Ten Questions with Philip Skinner

Ten Questions with
Philip Skinner, bass-baritone
Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet


1.  Where were you born / raised? 
Born in Jackson, Tennessee.  Growing up, lived in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida (mostly Florida), as well as Tennessee.

2.  If you weren't a singer, what profession would you be in?
I hate to say this, but possibly banking.  Yikes.

3.  The first opera I was ever in was...
Colline in La Bohème, junior year at Northwestern.

4.  My favorite opera is...
Oh, come on...  Okay, maybe Dead Man Walking.

5.  My favorite pre-show / post-show meal is...
Before, maybe some chicken and salad (boring).  After the show, anything that includes cake.

6.  People would be surprised to know that...
I ran through a sliding glass door in 8th grade. 

7.  A few of my favorite books are...
To Kill a Mockingbird, The Power of Now, The Road Less Traveled, Still Life with Woodpecker, most of John Grisham's books.

8.  What do you like to binge-watch?
Sports.

9.  What four people (living or deceased) would you like to invite for a dinner party?
Babe Ruth, Jackie Kennedy, Oprah Winfrey, and Eckhart Tolle.

10.  Everyone should see Romeo and Juliet because....
Forever relevant; forever young.  If you listen and pay attention, you'll be moved to your core.


Don't miss the chance to see Philip in Romeo and Juliet, as Shakespeare's classic work comes to ravishing operatic life.  Performances are November 4 and 6 in Overture Hall.  Tickets start at $18; visit madisonopera.org for more information.