Students & Teachers: Opera for All
MISSION
One of Chicago Opera Theater's foremost missions is to introduce opera to young people who would otherwise not have the means or opportunity for exposure to opera or the cultural arts in general. Opera for All recognizes the social, cultural, and individual importance of exposing our youth to opera and the arts.
OVERVIEW
Elementary School Students & Teachers
As part of the Chicago Opera Theater (COT) mission to make opera fresh, engaging, and accessible to the entire community, COT developed an educational outreach program in the spring of 2000. This outreach initiative, known as Opera for All, focuses on demystifying opera for kids through in-depth, participation based programs. COT brings opera to the schools, infuses it into student’s everyday lives, and gives them a chance to experience it firsthand as both audience members and as performers.
Working closely with classroom teachers, Opera for All incorporates the many elements of opera (vocal, visual, and performance) into the curriculum through a 25-week residency at the elementary school level in the Chicago Public Schools. The curriculum addresses specific Illinois Learning Standards and also supplements participation-based classroom activities with field trips and visits by COT’s talented Young Artists. At the end of the year, students perform an abridged version of an opera for classmates and family members. Some partnerships also offer group violin lessons for students who then serve as part of the Opera for All Ensemble at the final performance.
Interested in collaborating with COT in your elementary school? Contact us
High School Students & Teachers
Through After School Matters, Chicago Opera Theater provides professional development for talented high school students in our Opera Theater Workshop for teens program. This 10-week opera theater course is offered in both the fall and spring for teens and is open to all high school students in Chicago by audition. The 25 students selected are paid apprentices and earn up to $500 during each course. The Opera Theater Workshop for teens is held at Gallery 37 downtown. A grand finale performance is presented at the Storefront Theater in fall and spring, open to the public and free of charge.
