Western Nevada College
Western Nevada College Professor of Music Stephanie Arrigotti and 11 other Carson City-area women will be recognized by the Carson City Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday during a luncheon event titled “Shining a Light on Carson City’s Extraordinary Women.”
Arrigotti has been a full-time faculty member at WNC since the mid-‘90s and actually started the college’s music program in 1977. Many people in Northern Nevada and beyond know Arrigotti for directing and producing musicals for Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company.
“I’m humbled that the Chamber of Commerce thought of me when they selected extraordinary women in our community,” Arrigotti said. “The Chamber is composed of many people who have visions of creating exceptional businesses, so to be selected by them is truly an honor.”
For producing more than 100 musicals, Arrigotti credits the collaboration and work of many others to make the WNMTC productions so successful.
“Looking back at 33 years building WNMTC, I feel truly grateful to be steering a ship of people who share my passion and vision for making extraordinary musicals — Choreographer Gina Kaskie Davis, who trains award-winning dancers; Vocal Director Judy Monson, who creates stunning music with singers of varied abilities; Orchestra Director Kevin Murphy, who selects and trains fabulous musicians; and Stage Manager Kelly Anderson, who assembles miracle workers to be in our crew,” she said.
“I am blessed to have had generations of talented performers grow up on our stage, forming a large musical theatre family, many of them eventually becoming professionals in the performing arts. And I couldn’t have met the intense demands of this position without the unswerving support of my husband, Rich, and children (now adults), Maria and David, who each became deeply involved with the company.”
Arrigotti said she would be remiss not to acknowledge the audiences that help make WNMTC completely self-supportive.
“Without our loyal audiences, we wouldn’t even exist,” Arrigotti said. “We’ve needed to assemble data on our audiences and were astounded to learn that they came from 20 states and Canada. In addition to buying tickets, many of them consistently donate to us — something I never take for granted. Some of our largest donors travel from out of state to see our shows.”
The feedback and support from them are very meaningful to Arrigotti and provide her with justification, in part, of why she continues to produce and direct musical after musical.
“I love receiving their letters,” she said. “Often, when I feel the most exhausted, someone will write such uplifting words that I feel completely refreshed. Occasionally, when the show ends and the audience is leaving, someone I don’t know personally will reach over the railing and give me a big hug. I have always felt the love and support of this community — feelings I gratefully return.”
In 2019, Arrigotti received national recognition when she was included in Musical America’s Top 30 Professionals of the Year: Movers and Shakers of the Performing Arts.
For those who wish to attend the luncheon on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gold Dust West, phone 775-882-1565 for tickets ($25 per person).
