2018 SUMMER OPERA PROGRAM
APPLY NOW

JULY 12 - AUGUST 4 in Stafford, Virginia.
Now casting Viardot's Cinderella!
Application Deadline: JUNE 1

The 2018 Summer Opera Program

Program dates are July 12 through August 4. In addition to rehearsals culminating in an opera performance, program singers will take part in the following:
  • Educational lectures and workshop sessions on topics such as effective practice, audition preparation, role study, entrepreneurship, stage etiquette, and overcoming performance anxiety.
  • Multiple masterclasses in which each singer will perform a solo selection under the instruction of program faculty.
  • Weekly private coachings with program voice faculty.

Application Deadlines:
   May 1st (Priority Deadline)
   June 1st (Final Deadline)

Singers are strongly encouraged to apply by May 1st for priority casting opportunities. However, we will continue accepting applicants through June 1st. Questions? Contact us.

Dates: July 12-August 4

Performances will take place on August 3rd and 4th at Mountain View High School.

Repertoire: Cinderella by Pauline Viardot

Now casting all roles for Harris's English translation of Pauline Viardot's exquisite chamber operetta, Cinderella (Cendrillon).
  • Baron de Pictordu ... baritone         
  • Marie (Cinderella), daughter of Pictordu ... soprano          
  • Armelinde, another daughter of Pictordu ... mezzo-soprano          
  • Maguelonne, another daughter of Pictordu ... soprano
  • Fairy Godmother ... soprano          
  • Prince Charming ... tenor  
  • Le Comte Barigoule ... tenor/high baritone
  • CHORUS of ball guests, ladies, royal footmen

Program Cost: TUITION-FREE!

The Summer Opera Program is tuition-free. There is a non-refundable $75 confirmation fee to reserve your place upon acceptance into the program.

Application Materials

Follow the link below to apply. Please prepare the following materials:
  • Two video OR audio recordings of classical vocal or musical theatre selections.
  • A performance resume (don't worry-- we accept singers of all experience levels!)
  • Optional head shot and/or bio.
  • More experienced singers may consider applying to participate as Peer Mentors.
  • A Participation Agreement and Parental Consent Form are included in the application submission.

A summer experience designed for high school students and beyond.

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The SOT Summer Opera Program is a three-week fun and educational training program for students aged 15 and up. Mentored by the program faculty, participants develop their voice and acting skills, learn about performance practice and etiquette, and sing stunning music from opera, operetta, and/or musical theatre repertoire. The program culminates in a public performance of opera scenes or an opera production, in which students have the opportunity to perform as soloists in addition to ensemble work. The program is ideal for the high school student considering collegiate studies in voice and/or theatre, but is also enjoyed by college-aged singers and beyond. Best of all? It's tuition-free!

This is a day program only; while out-of-town participants are welcome, housing is not provided. Rehearsals, masterclasses, and educational sessions take place in the afternoon and evening, with one-on-one coachings by appointment earlier in the day.

Eligibility Requirements

This program is ideal for the high school student seeking to major in voice in college, the young collegiate singer, or any student with previous singing experience who wants to grow his/her skillset. For example, if you study classical voice with a private teacher or if you have performed as a soloist in a school musical, the Summer Opera Program could be a great fit for you!

Not sure if you're ready? Consult with your choir director or another musical "mentor" about whether this program is right for you this year. We strive to select pieces that fit the skill and experience level of each of our participants. Want to find out more? Email us anytime.

Peer mentorship to tap student potential.

One aspect that makes SOT's Summer Opera Program so unique is its emphasis on peer mentorship as a medium for student development. SOT's Peer Mentors are carefully selected, experienced singers with collegiate vocal training. Peer Mentors perform in SOT's productions alongside the younger singers, sharing knowledge and experience garnered through their training and serving as role models both musically and professionally. With the influence of the Peer Mentors, SOT singers get a valuable, up-close feel for what a future in vocal performance will hold, with regard to their collegiate studies and even a career beyond.

Want to make a difference by becoming an SOT Peer Mentor? Drop us a line.

PREVIOUS SEASONS

2017

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Painting by Android Jones of www.androidjones.com.

SOT Gives Back

The students and faculty of the 2017 Summer Opera Program gave back to the world music community by sponsoring the purchase of a violin for a student in Nicaragua.
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:
  • Seven educational lectures/workshops, including a session with renowned guest clinician and performance coach Nicholas Pallesen.
  • Three masterclasses with instructors Rachel Eve Holmes, Ashley Alden, and Gyu Yeon Shim.
  • Weekly private coachings with program faculty.

2017 Award Recipients

Stafford Opera Troupe was pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of five Summer Opera Program singers in 2017.
  • Trevor White (Peer Mentor), Golden Award
  • Max Nicholson, Commitment Award
  • Laura Watson, Dedication Award
  • Cathryn Brooks, Musicianship Award
  • Emily Dalton, Diligence Award

2016

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.
  • Zarah Brock (Peer Mentor), Golden Award
  • JP Gorski (Peer Mentor), Dedication Award
  • Trevor White, Musicianship Award
  • Daniel Schaub, Diligence Award

Help make the Summer Opera Program possible!