ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ Opera Theatre prepares students for professional success through practical experience both onstage and in the classroom. Performance Learning is emphasized in every aspect of the program.
The Opera Workshop course is structured for a hands-on experience in acquiring both acting and singing skills for the stage. Students learn movement for the operatic stage, English and foreign language text preparation and interpretation, and character development study in both intimate (duets, trios, etc.) and large ensemble scenes. Each Fall semester culminates in a scenes program or 1-act opera performance. Repertoire for these programs is selected in consultation with, and the consent of, each student’s voice teacher. Every other Spring semester, the opera program joins ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½â€™s School of Theatre and Dance to produce a fully staged opera production in Albert Taylor Theatre or The Virginia Rogers Theatre, with a live orchestra. Experience in the Opera Theatre productions will give the student an understanding of what it means to work as a professional with regards to preparation, discipline, artistry and collaboration. Repertoire for these operas is chosen appropriate to the age and experience level of the undergraduate student, with an eye to building a resume for entry into graduate level study or opera apprenticeships.
In lieu of a fully-staged production in alternating Spring semesters, ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ Opera Theatre brings in an esteemed alumna/alumnus to perform with current ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ students in a grand Opera Gala in Albert Taylor Theatre. These gala programs highlight the featured guest artist soloistically, as well as collaboratively with the students, presenting operatic favorites and time-honored classics of musical theatre. Gala performances feature formal attire, minimal sets and props, and dazzling projection backdrops to set each scene. ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½â€™s most recent Gala guest artist was the 2023-24 ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ University Young Alumnus of the Year and Metropolitan Opera Competition finalist Phillip Lopez.
In an effort to connect our students with the performing arts world, the Department of Vocal Studies invites guest artists to our campus as regularly as possible. They offer voice and/or collaborative voice and piano master classes to our students who receive invaluable feedback from the artists themselves. Former guests include Yvonne Gonzalez Redman, Brian Downen, Karen Ferguson, Lorraine Yaros, Shawn Roy, Janice Chandler-Eteme, Leon Williams, Nathan Gunn, Christine Brewer, and School of Music alumnus Alan Held.