Youth Education Programs

Opera-Tunities for Youth

Opera-Tunities programs are designed to introduce students to the wonders of opera through a series of age-specific programs. In consultation with education specialists, artists and staff, Sacramento Opera has developed an inter-disciplinary program designed to introduce students to opera and to relate the art form to other core curriculum subjects including history, cultural studies, language, and the visual arts.

Each participating school is provided with:

• Outlines for activities and study areas
• Age-specific lesson plans
• Video/audio tape excerpt highlights of upcoming Sacramento Opera productions
• Other materials that may enhance the program including coloring pages, crossword puzzles and games, historical information, and stories.

Program materials are designed to help classroom teachers use the study of the opera and the visit by the artists in relation to other classroom subjects. Teachers can use these materials to prepare the students for an Opera-Tunities visit by one or two professional singer(s) and a pianist. The artists perform and discuss operatic music, technique, the history and tradition of opera performance and production, career opportunities, and related subjects.

Fee: $150 per classroom. Multiple classroom discounts are available.

Student Ticket Subsidy Program

Developed as a follow-up experience to the Opera-Tunities program, or as a stand-alone program for selected students in area middle and high schools, colleges and universities, Sacramento Opera provides opportunities for students to experience fully-staged, live opera in a theater setting. Tickets are offered at half-price and a limited number are offered free of charge to qualifying students accompanied to the performance by a parent or guardian.

Student Night at the Opera

Student Night at the Opera provides classroom teachers and their students access to the final dress rehearsal of the Sacramento Opera’s mainstage productions. The final dress rehearsal typically features a complete run through of the company’s upcoming production, including exquisite performances by opera singers and the Sacramento Philharmonic. Experience the thrill of live opera with the cast and chorus in spectacular costumes, makeup, and wigs. Student Night at the Opera participants have a rare opportunity to experience set transformations and possibly meet the stage director, conductor, and some of the artists and crew. Afraid you won’t understand what’s being sung? Don’t worry. All productions feature projected English supertitles!

2010-2011 Student Night at the Opera Dates

Information coming soon!

Teacher/Parent Handouts

For more information, contact Joey Castañeda, Community Engagement Coordinator, at jcastaneda@sacopera.org or 916.737.1000.