Carol Sottosanti- Executive Director
Carol was taught the fundamentals of singing from her father, an opera singer, who taught her a variety of music. She sang throughout school in choirs, trios, as a featured soloist and received a full scholarship to the U of A in Vocal performance.
Taking time to raise a family, music remained an important part of Carol’s life and came out in all of her children. Unable to find a program that allowed young performers to gain stage experience, she put small shows together with several other moms; and Kids Unlimited was born. The name came from the belief that "Kids" can do anything. That was in 1986, and Carol is still the fulltime Artistic Director, overseeing all of the programs at KU Studios. Three years ago she added the Ensemble program to KU- the goal being to find the connection to the music. Her advanced Ensemble is the largest class in KU studios and Carol continues to help KU evolve with the times.
She is also a hardworking vocal coach and teacher who specializes in working with children and teens. She has coached many students competitively with great success and has a reputation for finding the right song for the right person.
Carol also enjoyed many years of extra and stand in work on various movies and tv series. She has done quite a bit of casting in this area as well.
For her work with Kids Unlimited, Carol’s awards are many including the prestigious "Lumie", and "Ordinary women doing Extraordinary things" from the Eller Business College, and most recently “Making Childrens Lives Better.” She would tell you the greatest reward is the confidence children and teens come away with and the friendships they make, after being part of Kids Unlimited.
Carol has seven successful children, fourteen beautiful grandchildren, (five currently in KU,) and a wonderful husband Vince, known affectionately at KU as "the Dad". She feels truly blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young performers while continuing her passion in music.
Taking time to raise a family, music remained an important part of Carol’s life and came out in all of her children. Unable to find a program that allowed young performers to gain stage experience, she put small shows together with several other moms; and Kids Unlimited was born. The name came from the belief that "Kids" can do anything. That was in 1986, and Carol is still the fulltime Artistic Director, overseeing all of the programs at KU Studios. Three years ago she added the Ensemble program to KU- the goal being to find the connection to the music. Her advanced Ensemble is the largest class in KU studios and Carol continues to help KU evolve with the times.
She is also a hardworking vocal coach and teacher who specializes in working with children and teens. She has coached many students competitively with great success and has a reputation for finding the right song for the right person.
Carol also enjoyed many years of extra and stand in work on various movies and tv series. She has done quite a bit of casting in this area as well.
For her work with Kids Unlimited, Carol’s awards are many including the prestigious "Lumie", and "Ordinary women doing Extraordinary things" from the Eller Business College, and most recently “Making Childrens Lives Better.” She would tell you the greatest reward is the confidence children and teens come away with and the friendships they make, after being part of Kids Unlimited.
Carol has seven successful children, fourteen beautiful grandchildren, (five currently in KU,) and a wonderful husband Vince, known affectionately at KU as "the Dad". She feels truly blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young performers while continuing her passion in music.
Awards and Recognition
Awards & Recognition For 40 years, KU Studios has been recognized not only for excellence in the performing arts, but also for its lasting impact on children, families, and the Tucson community.
Founders Vince and Carol Sottosanti have dedicated their lives to creating a safe, welcoming environment where young performers can grow in confidence, creativity, and character. In recognition of their lifelong commitment to Tucson's youth, they were honored with Children and Family Services' 2011 Making Children's Lives Better Award.
Over the years, KU Studios, Kids Unlimited, and our directors have been honored with numerous local, state, and national awards, including:
Founders Vince and Carol Sottosanti have dedicated their lives to creating a safe, welcoming environment where young performers can grow in confidence, creativity, and character. In recognition of their lifelong commitment to Tucson's youth, they were honored with Children and Family Services' 2011 Making Children's Lives Better Award.
Over the years, KU Studios, Kids Unlimited, and our directors have been honored with numerous local, state, and national awards, including:
- Children and Family Services – Making Children's Lives Better Award (2011)
- Governor's Established Arts Award
- Tucson Pima Arts Council Lumie Award
- Congressional Recognition
- University of Arizona Eller College of Management – Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things Award
- JCPenney Golden Rule Volunteer Award
