Author: Susan Baushke

As President and Executive Director, Ms. Baushke brings a wide array of experience and skills to the company in both the arts and business. Holding both a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in Music Theory, Composition and Vocal Performance, and an MBA in Marketing and Strategy from DePaul University, she applies a balanced arts-business approach to guiding the corporation mission and connecting with audiences. Ms. Baushke guides the company strategy, marketing, development, artistic/Human Resources and front office--all functions that support connections with patrons, artists, donors and the community. Along with Steven Arvanites, she also helps the direction of productions to meet goals. Ms. Baushke leads the Artistic Team of the company. She applies her extensive performance experience in vocal performance, instrumental music, dance and visual art to the company, and is part of the Petite Opera Translation Team that updates works for modern audiences. Ms. Baushke has also written the libretto/dialogue for two of Petite Opera's works: Al Fresco - Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses, and That's Amore! As a featured performer and soloist, she has appeared with Petite Opera, Light Opera Works, The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, Big Noise Theatre, Collaboration, CenterStage Lake Forest, Southwest Michigan Symphony, Whiting Festival Park Orchestra, Park Ridge Gilbert & Sullivan company, Intimate Opera, and Bowen Park Opera, among others.