Joseph McBrayer, originally from Dallas, Georgia, praised by critics for his “polished lyric tenor,” is pleased to be making his role and company debut as Romeo with Shakespeare Opera Theatre. In the 2022-23 season, Mr. McBrayer began his residency as a studio artist with Florida Grand Opera, where he stayed through the 23-24 season and performed the roles of Beppe (Pagliacci), Gastone (La Traviata), Paolino (El Matrimonio Secreto), and Gherardo (Gianni Schicchi), before traveling to Santa Fe to create the role of The Mayor of Santa Fe in Joe Illick’s new opera, Zozobra’s Revenge. Mr. McBrayer has also worked with Vero Beach Opera, Capitol City Opera, and The Atlanta opera, among others. He studied voice at Kennesaw State University, then on to Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. He is currently based out of Milwaukee with his wife Hayley, herself an accomplished soprano.