Performer, designer, student
Allegra Durante is currently studying Psychology at the City College of New York in New York City, where she is part of the combined BA/MA program.
After being homeschooled until and through high school, Ms. Durante chose to pursue a career as an opera singer. She began performing opera semi-professionally in 2011, and continues to perform when opportunites present themselves. Beginning in 2017 she began taking on work as an extra in film and TV productions, earning her SAG-AFTRA union membership within two years. More recently, she has begun performing in, facilitating, and running immersive theatre and larp events.
In addition to performing, Ms. Durante has worked professionally as a photo editor, print & digital media designer, copyeditor, social media copywriter, administrative assistant, and fine jewelry salesperson.
The pandemic lockdowns of 2020-2021 and accompanying disappearance of any live opera performance opportunites were a hard reality check, as she realized that pursuing a career in live performance could not support the life she imagined for herself. After months spent reassessing her life goals and other possible careers, Ms. Durante applied to college in late 2020. She was accepted to CCNY, her first choice school, in Fall 2021. She chose to major in psychology because it echoes her primary interest in performing: ultimately, both the performing arts and psychology can help people understand each other’s commonalities, and bring them closer together.
Though Allegra is interested in studying ways to integrate psychology and the performing arts, her primary interest is in organizational psychology and how to help effect lasting change on an industrial and systemic level. Her prior experience working in corporate settings has impressed on her the importance of creating a positive environment for employees, and she is passionate about using research to advocate for positive working conditions, particularly within large companies where employees are often “faceless.”