Justin Werner is an operatic professional with extensive experience in production, education, and artist representation. Mr. Werner is the Founder and President of Stratagem Artists in 2018, which cultivates and represents a select roster of operatic artists through artist driven collaboration.

Between 2014-2018, Mr. Werner was a co-founder and artist manager at Couret & Werner (C&W) Artist Management.  Mr. Werner gained his initial Artist Management experience at IMG Artists, where he served as an Artist Management intern.

Mr. Werner was the founder and Artistic Director of New York Opera Exchange (2011–2015), which afforded numerous opportunities for emerging singers, directors, and designers to mount critically acclaimed productions. According to Opera Today, "Artistic Director Justin Werner manages to infect others with his enthusiasm through sheer force of charisma and passion."  Additionally, Mr. Werner founded the Independent Student Opera Initiative at Boston University.

A valued advisor for emerging artists, Mr. Werner is a frequent panelist for Opera America's Career Blueprints and Feedback Audition programs. He has presented masterclasses and workshops for institutions such as Emerging Leaders of New York Arts (ELNYA), Yale School of Music, the Stratford Summer Music Vocal Academy, Des Moines Metro Opera, the Glimmerglass Festival, CCM, Boston University, Fort Worth Opera / Texas Christian University, Oklahoma City University,  the University of North Texas, the New York Opera Alliance, the University of Delaware, Opera NextGen and the Seagle Music Colony. In the spring of 2021, Mr. Werner joined the Atelier Lyrique at L’Opéra de Montréal and Mannes School of Music at The New School as an Artistic Advisor in Residence to the Mannes Opera where he will return for the 2021/2022 academic year.

In past seasons, Mr. Werner served on the adjudicating panels of the McCammon Vocal Competition, Talents of the World Annual Voice Competition, MetroWest Vocal Competition, CS Music Vocal Competition and Opera Ithaca Competition. In the spring of 2023, he will judge the finals of the Cooper-Bing Competition at Opera Columbus.

Mr. Werner earned his BM in Vocal Performance from Boston University and his Advanced Certificate in Vocal Performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Mr. Werner is also proud to be the chair of the On Site Opera Artistic Advisory Council.

Rebecca Townsend is an accomplished arts administrator with a wealth of expertise in the fields of classical music and opera. Her portfolio is distinguished by her fostering of close collaborations with esteemed arts organizations and leaders worldwide.

Passionate about sharing her expertise with the next generation, she has been a speaker at the University of Toronto and participated in panels for the Association for Opera in Canada and Opera America. Additionally, she has served as a judge for the NATS Boston Competition and provided consultancy for prominent young artist programs, including Vancouver Opera’s Yulanda M. Faris Program, Opéra de Montréal’s Atelier lyrique, and the Highlands Opera Studio.

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​In addition to her role as Artist Manager with Stratagem Artists, Ms. Townsend also contributes her knowledge to the team at Lenny's Studio where she develops impactful content and connects artists with global audiences. As a former soprano, she performed roles such as Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte and Rose Maurrant in Street Scene, in addition to giving recitals at prestigious venues around Canada.

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from the University of Toronto, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management from Centennial College. Most recently, she earned the Osgoode Certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode Hall Law School.
 

Andrew Gilstrap recently joined the team at Stratagem Artists as an Associate Artist Manager, bringing to the role a rich combination of professional performance experience and a deep understanding of the classical music industry. As a bass-baritone, Andrew has performed with organizations such as Wolf Trap Opera, The Atlanta Opera, Minnesota Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, and Bayerische Staatsoper, in repertoire ranging from Mozart and Rossini to contemporary American works. His career has also included concert appearances with ensembles such as the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, the Chattanooga Symphony, and the Georgia Tech Symphony Orchestra.

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Andrew holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Voice Performance from the University of Houston, with additional training as a Filene Artist at Wolf Trap Opera, a Resident Artist at Minnesota Opera, and an Ensemble Artist at the Bayerische Staatsoper. This diverse background equips him with a first-hand appreciation of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s artists.

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In his role at Stratagem, Andrew is passionate about supporting and advocating for artists, helping them shape sustainable and artistically fulfilling careers.

A passionate administrator with a focus on database design, Maria Miller has served many roles in the nonprofit sector, most recently as the Development Coordinator with Classic Lyric Arts for five years. She attended RISE camp with the Crested Butte Music Festival in 2020, receiving training in grant writing and nonprofit entrepreneurship.

As an opera singer she has performed with Cincinnati Opera including several workshops and a premiere with OperaFusion: New Works, as well as Sarasota Opera, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and Opera on the James, and has completed residencies with Des Moines Metro Opera, Sarasota Opera and the Santa Fe Opera (Covid19). She also received training with the Mascarade Opera Program in Florence, Italy. Maria received accolades at the Saisons de la Voix competition in Gordes, France, two Encouragement Awards at the regional level of the Laffont Competition, and the Treigle Award in the Corbett Competition. She appears on several recordings with the Taylor Festival Choir in Charleston, SC. 

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Maria has extensive experience with writing. A fluent linguist, she served as a house intern at the Ruban Vert Théâtre in Aix-en-Provence, and has since offered translation and coaching services for numerous institutions and composers in French and Italian. She co-wrote Opera in Overalls' recital series Once Upon A Time that included a feature recital film with the Kentucky National Association of Teachers of Music. Her screenplay Housewife, co-written with Josh Kight, advanced to the semifinals of the Screencraft Film Fund. In past years, Maria wrote scripts for courses at Market House Theatre in Paducah, KY.  ​

Maria holds both a MMus and a BMus in Voice from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. She holds a French Honors Certificate from the Institute of American Universities, and studied French language and history at the University of Louisville. 

Nicole Khouzami is a Lebanese-American soprano and arts administrator from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Vocal Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music, where she was recently selected to be a Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Fellow through Eastman’s Institute of Music Leadership. As a fellow, she explores the intersection between performance and arts leadership in her work with the George Walker Center, and in roles as the Assistant to the Director for the Institute of Music Leadership and the Digital Communications/Production intern with Gateways Music Festival.

Nicole recently earned her BFA in Vocal Performance from Carnegie Mellon University, where she held roles in public relations and led various organizations, from cultural clubs to acapella groups and music fraternities. Nicole also studied Italian extensively throughout her undergraduate years. This summer, she was able to bring her passion for languages, performing, and broadening the typical opera audience into her work with the Todi Musica 2025 Festival (OperAffinity). 

Nicole’s identity as a member of the Middle Eastern North African community has deeply influenced her perspective as an artist and administrator; she is committed to bringing classical music to new audiences,  and continually seeks new ways to carry this commitment forward in both areas of her career.

Lyndsi Maus is an award-winning collaborative pianist who specializes in Lieder and working with singers. She holds a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music as well as a Master’s degree in Klavier Vokalbegleitung from the Kunst Universität Graz where she was a student of acclaimed British pianist, Julius Drake. During her studies in Austria, she was the recipient of several awards, including the Pianist Prize in the 2016 International Brahms Competition in Pörtschach, Austria and in the same year, the “Outstanding Lieder Pianist Prize” at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Graz, Austria. She is also a Britten-Pears Young Artist, having participated in the 21st Century Singer course in 2018.

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In addition to Lied accompanying, Lyndsi has served as a répétiteur and harpsichordist for several opera festivals around Europe, including works such as Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” and “Cosi fan tutte”, Humperdinck’s “Hänsel und Gretel”, and Monteverdi’s “L’incoronazione di Poppea”. From 2019-2021 she was a member of Opernstudio at Staatstheater Nürnberg, where she worked on projects such as Bernstein’s “West Side Story”, Britten’s “The Rape of Lucretia” and Rubenstein’s “The Demon”. For the 2021-2022 season, she joined the team at Theater Regensburg as a full-time répétiteur, playing in productions such as Massenet’s “Werther”, J.Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus”, the musical “Chicago”, and the world premiere of “Mui” by Anton Lubchenko.

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After seven years in Europe, she moved back to the United States in 2022 to join the faculty at Rice University The Shepherd School of Music as an Artist Teacher of Opera Studies. In addition to opera coaching, she teaches the graduate level course on Song Literature, and continues to concertize as well as creating special recital projects with students and advising with program planning. She also serves as the inaugural Artistic Consultant for Stratagem Artists, advising the roster on audition and recital repertoire, as well as collaborating with them from the piano on various projects.

Adelaide Boedecker is a multi-faceted artist who has always had a keen interest in how the business of opera has been created and can be improved upon.

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As a soprano, Ms. Boedecker has sung roles ranging from the baroque to the 21st Century, with organizations such as The Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Atlanta Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Florida Grand Opera, and the Merola Opera Program.

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Ms. Boedecker received her Masters of Music in Vocal Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music and also received the Arts Leadership Certificate of Achievement at the Eastman School. During the two year certificate course, Ms. Boedecker focused on the creation and management of 501(c)(3) music programs working directly with Madrigalia as well as Si Parla, Si Canta.

Ms. Boedecker was also the primary entertainment and arts ambassador on the University of Rochester’s nationwide Meliora Challenge capital campaign. During that time, she traveled nationwide and helped the university raise $1.373 billion.

Ms. Boedecker is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she received a bachelor of music in Vocal Performance. During her studies, Ms. Boedecker interned for Susan Danis at the Sarasota Opera and the University of Florida Opera Department. Due to her work with UF Opera, Ms Boedecker was honored to receive an award for Arts Advocacy and Fundraising from Florida Governor Charlie Christ.

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Ms. Boedecker is excited to be named an artistic fellow with Stratagem Artists, and to continue her education about the management side of opera. 

Madeleine Snow is an arts administrator and opera stage director. She strives to connect artists and audiences through innovative storytelling and foster strategic collaborations that advance the sustainability and impact of the art form.

With a background in development, event production, and community engagement, Madeleine's experience spans administrative positions at Opera Colorado, Boston Lyric Opera, American Repertory Theater, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. In these roles, she has spearheaded fundraising campaigns, cultivated donor relationships, and led educational programming.

A 2024-2026 Marion Roose Pullin Studio Artist at Arizona Opera, Madeleine also maintains an active creative practice as a stage director. Her recent engagements include productions at PAC NYC, Palm Beach Opera, Central City Opera, Boulder Opera, Loveland Opera Theatre, Rochester Philharmonic, Boston Youth Symphony, and Harvard College Opera.

Madeleine holds an A.B. in Psychology and Theater, Dance & Media from Harvard University and an M.M. in Opera Stage Directing from the Eastman School of Music.

Carly Ann Moore is a New York City based actress and performer with a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University. She's a skilled social media manager, specializing in website design and the development and maintenance of platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Carly is thrilled to be joining the Stratagem Artists team, where she is eager to blend her performing arts passion with digital storytelling.

“I am an opera singer-turned psychotherapist with a focus on relationships. My practice, Empowered Voice Therapy was born out of personal experiences. I spent much of my life in the performing arts as a vocalist, and what started out as a career fueled by passion and joy, turned into a life full of instability and insecurity. The irony of my situation was, that though I had a voice that was being heard by many, it wasn’t an empowered one. My disempowerment bled into both my platonic and romantic relationships; I rarely voiced what I wanted or needed, sacrificed my pleasure for the sake of others, and allowed my insecurities to dictate how I saw myself and the treatment that I believed that I deserved.

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My attunement to others and communication skills were useful in a career that focuses on collaboration; if you are not attuned, you are not in tune. I bring these skills into my work with relationships, as I believe that attunement and transparent communication foster connection and improve overall relationship satisfaction. Through experiences in my own therapy, I recognized that I was muting myself and suppressing my emotions in many aspects of my life. I ultimately decided that a career in the arts wasn’t serving me or my needs anymore and that I wanted to focus on helping others heal on their paths to self-discovery. I now help others find their unmute button and create a safe space for them to use their voices in whatever way makes them feel empowered.

I am member of AASECT and AAMFT. I received my training from Jefferson University’s Couple and Family Therapy Program, with a specialization in Sex Therapy, and a Clinical Internship with Council for Relationships. I am trained in levels I and II of the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy and maintain a profound commitment to ongoing education. Understanding that the therapeutic landscape evolves alongside societal shifts, I prioritize continuous learning to ensure I remain adept at addressing the diverse and evolving needs of my clients.”

Natalie Sheppard is a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Singing Voice Specialist dedicated to supporting singers through individualized care and long-term vocal wellness. She completed fellowship training in voice and upper airway disorders at the Blaine Block Institute of Voice Analysis and Rehabilitation (BBIVAR) and the Professional Voice Center of Greater Cincinnati (ProVoice Center). Natalie emphasizes efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in her work, with a focus on injury prevention to help singers thrive in their careers.

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Collaborating closely with laryngologists, psychologists, and other singing voice specialists nationwide, Natalie believes in comprehensive, team-based care for professional voice users. Known for her empathetic counseling style and lived understanding of the performing artist’s experience, she builds meaningful connections with clients while offering both clinical expertise and emotional support.

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An active educator and speaker, Natalie presents at national conferences and music conservatories through workshops, lectures, and masterclasses on vocal health. While earning her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Colorado, she pioneered the first collaboration between the university’s voice clinic and music school, providing educational programming and baseline videolaryngeal stroboscopy for singers—a model she continues to advocate for in supporting vocal athletes.

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In 2024, she received the Distinguished Early Career Professional Certificate from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for her leadership and advocacy in the field of voice.

As a classically trained mezzo-soprano, Natalie received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and pursued a Master of Music in Vocal Arts from the University of Southern California. She remains a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and maintains an active performing career, providing perspective grounded in firsthand experience. She works with singers performing on demanding stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, LA Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Cincinnati Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Broadway national tours.

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Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Natalie continues to practice at BBIVAR, the ProVoice Center, and Sonnenberg Voice, a Chicago-based practice specializing in singer care. She also maintains connections with the Bastian Voice Institute, a leading center for specialized vocal fold surgery, continuing to advance vocal health with expertise and passion.

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Natalie’s dual perspective as both clinician and opera singer guides her work with artists worldwide. “I am beyond grateful to provide vocal care for this incredible roster of artists and truly humbled by Stratagem Artists for welcoming me onto their team.”

Emma Rocheleau hails from Lexington, SC. She is the current 3rd Assistant Stage Manager at Houston Grand Opera. In recent years, she has been an assistant stage manager at Music Academy of the West and Merola Opera Program along with having stage managed multiple productions at Salt Marsh Opera, Opera Steamboat, and Pacific Opera Project. In addition to her work as a freelance stage manager, she has served as the Production Manager at Pacific Opera Project, Associate Production Manager at Spoleto Festival USA, and Assistant Production Manager at the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference. She holds a BM in Vocal Performance from the Peabody Conservatory and a MM in Vocal Arts from the University of Southern California.