Opera Philadelphia
Opera Philadelphia provides students with the opportunity to experience the beauty of opera. Opera Philadelphia presents outstanding productions of traditional and evolving art to the Philadelphia community. With performances by exceptional artists, Opera Philadelphia is dedicated to helping new and emerging artists take the stage as one of the most prominent performing arts. Opera incorporates music, drama, dance, and art into one captivating experience. With programs designed for different ages, students can explore the art of opera and what it takes to understand and become a member of the opera scene. In a diverse community such as Philadelphia, Opera Philadelphia is committed to racial equity, aiming to provide experiences to as many individuals as possible while advancing a movement toward a more just society.
Opera on the Spot
Opera Philadelphia’s Opera on the Spot program offers students from kindergarten to grade 8 different experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, that provide an up-close look at the art of opera. Opera in a Trunk allows students to have a fun and engaging experience as they work with a teaching artist to create a short opera scene with the use of costumes, props and songs. Artist Visits are also available for students to meet real opera artists, hear first-hand about pursuing a career in opera, and watch a short performance by different artists. Marian’s Song: A Musical Storytime is a workshop that incorporates a reading of When Mariam Sang by Pam Muñoz Ryan, and song performances throughout the experience by artist Florence Price. This experience provides students with exposure to the ways in which literature and opera correlate.
Residency Program
In Opera Philadelphia’s Residency Program, students participate in an experience that enhances their understanding of the performing arts. The Residency Program incorporates social-emotional learning to promote an inclusive environment and encourage using their emotions to collaborate with classmates. With instruction from teaching artists, students gain exceptional experience while deepening their creativity and literacy skills to better understand the art of working in the opera industry. This program benefits students not just as an educational journey but as a venture into how their emotions and values can be incorporated into the art they make.
Dress Rehearsal Program
In this free field trip opportunity, the Dress rehearsal Program at Opera Philadelphia provides students and educators the chance to engage with the art of opera and develop memorable experiences. Students experience a Langston Hughes poem as both a theatrical performance and a choral awakening. Students also get to witness the premieres of new works by notable artists, Davone Tines and Anthony Roth Costanzo. This field trip immerses students in what opera is like as a viewer and an artist. Students also get access to newsletters, while teachers can gain professional development opportunities to bring back to the classroom.
Backstage Pass
For older students with an interest in exploring the art of opera, the Backstage Pass program provides an immersive experience to understand how the art of opera is created and displayed. Students get the chance to connect with industry professionals, visit different theatres used for performances and engage in workshops to enhance their skills. Various skills that students can strengthen include carpentry, costumes, front of house, props, sound, stage management, and many more. This program can help students discover their passions and interests in the performing arts, as well as skills they can take with them as they venture into career fields after high school. A notable fact about the Backstage Pass program is that it is available to students at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services center, aligning with the organization’s mission to provide experiences to students of all abilities and circumstances.
Why should you visit Opera Philadelphia?
Opera Philadelphia is an organization focused on the performing arts —opera. Opera is a combination of many factors, such as music, drama, and theatre, allowing students with varying interests to find their place within the opera scene. With diverse programs designed for all ages, students can gain exceptional knowledge of opera and enhance their existing skills to help them navigate their interests and passions. At Opera Philadelphia, students get to explore more than opera on the surface. They get to engage with professionals to hear the inside and outside of what goes into creating opera performances and experience enticing exhibits that encapsulate the world of performing arts.
