Krista Benson began performing in musical theater at the age of ten. She performed in countless school and community theater productions growing up. Also an accomplished flutist, Krista chose to pursue a vocal degree with a musical theater emphasis in college. She graduated with a BA in music with a Vocal Option from SUNY Geneseo. She then went on to earn a Masters in Music in Musical Theater from The Boston Conservatory. During her time in Boston she had the honor of singing with The Boston Pops, The Thayer Symphony Orchestra and performing on The Spirit of Boston.
Many of her favorite musical theater roles from that time include “Once on this Island” (Timoune) “A Chorus Line” (Sheila), “Guys and Dolls” (Sarah), “The Apple Tree” (Barbara), “The Threepenny Opera” (Polly), “Oliver!” (Nancy) and “The Fairy Queen” (Titania) as well as roles in “Cabaret”, “Sweet Charity”, “Marat…Sade”, and “Hair”.
While attending The Boston Conservatory she met her future husband. After they were married they moved to NYC. After too many cold winters spent in Boston and NY they decided to move to southeast Florida. Krista had many opportunities as a professional performer at Stage Door Theater in Ft Lauderdale performing in such shows as “My One and Only”, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (Angel) “No Way To Treat a Lady” (Sarah) and the original musical “Are We there Yet?” (Woman 1).
After moving to upstate NY Krista then took some time away from the spotlight to stay home and raise their two daughters. Upon encouragement from a mentor, Krista began teaching vocal lessons in 2008. Krista’s training in both classical vocal technique AND musical theater has made her a unique resource for her students.
Under her tutelage many of Krista’s students have gone on to BFA musical theater programs at highly esteemed universities such as Rider, Montclair, SUNY Fredonia, Ithaca College, Belmont and Coastal Carolina to name a few. Krista’s students have also performed with the Boston Pops, Mormon Tabernacle Choir and have won numerous vocal competitions.
Currently Krista is a faculty member teaching Vocal Technique, private vocal lessons and Musical Theater at Ovation School of Musical Theater in Bradenton, FL.
Her passion for music, musical theater and working with her students is evident in her enthusiasm!!