Will Perkins has been lauded by Opera News not only for his “sympathetic, forthright tenor,” but also for his ability to breathe life into the characters he portrays, “to emerge as the voice of reason.”  A diverse performer, Dr. Perkins has enjoyed singing lead roles in opera, operetta, and musical theater. He is equally at home singing Mozart as he is performing barbershop or contemporary musicals. His love for varied repertoire was also the subject of his dissertation: Incorporating Musical Theater in the Classical Voice Studio, which explores the benefits of the integration of this important American art form in singers’ personal study for their artistic development as well as career sustainability in today’s market. 

As director of MTSU Opera Theater, Dr. Perkins has built a close working relationship with the Department of Theatre and Dance.  Their inaugural collaborative project, Sweeney Todd, played to sold-out audiences in the fall of 2021.  He has been sought after for his creative directing abilities by IU Opera Theater and Sylvia McNair’s Opera Workshop.  A frequent faculty member of the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts, Dr. Perkins is also director of Brigham Young University's Broadway Bootcamp and the Orpheus Vocal Competition.

Will also finds great value in recital performance, and is interested in innovating the traditional programming format to include more meaningful and insightful set groupings. As a soloist, he has appeared recently with the Stones River Chamber Players;  The Art Song Society; and at the Salt Lake Tabernacle singing Peter in Rob Gardner’s oratorio Lamb of God under the direction of Dr. Jane Fjeldsted. 

During graduate studies at Indiana University, Will was selected to sing leads in two world premiere operas, including Vincent by Bernard Rands, the recording of which can be found on the Naxos American Classics label. Additional engagements have included Utah Festival Opera and Ohio Light Opera. Favorite roles include the title role in Candide; Camille in The Merry Widow; Jinx in Forever Plaid; Dr. Madden in Next to Normal; and Laurie in Mark Adamo’s Little Women.

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