AJ our Teaching Fellow and Director at COT's Opera Theater Workshop for Teens program reports:
Opera Theater Workshop for Teens has had a very busy schedule this semester. Besides learning good vocal technique, stage deportment, music theory, movement, they are learning the famous operetta Pirates of Penzance which will be performed for the public (for free) at the Storefront Theater of Gallery 37 (66 E. Randolph) on April 15th and 16th.
I know the words 'operetta' and 'Chicago Opera Theater' tend to not go in the same sentence, but in choosing repertoire for young voices, one has to make sure it is vocally attainable piece. So in our Opera for All mission we chose this piece. But in keeping with COT's ability to deliver opera less ordinary this piece will be performed in the round - with a few surprises!
It's an interesting process to stage an opera with audiences on both sides. The students have been very good about this. They have inadvertently learned a little of the physics of acoustics and sound and have become very conscious about how they need to stand in order to be heard.
And they're having a lot of fun. Swords, funny hats, billy clubs, water silk, pirate boots...who wouldn't have a good time?
There have also been some other highlights. First Lady Maggie Daley brought internationally renown mezzo-soprano, Michelle DeYoung, to talk with the students and to give a small master class. Seniors Daniel Berry and Caroline Wattelle sang for Ms. DeYoung. She was very candid and frank about the career, it's highs and lows. The students were very blown away that she had not been home for more than three weeks since Christmas, but also that she had sung in most of the major houses in the world.
Mrs. Daley with ASM students listening to Michelle DeYoung give students and insiders view into the opera world
Chicago Opera Theater Workshop for Teens students with Miss DeYoung.
On Saturday, we are taking the students to see the live "Met at the Movies" simulcast of La boheme. That is bound to be a highlight of the semester. On May 3rd, our final event will be attending COT's new production of Don Giovanni. Felicity Jackson came to our class and showed the students the set and costumes plans for the production and they are VERY excited.
All in all, it's been a full semester...it always is at Opera Theater Workshop for Teens.
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