2023-24 Opera Colorado Education Programs

2023-24

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

IN-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, FIELD TRIPS, & MORE

EXPERIENCE OPERA WITH US!

For more than four decades, Opera Colorado has been serving our community through innovative and engaging education programs.

Our commitment to teachers and students remains unwavering, and we are thrilled to unveil what awaits in the 2023-24 Season! On the following pages, explore in-person and virtual programs that meet your specific needs as an educator and delight students of all ages. Whether you’re looking for live opera downtown at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, a glimpse behind the scenes, or performances that come to you, we have you covered. We also support teachers with online resources including free Guidebooks, engaging videos, and more. Scholarships are available to schools in need, ensuring every student can experience opera’s magic. Our dedicated education team is ready to assist you. We’re just a call or email away if you have questions or need a customized program. Let’s collaborate to ignite students’ imaginations and nurture their love for the arts.

Begin the conversation by emailing education@operacolorado.org or by calling 303.778.7350.

WHO WE ARE

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

WE COME TO YOU

05

Pre-K–2nd Grade

IN-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

All Ages

YOU COME TO US

08

STUDENT MATINEE

All Ages

MOZART’S DON GIOVANNI

Nov. 9, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

09

STUDENT DRESS REHEARSALS

6th Grade–College

MOZART’S DON GIOVANNI

Nov. 2, 2023 | 7:00 p.m.

WAGNER’S THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

Feb. 22, 2024 | 7:00 p.m.

SAINT-SAËNS’S SAMSON AND DELILAH

May 2, 2024 | 7:00 p.m.

10

BACKSTAGE WORKSHOPS

K–12th Grade

Feb. 29, Mar. 1, May 9, May 10, 2024

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

DIGITAL PROGRAMS

11

KASSANDRA MESTEMAKER she/her Manager of Education & Community Engagement

13

BRAIN BREAKS

K–5th Grade

STORYTIME SESSIONS (DIGITAL)

Pre-K–2nd Grade

TEACHER RESOURCES

in Residence Program

Director of Education & Community Engagement, Director of Opera Colorado’s Artist

All charges for programs at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House help offset the required City and County of Denver Seat Tax, as well as other fees incurred.

MEET THE 2023-24 OPERA COLORADO ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Each year, over 300 of the nation’s most talented emerging performers audition for the Opera Colorado Artist in Residence Program. During their eight-month residency, the selected artists bring opera to schools across the Rocky Mountain region, giving Colorado students a chance to meet opera’s future stars! The 2023-24 Season’s exceptional troupe will perform Cinderella, The Elixir of Love, and Storytime Sessions, and be featured in the Student Matinee of Don Giovanni at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

The Opera Colorado Artist in Residence Program is sponsored by Ken & Donna Barrow, with additional support from Patrick Spieles and the late Dr. Stephen L. Dilts.

KERBY BAIER

SOPRANO

Sponsored by Joyce de Roos and Donald K. Braden

SAANE HALAHOLO

SOPRANO

Sponsored by Ken & Barbara Laff and Laurence & Cynthia Chan

MELANIE DUBIL

MEZZO-SOPRANO

Sponsored by Joy & Chris Dinsdale

RANDY HO

TENOR

Sponsored by Jason & Nathaly Ambos and Richard Garvin

ALEXANDER GRANITO

BARITONE

Sponsored by Robin & Eric Yaeger

TURNER STATON

BASS-BARITONE

Sponsored by Gayle & Gary Landis

OLEG BELLINI RESIDENT

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

OPERA ON TOUR

OFFERED:

OCTOBER–MAY

GRADE LEVEL: ALL AGES

COST:

$600 FOR ONE PERFORMANCE, $800 FOR TWO BACK-TO-BACK PERFORMANCES

FOR MORE INFO, SEE THE OPERA ON TOUR QUICK FACTS ON THE NEXT PAGE!

BY GIOACHINO ROSSINI

Is a bracelet as trusty as a glass slipper?

Find out in this opera!

Inspired by the traditional fairytale, Rossini’s Cinderella has several unexpected twists. The story follows Angelina who is forced to act as a servant to her wicked stepfather and two stepsisters. Through all her trials, she remains honest and kind. Meanwhile, Prince Ramiro is looking for his bride. But not just any bride: he wants someone who will love him for who he truly is and not his money or title. Antics abound as Angelina’s family, a wise advisor, and a servant pretending to be the prince get involved in this comedic take on the familiar story.

OPERA COLORADO’S 2023-24 OPERA ON TOUR PRODUCTIONS ARE SPONSORED BY THE GENESEE MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION.

BY GAETANO DONIZETTI

QUICK FACTS

Classic operas abridged to approximately 60 minutes

OPERA ON TOUR

OFFERED:

FEBRUARY–MAY

GRADE LEVEL: ALL AGES

COST:

$600 FOR ONE PERFORMANCE, $800 FOR TWO BACK-TO-BACK PERFORMANCES

Is there a magic potion for love? Find out in this classic operatic comedy!

Nemorino loves the town’s brainy beauty, Adina. But the dashing sergeant Belcore arrives and sets his sights upon Adina, too. Desperate, Nemorino asks a traveling salesman, Dr. Dulcamara, to sell him a powerful elixir of love that will convince Adina that he is the only one for her. Romance and comedy ensue as the character’s plans spin wildly out of control. Set in old-west Colorado, this production is sure to charm and delight audiences of all ages.

Performed with live piano accompaniment

Fully staged with sets, costumes, props, wigs, and makeup

Includes postperformance Q&A with the artists

OPERA COLORADO’S 2023-24 OPERA ON TOUR PRODUCTIONS ARE SPONSORED BY THE GENESEE MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION.

OFFERED:

OCTOBER–MAY

GRADE LEVEL: RECOMMENDED FOR PRE-K–2ND GRADE

COST:

$350

QUICK FACTS

Designed to encourage early literacy through the arts

An intimate program, perfect for small spaces or a library

Two different chapters available

STORYTIME SESSIONS

Step inside where stories come to life.

There you will meet the owners of the bookstore, the Finley’s. They know just how magical a book can be and share that knowledge with anyone who may drop in. Each character pulls you into the pages of some of the most beloved tales and tunes from opera, musical theatre, and more. Running at approximately 30 minutes in length, this early-literacy program is perfectly suited for younger students as they take their first venture into the world of opera.

OFFERED:

SEPTEMBER–MAY

GRADE LEVEL: ALL AGES

COST:

$150 PER HOUR

QUICK FACTS

Perfect for a single class Customizable for any topic or subject! Past requests have included:

- Anti-bullying lessons

- Music prep for choirs

- “Finding Your Voice” session for girls

IN-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

Of all the fine arts, opera is the most collaborative, and these workshops offer proof! Led by Opera Colorado’s Teaching Artists, these fun and informative workshops integrate opera into established curriculum and apply to a wide variety of subjects, including Vocal and Acting Master Classes, Shakespeare, History, Communication, Teambuilding, 21st-Century Learning Skills, and much more. Need a workshop tailored to a specific topic? Contact us with your request!

“WELCOMING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME LOVERS OF THE ARTS IS SO IMPORTANT, AND OPERA COLORADO DOES A FANTASTIC JOB OF HELPING THEM FEEL LIKE OPERA IS FOR THEM.”

TEACHER FEEDBACK

“OPERA COLORADO IS VERY EASY TO WORK WITH TO SCHEDULE AN EVENT. MY STUDENTS LEARN SO MUCH EVERY TIME. IT’S AN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE.”

TEACHER FEEDBACK

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 | 10:00 a.m.

GRADE LEVEL: ALL AGES

COST:

$12 (STUDENT)

$15 (ADULT CHAPERONE)

CHAPERONE REQUIREMENT:

One supervising teacher (admitted free of charge) per ten students. Opera Colorado reserves the right to limit the number of additional adults in excess of this ratio.

Sung in Italian, with English and Spanish subtitles at every seat.

QUICK FACTS

A morning performance tailored for students

Thoughtfully abridged so students can experience the whole story in approximately two hours

The curtain stays up so students can see what goes into changing sets between acts

STUDENT MATINEE

Remember the excitement of seeing your first performance in a grand theater? The Student Matinee is a special, once-a-year performance that invites students to experience opera at the spectacular Ellie Caulkins Opera House! Mozart’s famous opera combines comedy and tragedy to tell the tale of an incorrigible young nobleman who blazes a path to his own destruction in a single day. Based on the story of Don Juan, Don Giovanni follows the irresistible (yet irresponsible and dishonorable) title character who is loved by women almost as universally as he loves them. But his reckless ways catch up to him and he cannot escape the consequences of his actions. This abridged performance is approximately 120 minutes and features content appropriate for student audiences. The Student Matinee performance features the 2023-24 Opera Colorado Artists in Residence and the Opera Colorado Orchestra and Chorus.

Plus: Join us after the performance at 12:30 p.m. for an interactive talk-back with the cast and crew!

OPERA COLORADO’S STUDENT MATINEE PERFORMANCE OF DON GIOVANNI IS SPONSORED BY THE GENESEE MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION.

MOZART’S

GRADE LEVEL: 6TH GRADE–COLLEGE COST:

$12 (STUDENT, GRADES 6-12)

$15 (COLLEGE STUDENTS)

$20 (ADULT CHAPERONE)

CHAPERONE REQUIREMENT:

One supervising teacher (admitted free of charge) per ten students under the age of eighteen. Opera Colorado reserves the right to limit the number of additional adults in excess of this ratio.

QUICK FACTS

Geared towards older students

Experience what Opera Colorado’s audiences will see before opening night

STUDENT DRESS REHEARSALS

Give students an insider’s view of the production process at our final dress rehearsal! Students enjoy the performance while watching the maestro, musicians, and crew apply finishing touches to our mainstage shows. Online Guidebooks prepare your class for the opera and offer practical lesson plans. These dress rehearsals are only open to a select few and are a wonderful introduction to live opera!

OFFERED:

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

MARCH 1, 2024

MAY 9 & 10, 2024

10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

GRADE LEVEL:

K–12TH GRADE COST:

$10 (STUDENT)

$15 (ADULT CHAPERONE)

CHAPERONE REQUIREMENT:

One supervising teacher (admitted free of charge) per ten students. Opera Colorado reserves the right to limit the number of additional adults in excess of this ratio.

QUICK FACTS

A weekday morning field trip

Engaging for all ages and grade levels

Learn from the professional artists and crew who work on Opera Colorado’s productions!

BACKSTAGE WORKSHOPS

Stage combat, professional singing, production management, costumes, wigs and makeup, and more! Explore the world backstage at interactive stations created to provide hands-on learning opportunities. It’s a field trip unlike any other and a wonderful way to introduce your students to career options in the arts. Backstage Workshops take place at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

BRAIN BREAKS

Sometimes you just need to take a break, take a breath, and get creative. That’s where Brain Breaks come in. These short, interactive sessions are designed to get you up and moving, learning about music and the arts. Available as a series of ten short episodes, Brain Breaks will spark creative thinking and set the tone for the rest of your day.

OFFERED:

SEPTEMBER–MAY

GRADE LEVEL:

RECOMMENDED FOR K-5TH GRADE

DIGITAL PROGRAM COST:

$50

STORYTIME SESSIONS

An animated and live action adventure you can watch from anywhere! This digital version of our Storytime Sessions performance (p. 4) is a magical option for remote learners.

OFFERED:

OCTOBER–MAY

GRADE LEVEL:

RECOMMENDED FOR PRE-K-2ND GRADE

DIGITAL PROGRAM COST:

$150 FOR ONE-WEEK ACCESS

2023-24 PROGRAM SPONSORS

Opera Colorado’s Education & Community Engagement Programs are made possible through the generous support of the following donors:

Pamela Beardsley

Denver Lyric Opera Guild

Sidney E. Frank Foundation

Genesee Mountain Foundation

Marcia Ragonetti

Gerald & Ann Saul

Scientific and Cultural Facilities District

Galen & Ada Belle Spencer Foundation

Carol Whitley

Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation

RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS

SCHOLARSHIPS

Opera Colorado is pleased to offer partial scholarships for any of our education programs. Funds can be applied to program fees, busing costs, and other associated expenses. Send inquiries to education@operacolorado.org to see how we can assist your school or community! Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

GUIDEBOOKS

Opera Colorado provides FREE downloadable teaching materials through our Guidebooks, which offer lessons, activities, and discussion topics tailored to each of the season’s programs. There is also a beginner’s guide for audiences new to opera! Lessons connect the opera performances to academic content areas, including reading, writing, history, math, science, and music. All Guidebooks align to Colorado Academic Standards.

SCAN

Or visit operacolorado.org to access guidebooks.

KASSANDRA MESTEMAKER Manager of Education & Community Engagement kmestemaker@operacolorado.org

303.778.7350