Young people ages 8-18 are invited to experience the magic of opera—on and off the stage!
Sarasota, FL—Sarasota Youth Opera’s annual Summer Camp engages young people in the magic of opera with sessions in singing, acting, props, wigs, make-up, and costumes, all led by professional singers, artists, directors, musicians, and technicians. 2-week Summer Camp for ages 8-10 runs Monday through Friday, June 13 through 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 3-week Summer Camp for ages 10 and up runs Monday through Friday, June 13 through July 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No audition is necessary to participate, and programming is designed for all skill levels. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Camp takes place at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple, Sarasota, FL. Tuition is based on age and session, and financial assistance is available. There is also an option for pre and post care. For more information and to register, call 941-328-1307, email youthopera@sarasotaopera.org or visit our website at SarasotaOpera.org.
Opera camp is a unique, hands-on adventure. Below are a few testimonials from parents:
“I was extremely impressed with the camp and all the experiences that were offered. This is one of the best camps I have seen for children of all ages.”
“My child came home wanting to watch and listen to more operas! Thank you for instilling a love for music in my child!”
“Each morning as I drove my child to the Opera House, her excitement was palpable, and she would sing the music of the operas she was learning. The same happened as I drove her home. Not only was she happy, but it made my day.”
“My kids loved every moment. Opera camp is literally their favorite time of year!”
ABOUT SARASOTA YOUTH OPERA
Since 1984, Sarasota Youth Opera has given thousands of young people an opportunity to experience opera firsthand through participation in fully staged Youth Opera productions, summer workshops, Sarasota Opera mainstage productions, and after-school choruses and concerts throughout the community. As the only program in the United States committed to presenting annual full-scale opera productions for young voices, accepting all who wish to participate regardless of skill level or ability to pay, Sarasota Youth Opera is a national model for opera education.
Youth Opera Choruses: Beginning at age 8 singers are placed in one of two chorus levels. Each chorus provides a setting for everyone to participate and progress at their own level as they gain greater skills and experience. Selections performed are made up of classical music, which includes opera and choral pieces in different languages. The choruses perform throughout the community in formal concerts and outreach events.
Youth Opera Productions: A main focus of the program is the annual Youth Opera production of an operatic work written for children and young adults complete with professional staging, costumes, lighting, sound, and orchestral accompaniment. Part of Sarasota Opera’s commitment to young people includes the commissioning of new works for young voices. Six new works have been presented as part of this mission: Rachel J. Peters’Rootabaga Country (2017), Daron Hagen’s Little Nemo in Slumberland (2012), John Kennedy’s The Language of Birds(2004), Tom Suta’s Eye of Ra (1998), Polly Pen’s Her Lightness(1993), and Deadline (1989).
Opera Mainstage Season:
In addition to their own productions, Youth Opera members have the opportunity to participate in Sarasota Opera productions as members of children’s choruses. Since 1986 they have appeared in 33 productions as singers and many more as supernumeraries. SYO chorus members were last seen in this past season’s production of Puccini’s Tosca. When appropriate, Youth Opera members have also been cast as soloists on the mainstage, beginning with the role of Flora in 1988’s The Turn of the Screw, continuing with the role of Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaroin 2006 and 2015, and including the three spirits in The Magic Flute in 2010 and 2019.