Stagebound Foundation (SF)
Stagebound has changed the lives of many young singers by fulfilling its mission of providing an opportunity for aspiring professional performers of all genres to grow in a nurturing, fulfilling, and professional environment.
Success in the entertainment industry challenges even the most fortunate aspirants; the years and cost of training are simply out of reach for too many talented performers. Stagebound Foundation understands these challenges and is committed to a performing arts industry that is inclusive, multi-genre, and accessible to talent from all walks of life. We envision an industry where gifted performers from disparate backgrounds and genres can genuinely hope to appear on multi-dimensional stages and theatres, in TV and film, or streaming on our devices worldwide, while gracing us all with their skill and hard work. Through coaching, network, production, and deep expertise in multiple entertainment industries, Stagebound helps extraordinary musical talent achieve success. Gifted and creative performers who are financially challenged, marginalized or from average working-class families deserve the opportunity to explore and develop their unique gifts, because extraordinary talent should never be silenced due to circumstances.
Stagebound is the brainchild of trailblazer, performer, and master teacher Karen Parks. Parks is a Fulbright Scholar, Olivier Award nominee, and Billboard chart-topper. She also serves as master teacher, classical panelist, and vocal consultant for YoungArts (Presidential Scholars), Broadway, film and TV. Parks has performed in twelve languages and fourteen countries at major concert halls, cathedrals, and opera houses, worldwide. Her career highlights include performances at Carnegie Recital Hall, Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, London’s Old Vic Theatre, the renowned APOLLO in New York City, and with the San Francisco Opera, Savonlinna Opera, London, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Budapest, UNICEF’s World Symphony, and the Boston Pops.
As a Fulbright scholar, Parks was awarded exclusive study with the maestro at La Scala Opera in Milan, Italy, and was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performances of Cindy Lou in Carmen Jones at London’s Old Vic Theatre. Her numerous solo and collaborative recordings include: Nobody Knows: Songs by Harry T. Burleigh, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Charts (classical); Carmen Jones (EMI); Nocturne, the first English language album of Finnish classical poetry; the world premiere of Perfect Harmony (recorded, televised, and aired internationally); Song of America, a compilation album of songs by renowned artists related to the history of America; and Rosa Parks: Pure Love, an oratorio concerned with the ideas of freedom, liberty, and justice, by progressive composer Wadada Leo Smith.
Parks received her undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees at Furman University, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of California at Santa Barbara in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy. She also specializes in Musical Theatre and the African American Spiritual.
Having served on the faculty of NYU/Tisch School of Dramatic Arts, New Studio on Broadway, Parks is currently Associate Professor of Vocal Arts and Opera at the University of Southern California and the CEO and Director of Stagebound, Inc.
Stagebound provides multiple resources to students:
Private Vocal Instruction
Group/Ensemble Instruction
Vocal and Acting Intensives, Workshops, and Seminars
Vocal Coaching o Masterclasses
College Consulting
Musical Theatre Casting, Outreach, Talent Scouting, Preparation
Production
Writing/Directing (TV, Film, Stage)
Publishing
Stagebound Academy, Individual Tutoring, Referrals
Your donation helps us bring extraordinary musicians from all backgrounds and genres onto a stage or platform near you. The world needs them now more than ever.