont’d

Directed, Filmed, and Edited by Anna Mans, this Mini-Opera was composed by Leyou Wang as a commission for new operas at UMKC.