Missy Wise Vanderzee, Founder
is a Louisiana native, raised in a house full of singer/musicians. Singing has been a part of her life since day one! After graduating from Centenary College of Louisiana with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance, Missy worked as a professional singer/actor/vocal educator in Louisiana. She released two EP’s that can be found on iTunes/Spotify & toured as a singer/songwriter throughout the south. In 2013, Missy decided to make her move to Chicago!
Since her relocation, Missy has become well known in Chicago’s thriving musical theater scene. In recent years, she has won two esteemed Joseph Jefferson Awards for her work on stage in Kokandy’s Bonnie & Clyde and Boho Theatre’s Bright Star. Missy has also won national awards such as First Place in the National Musical Theater Competition and a Bronze Medalist of the American Traditions Competition.
Missy has worked closely with Davin Youngs as his student and mentee, and is a Somatic Voicework™, The LoVetri Method level I teacher.
In her 14 years of teaching and performing experience, Missy has learned that every person has a voice and a song to share. She is passionate about bringing freedom and joy to the singing experience for every student she encounters & hopes that she can share that light with YOU!
Grace Bobber, Voice Associate
is a singer, actor, musician, and Midwesterner who has worked in Chicago's music and theater industries for 7 years. Grace is thrilled to join Missy's work at Sunburst!
Grace graduated from Northwestern University's music and theater schools in 2019. Her training at NU focused on the fundamentals of music theory, methods of acting through song, and healthy music theater singing techniques. Since graduating, Grace has supplemented her explorations and studies of the human voice through various music direction and performance opportunities across the Midwest. You can hear Grace on Spotify and Apple Music in both their own single, "January," and in an EP released by The Fisher Cats in 2020.
In addition to her work as a singer and pianist, Grace also plays the guitar and the bass. They are particularly excited about theatrical work that combines various elements of acting, singing, and playing instruments to tell a story.
Grace believes that everyone can sing and wants to help you develop your own unique and healthy voice, no matter if you're looking to sing in the car for fun or on a stage for work. Grace is eager to continue studying under Missy and hopes to create a warm and inviting space in the studio for you. She hopes to sing with you soon!