Steph moved to Europe to sing opera. Now, she’s the lead singer of a German metal band while touring the EU as a stand-up comedian.

In a world where opportunities for artists are drying up, Steph has found a way to keep singing, no matter what the venue is.

Berlin’s beloved opera-singing comedian is back with her best yet: a new show of opera, jazz, and original music to tell the story of the classical singer to metal band pipeline, and how to keep at it when the world is burning down. Featured on BBC News and Arte.

Audience reviews from last year’s show:

“Go see this show!! It looks like it’s far away but you can easily walk. Incredibly talented singer and human being. Such an amazing story of someone who really seizes every day. I’ve been to scores of Fringe shows but I will remember this one and the uplifting message it delivers - celebrate life!”

“This was our very first show at our very first Fringe visit and we were not disappointed. Steph is an amazing singer and a very good story teller. She set the bar high for the rest of the festival and we will look out for her in future years!”

“Fabulous from start to finish ! Definitely worth seeing. Steph is funny and a very talented singer (it’s not all Opera). Although her story is very moving, which I did not see coming, you still feel uplifted when you leave and ready to face the world and be loud!!!!”

“First time on the fringe festival and I was so lucky to have seen this! Steph warmly welcomed everyone, it made me feel at ease. I am in awe of her talent, she combines opera with comedy and storytelling. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I laughed so hard (sorting trash has never been so funny!) and because I was so moved by the beauty of her story. Her voice moved me to tears as well, crystal clear opera in a basement of a bar!”

“I walked what seemed out of town, then said I would have to leave early to catch another show, but I didn't as it was all worth it.”

Read more: https://www.stephaniedeprez.com/lessons-on-being-loud

August 17, 2025    Broadway World

Greeted on the door by the very enthusiastic Steph and welcomed into a cosy, intimate venue. 8 Ways To Break A Glass (With An American Opera Singer) could easily be a gathering of old friends – if one of them were prone to bursting into song.

Steph is immensely talented, effortlessly carrying her one-woman show with the energy of someone who truly loves what they do. She blends fast-paced comedy smoothly with a great selection of songs so that it’s hard to know which you’d rather she did (but she never makes you wait too long for either).

Steph uses the metaphor of broken glass as a storytelling aid, taking the audience through the ups and downs of her life. The title is perhaps a bit of a stretch, but the theme works well, and the self-deprecating honesty paints a hilarious and all too relatable picture. Fantastic for young adults, international visitors, or anyone who’s sick of online dating, this show might be dirty but is far from uncomfortable, crass only in its humanity.

It is easy access for opera lovers and newbies alike, and don’t worry, there won’t be any involuntary audience participation. As for her singing ability: she is unquestionably skilled and thoroughly enjoyable to listen to – but be warned, it’s loud in the front row! Click Here For Review

August 8, 2025    Edinburgh Reviews

Steph DePrez, an American opera singer currently based in Germany, brings her unique blend of opera, comedy, and storytelling to the Fringe with 8 Ways to Break a Glass (with an American Opera Singer).

The title promises a spectacle, and while no one in the audience will be dusting shards of glass from their laps, DePrez certainly shatters expectations. This show is a delightful fusion of the high art of opera with the lowbrow charm of stand-up comedy, making for a truly unforgettable hour.

Attending an opera-themed show might sound intimidating, but DePrez ensures her audience is comfortable and entertained from the get-go. With a stunning voice and a knack for physical comedy, she expertly merges her two worlds. The show is structured around the eight ways she can metaphorically “break a glass,” each leading to a different anecdote, dirty joke, or a breathtaking operatic performance. The juxtaposition of a soprano soloist from Carnegie Hall joking about “boobs, blowjobs, and Beethoven” is not just unexpected; it is rambunctiously funny.

Her comedic timing is impeccable, and her willingness to poke fun at herself and the very genre she has dedicated her life to is disarming. The show feels more like a raucous night out with a hilarious friend than a formal concert. Her translations of famous arias into modern, American English are a highlight, transforming potentially stuffy, high-art pieces into approachable and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s an ingenious approach that makes Opera way more approachable.

DePrez’s time in Germany provides a rich source of material for her comedy. She bravely tells jokes about German national characteristics, and a significant portion of the crowd, who were indeed German, were laughing along heartily (okay, smiling broadly). This brave humour, far from being alienating, creates a shared sense of fun and familiarity.

Another unexpected highlight was the finale, which featured a death metal song reminiscent of the band Nightwish, with DePrez’s operatic voice soaring above the heavy guitars. This surprising bonus round encapsulates the show’s spirit: the playful subversion of genres and a complete disregard for traditional boundaries.

8 Ways to Break a Glass is a must-see. It’s a cleverly crafted show that balances sublime musical talent with sharp, witty comedy. Steph DePrez is a masterful performer who invites audiences into her world with infectious energy and a powerful voice. Her show is one that you should hunt out and go to see. This is a gem that deserves to be found and celebrated, offering a fresh, modern, and riotously funny take on classical performance. Click Here For Review

August 3, 2025    Broadway Baby

There are at least eight ways an opera diva can break a glass – and just one involves her vocal cords. Get ready to shatter your expectations of opera as an elite art form that requires well-trained sitting muscles, binoculars and a mortgage for tickets.

The American soprano Steph DePrez, currently living in Berlin, is a rare breed: a Wagner-singing comedian. Her show is a masterclass in blending genres, as she effortlessly weaves her vocal talents with sharp wit and hilarious storytelling, making for a truly enjoyable Fringe experience.

Though DePrez is more than capable of breaking a glass with her voice, the magic lies in the metaphor. The show is all about smashing the glass ceilings that life throws our way – whether in the opera world, comedy, or simply in being human. Things don’t always come easy. From the moment you declare to your parents that you’re going to become an opera singer and perform Wagner’s Ring, to actually wearing the Valkyrie’s armour on stage, it’s a long and winding road of disappointments, missed opportunities and a pandemic thrown in for good measure.

In classical opera terms, a soprano singing Wagner must possess an immensely powerful voice, capable of heroic declamation, soaring lyricism in the upper range and the stamina to sustain long, demanding passages over a full orchestra. In common terms: these sopranos don’t just sing – they summon thunderstorms, bend brass sections to their will, and make the violins quake in fear.

So what makes a successful opera diva trade the grandiosity of an opera house for a stand-up gig at the Fringe? The pure joy of performance, the thrill of making people laugh and the desire to explore different facets of artistic identity. The essence of DePrez’s performance lies in genuine connection – whether through a soaring aria or a perfectly timed punchline. With the full-body expression of a Valkyrie, she transforms the small room into Valhalla itself, announcing that Brünnhilde has arrived.

Telling her life story through metaphor gives DePrez’s storytelling structure, but loses some of the spontaneity and raunchiness of her earlier comedy performances, which I particularly enjoyed. However, her ability to combine serious vocal chops with relatable humour, delivered with infectious energy, will leave you buzzing for a long time. Click Here For Review