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The 2019 Summer Opera Program
Program dates are July 21 through August 3. In addition to rehearsals culminating in an opera scenes performance, program singers will take part in the following:
Application Deadlines:
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A summer experience designed for burgeoning young singers.
Stafford Opera Troupe launched its inaugural Summer Opera Program in 2016. This fun and educational training program was designed for high school and young collegiate singers, but is a collaboration of performing artists of diverse ages and experience levels. Mentored by the program faculty, participants develop their voice and stage skills, learn about performance practice and etiquette, and sing stunning music from the opera, operetta, and musical theatre repertoire. The program culminates in a public performance of an opera production or opera scenes. Between the production and masterclasses, every student enrolled in the program has the opportunity to perform as a soloist in addition to ensemble and chorus work. Repertoire selections are tailored to the unique abilities of each student.
This is a day program only; while out-of-town participants are welcome, housing is not provided. Rehearsals, masterclasses, and educational sessions generally take place in the afternoon and evening, with private lessons scheduled earlier in the day.
This is a day program only; while out-of-town participants are welcome, housing is not provided. Rehearsals, masterclasses, and educational sessions generally take place in the afternoon and evening, with private lessons scheduled earlier in the day.
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Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age: 15 years
Stafford Opera Troupe serves singers of many experience levels through the Summer Opera Program. To meet the needs of all our singers as the program grows in size and placement becomes increasingly competitive, we offer two participation options: the Studio Artist track, and the Emerging Artist track. While all participants will have access to the same learning and performance opportunities, these options guide casting decisions and allow each of our singers to grow at a pace appropriate to their experience and skill. This integrative approach provides maximal learning opportunities for all and fosters an environment of mentorship and collaboration. |
Studio Artists
The Studio Artist track is for developing singers in the early to intermediate stages of their vocal training, such as those pursuing (or planning to pursue) undergraduate studies in voice. Studio Artists are often cast in supporting roles, as covers (understudies) of leading roles, and/or in the ensemble of Summer Opera Program productions; occasionally, Studio Artists may also be cast in leading roles. In addition to the production, all singers perform as soloists in public masterclasses throughout the program.
Emerging Artists
Emerging Artists are carefully selected burgeoning professionals who show potential for successful careers in opera or classical vocal performance. They are often cast in major roles in the Summer Opera Program production. Emerging Artists meet the following criteria:
When reviewing your application, the panel will determine which option is best suited to you. You will be notified of your designation as a Studio Artist or Emerging Artist upon acceptance.
- Hold one or more degrees in music (or equivalent experience);
- Have performed at least five lyric theatre roles (or equivalent experience);
- Display an advanced level of artistry and professionalism in audition recordings.
When reviewing your application, the panel will determine which option is best suited to you. You will be notified of your designation as a Studio Artist or Emerging Artist upon acceptance.
PREVIOUS SEASONS
2018
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Stafford Opera Troupe's third Summer Opera Program brought its educational opportunities to new heights. During the July 12-August 4 program, fifteen singers participated in ten workshops and lectures, four public masterclasses, and two mainstage performances of Viardot's Cinderella on August 3 and 4 at Mountain View High School. The faculty and staff of twelve were supplemented by two visiting faculty, Brett Pardue and Dr. Isaiah Feken, who presented lectures and masterclasses.
2018 Award Recipients
Stafford Opera Troupe was pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of six Summer Opera Program singers in 2018.
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2017
Painting by Android Jones of www.androidjones.com.
SOT Gives Back
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Stafford Opera Troupe returned for its second Summer Opera Program in 2017. Fifteen singers and three Peer Mentors, under the instruction of nine faculty members, performed roles and in the ensemble of Henry Purcell's masterpiece Dido and Aeneas.
In addition to daily rehearsals, participants took part in:
2017 Award Recipients
Stafford Opera Troupe was pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of five Summer Opera Program singers in 2017.
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2016
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In the summer of 2016, SOT hosted its inaugural Summer Opera Program. In an intimate learning setting, seven students graduated from the program along with four Peer Mentors who influenced them along the way. Each singer had multiple solo performance opportunities and experienced private coachings and acting direction from the program faculty. Two weeks of training and rehearsal culminated in Night at the Opera, a concert of fully staged opera scenes presented on August 6th, 2016.
2016 Award Recipients
Stafford Opera Troupe was pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of four Summer Opera Program singers in 2016.
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