Robert Ball (He / Him) is an artist who brings heart and passion to everything he does with “a voice that's smooth as silk” - BroadwayWorld.com . Most recently seen in Drayton Entertainments ‘Evita’, in the principle role of ‘Magaldi’. Robert has also appeared as principle character ‘Arthur’ in the movie ‘Christmas On 5th Ave’, in ‘Chicago’ the musical at the Stratford Festival, ‘Treemonisha’ - Opera at the Bluma Appel Theatre as part of the Luminato Festival and as a featured vocalist in the Stratford Festivals Streaming series “Canadian Mix-Tape” paying tribute to K.D. Lang, Rufus Wainright and Susan Aglukark directed by Richard Ouzounian and Thom Allison.
Robert began his career in Toronto’s gospel circuit as a soloist, choir member and choir director which lead to opportunities to lead choral and ensemble workshops throughout Toronto. He was assistant Choir Director for ‘Maafa’ in Brooklyn, NY, Artist Development and Vocal Coach for S4 Entertainment, he has been a sought after session singer working with producers; Promise (Montell Jordan, Drake), Saukrates (Nelly Furtado) and later Ray Angry (The Roots), Jason King (NYU Clive Davis Institute Chair) naming a few. Robert continues to work as a Mentor & Vocal Coach for NIA Centre for the Arts and as a Vocal Tutorial Coach at Sheridan College.
In 2006 he began what would be a 10 year journey with Royal Caribbean International as a Featured Vocalist, Vocal Captain and Headliner traveling to over 60 countries. In 2021 Robert had the opportunity to play legendary recording artist and voice actor ‘Levi Stubbs’ in the premier of the musical ‘The Soul of Motown’ at Stagewest Calgary, was cast in the principle role of ‘Brent' in the Steven Page & Daniel McIver show ‘Here’s What it Takes’ which was to have been part of the Stratford Festivals 2020 season. He also garnered a Best Actor in a Musical nomination by PlayBill.com for his performance in ‘Songs For A New World’ at Chestnut Street Playhouse, CT. In 2020 Robert curated a solo cabaret called ‘Bold, Bruised, Born to Be’ for ‘Up Close and Musical’ directed by Richard Ouzounian for STRATFEST@HOME, in 2021 he was featured in the Beau Dixon curated ‘Freedom Cabaret’ at the Stratford Festival - which later toured in 2023.
He has worked with the likes of; Tony Award Winner Lillias White as Vocal Director - “Funkentine Rapture” workshop, Carol Woods (Grammy & Oscar Nominee) as Principle/Ensemble in “Follow the Star” cantata, Kenneth Roberson (Emmy Nominee) - Ensemble “We Ain’t Perfect” workshop just to name a few. As a solo artist and background vocalist Robert has been fortunate to share the stage with and open for; Mary Mary, Nikki Yanofsky, Keshia Chante, Mya, Kim Burrell, Big Freeda among others. He has toured Pride circuits (Toronto, Jamaica, Brooklyn, DC, London ON) and made appearances on radio and tv (CTV, Bold TV, Rogers, Sirius XM, CP24, CBC) promoting his solo music a blend of soul & jazz.
As an event producer for BGMN (Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario) Robert produced a talk show series entitled “From Our Point Of View” hosted by Canada’s Drag Race resident Choreographer Hollywood Jade, three episodes of which were picked up and streamed on STRATFEST@HOME . Robert is not only a multidisciplinary artist but also an artist that believes as Nina Simone said “It is an artists duty to reflect the times…” with that he is an artist who gives back not only in his authentic artist practices but also in his mentoring and advocacy. Follow Robert on all social media outlets at: @RobertBallMusic
|
Robert Ball
