<p>I’m sure there are many examples. Kim Stengel - who I think is the longest running Carlotta of Phantom is one. She isn’t slender and yet look at the leading roles she has had. [Kim</a> Stengel](<a href=“http://www.lacarlotta.com/shr/stengel.html]Kim”>Kim Stengel)</p>
<p>The one thing that struck me about Georgeanne’s post is you said you have equal passion in MT and opera. I know traditionally we think of women in opera as having fuller figures - although my daughter’s voice teacher is a tall thin blonde and I know other thin women currently in opera. If it truly is equal to you, maybe it is a consideration. Certainly if you have the talent there will always be roles like Carotta and Rizzo but if you are only interested in leading roles, maybe there is more opportunity in opera. Studying opera didn’t hurt Chenowith’s career in MT. Do whatever you truly love the most - I really believe from that we do our best.</p>