Jammieca D. Mott, D.M.A.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (June 30, 2025) – Dr. Jammieca D. Mott, clinical associate professor of Voice and director of Voice and Opera at Prairie View A&M University, has earned national acclaim for her bold, ensemble-driven productions. Under her direction, PVAMU students have captured first place two years in a row at the National Opera Association’s Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition, most recently for their performances of Treemonisha and The Color Purple. In this interview, originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of NOA Now, Mott speaks with author and director Linda Lister about her creative process, student mentorship, and the growing success of PVAMU’s Voice/Opera program.
LL: Congratulations on your two wins in the Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition in Savannah! Your scenes from Treemonisha and The Color Purple won first place in the undergraduate and musical theatre divisions, respectively, repeating last year’s wins in these categories for scenes from Porgy and Bess and Funny Girl. With large ensemble casts, your scenes have brought grand spectacle and energy to the competition. Is this your signature directing style? And how do you coordinate the logistics of bringing so many students to the conference?
JM: My directing style leans towards creating dynamic, visually engaging storytelling that highlights the collective energy of a cast. A grand ensemble scene is about balance, assigning each performer a meaningful role, even within a large cast. I love the art of movement and dance, creating human interactions and picturesque moments that inform the element of storytelling while maximizing the excitement of a large ensemble. Securing funding and organizing travel, lodging, and registration for the conference are crucial. I work with the department administration to ensure the trip is financially feasible. Opera and Musical Theatre Workshop are not classes offered at Prairie View A&M University; this is a personal endeavor that I have taken on to give our students a chance to perform and compete. Doing such an extracurricular activity requires an enormous time commitment from the students and me. I am fortunate to have genuine arts students committed to developing their craft. They trust my leadership and know these experiences will serve them and their future artistic endeavors. We incorporate blocking charts, sketches, recorded run-throughs, and rehearsals devoted to dance techniques. I organize how I believe a class of sorts would be structured. I passionately believe that each of my students must complete their undergraduate studies with professional development experiences that will add value to their artistic toolbox.
LL: The conference program listed numerous student directors, music directors, choreographers, and costume designers. How do you collaborate with and mentor your students in these leadership/production roles?
JM: Mentorship and collaboration are at the heart of my leadership style. My goal is to empower students while maintaining a clear artistic vision. I meet with the chosen student directors, music directors, choreographers, and costume designers, collectively and separately. It is important to discuss the overall vision for each work. I believe in scaffolded leadership and mentorship through guided independence. I mentor the student directors in blocking, acting coaching, and problem-solving. I encourage them to trust and explore their directorial voice. I assist the student music directors with score study, helping them refine ensemble cohesion and develop effective communication with singers. With the student choreographers, I collaborate on movements that enhance the storytelling while giving them room to explore their own style and learn more about their bodies technically. I help the student costume designer to understand the scene’s time period, practical stage needs, and character arcs while encouraging her to create a unique aesthetic. In a nutshell, I provide regular feedback, posing guided questions in lieu of dictating solutions. It is essential that peer feedback is a part of the artistic process to create a space and culture of shared learning and mutual respect. Such shared learning teaches students how to think and function like young professionals.
Photo of Prairie View A&M University students performing at NOA’s 2025 Robert Hansen Collegiate Scenes Competition.
Credit: Bob Breault
LL: How do you select repertoire for your students? Do you have scenes from other operas and musicals in mind for the future?
JM: Selecting repertoire is one of the most exciting and strategic aspects of preparing for any competition. My focus is on its pedagogical value, dramatic impact, ensemble and solo opportunities, and logistical practicalities. I always like to select repertoire that will challenge young singers while setting them up for success. Vocal ability, acting skills, and organic ensemble chemistry are paramount. I believe that works with high energy, strong visual-intentional storytelling, and a clear and focused emotional arc tend to resonate well with audiences.
LL: How have Prairie View’s national wins impacted the Voice/Opera program?
JM: Prairie View A&M University’s national wins have tremendously impacted the Voice/Opera program. The national recognition proves to our students that they can compete and excel alongside top-tier programs, enhancing the university’s and voice department’s overall prestige. Student confidence and career development experience a tremendous boost. The students have seen firsthand how their training has prepared them for national stages. They now possess an internal competitive edge and spirit regarding auditions and professional opportunities. Their résumés and graduate school applications are enhanced by their participation in these award-winning performances. I hope that the national recognition will increase institutional support and lead to more funding, scholarship opportunities, and expanded performance resources at our beloved institution!
This story was originally posted in the Spring 2025 issue of NOA Now. Linda Lister is an author, composer, director, singer, and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
-PVAMU-