Described by Chicago Theatre Reviews as a “captivating, magnificently multitalented… starlet”, Tessa Newman is a singing actor and AGMA soprano based in Chicago, Illinois who is best known for her shimmering high notes and dynamic stage presence. Her upcoming projects include playing Miss Addy (Adina) in Opera for the Young’s adaptation of The Elixir of Love which will tour the midwest beginning in October 2025. She is also contracted to perform Fiametta in the Gondoliers with Gilbert and Sullivan Chicago and cover Phaino in Here be the Sirens with Chicago Fringe Opera in 2026. She received her Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from University of North Texas under the tutelage of the Metropolitan Opera’s Molly Fillmore. At UNT opera, Tessa performed as Young Vixen and Pepik in Janajek’s Cunning Little Vixen, Esmeralda in Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, and Valentina Scarcella in Musto’s Later the Same Evening, all directed by Jonathan Eaton. She was also awarded the Melody Claire Hall scholarship, courtesy of the SOCO Women’s Chorus in Austin, Texas. While living in Texas, Tessa had lots of success performing in musical theatre, performing as a soloist and tap dancer in Jerry’s Girls at Theatre Frisco, Ethel/dance ensemble in 42nd Street at Garland Summer Musicals, Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone at Allen Contemporary Theater, and Past/Fred’s Wife in Ebenezer Scrooge at Pocket Sandwich Theater. 

Tessa graduated with her Masters of Music at DePaul University this June as a member of Viktoria Vizin’s voice studio. She played Olympia in Vizin Virtual Ensemble’s Les Contes D'Hoffmann, and performed the ‘Doll Aria’ complete with splits and high kicks at Viktoria Vizin studio recital. DePaul Opera Credits include Mae Jones in Street Scene by Kurt Weil directed by George Cederquist and conducted by Catherine O’Shaughnessy, and Miss Jessel in Turn of the Screw directed by Amy Hutchison. She also played Ophelia from Hamlet by Ambroise Thomas and Alice in A.L.I.C.E- A Wonderland Opera by Amy Scurria, both directed by Amy Hutchison in DePaul’s Opera Workshop. She performed with the DePaul Chamber orchestra as the soprano soloist in the new world premier of Herr Senda by Franz Benda, conducted by Eric Esparza. Tessa made a splash upon her return to Chicago, receiving a Jeff nomination for Best Ensemble for her performance as Fredrika/Liebeslieder in A Little Night Music at Theo Ubique cabaret. She was the dance captain and a Stanely daughter in The Pirates of Penzance at Gilbert and Sullivan Chicago. She performed scenes as Adele from Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss Jr., Euridice in Orphée aux enfers by Offenbach, and Clairette in La Fille de Madame Angot by Laqoq with Great Lakes Operetta’s Operetta around the World concert. Favorite musical theater roles include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Theatre on the Hill, Janet Vandegraf in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof at Westmont Performing Arts. Opera highlights include playing Lakmé in Lakmé with Chicago Summer Opera, Lucia in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor at Mediterranean Opera Studio and Festival,  Königin der Nacht in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte at FAVA Opera, and Donna Elvira in International Bel Canto Academy’s Don Giovanni. In addition to her professional singing career, Tessa is a private lesson teacher and acting/vocal coach, specializing in audition training for young working actors and accessible lessons for students with ADHD and autism. She can also be spotted playing princesses, super heroes, and other famous characters at parties, festivals, and corporate events with Princess Party Chicago.