Natalie Ballenger

AEA • AGMA • SAG‑E

Natalie Ballenger is a New York City–based crossover soprano and actor who moves easily between Musical Theater, Opera, Television, and Film, celebrated for her “luminous” soprano voice and her fresh, vibrant take on classic leading roles.

Natalie can be seen on stages and screens around the world. Most recently finished a workshop of a new musical Bran Castle (dir. Simon Phillips - Priscilla Queen of the Desert), Law & Order: Organized Crime (Peacock), The September L. Davis Apology Tour (written and starring the hilarious and lovely Ana Gasteyer for Ars Nova), and another NYC Reading of the new musical Arnold Das Musical (Maria Shriver), written by Al & Jon Kaplan (Silence the Musical) and starring Andy Karl as Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Natalie has performed in over 30 different countries as Maria in the Centennial World Tour of West Side Story, and the International Tour of Beauty & The Beast. At home in New York, Natalie made her New York City Opera debut at Lincoln Center in the double bill of Rachmaninoff’s Aleko and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. She has also appeared at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center as a soloist with the National Chorale under the baton of Dr. Everett McCorvey, and has performed throughout the city at venues including Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, 54 Below, and the Metropolitan Room.

Other favorite credits include: Nellie Forbush (South Pacific - TUTS), Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady - Various Productions), Sarah Brown (Guys & Dolls), Blanche (Dialogues of the Carmelites), Mary U/S (Jesus Christ Superstar), Lotte Lenya Competition Winner.

Natalie can be heard on numerous recordings with Albany Records, Operetta Archives, and Musicals Lost and Found, preserving rarely performed works from the golden age of operetta and musical theatre, as well as featured on numerous demo recordings of new musicals.

Natalie has played piano since age five and works comfortably across a variety of musical styles. She also plays guitar and ukulele, bringing additional instrumental versatility to her work.

Originally from Santa Cruz, California, Natalie now calls New York City home. She holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music (B.M.) and the University of Southern California (M.M.). Follow her adventures on socials: @natalieballenger

Current Projects:

  • Workshop of Broadway-bound musical Bran Castle (dir. Simon Phillips - Priscilla Queen of the Desert)

  • Demo recordings for animated film musical Nobody’s Princess and musical Diego & Isabel

Next Up:

‍ ‍

  • "Maria...performed by the brilliant soprano Ballenger. Her vibrato is splendid, blending with her co-star like butter. She is instantly likeable, and the unlikely pair intriguingly believable in their first duet in “Tonight”."

    —Gary Lim (City Nomads)

  • "Natalie Ballenger’s Nellie Forbush has a more-knowing naivety than usual. Still a bit of a hick from Arkansas, she holds her own against the slick overtures of older French planter Emile de Becque."

    —D.L. Groover (Houston Press)

  • "Natalie Ballenger in particular, brings a maturity to Maria in the final moments of West Side Story, and there is a visible transformation from her giddy turn in “I Feel Pretty” to her tortured sobbing over Tony’s death."

    —Bakchormee (Base Entertainment Asia)

  • "But special mention must be made of Natalie Ballenger...At the end of the “opera,” OLO recreates the appearance of leading popular singers of the day performing songs like “Come down, ma evening star” as if she were Lillian Russell. Natalie Ballenger made sensational work of that scene."

    —Steven Ledbetter (Operetta Research Center)