Opera & Musical Theatre Workshop

Opera Theatre Workshop is held one semester each school year. Students must be studying voice and sing an audition to be accepted into this workshop that requires some understanding of classical performance style and vocal expectations. Vocal projection, character development, stage movement and style are desired outcomes for this workshop. Scenes from operas from Baroque to contemporary periods are performed each year. Some years entire one act operas are presented as the casting allows. Recent operas have included Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Menotti’s “The Telephone,” “The Medium,” and “the Old Maid and the Thief,” and Handel’s “Semele.”

Music Theatre Workshop is offered one semester each year.  In this class you will learn to coordinate singing, acting and dancing in scenes from various musicals.  The class will have a stage director/choreographer, a coach-accompanist and a vocal director, Susan McBerry.  The accompanist and choreographer are working professionals in the city. We strive to make these shows all inclusive and rewarding experiences, contributing to the strong network the department  fosters among performers of all skill levels. The class meets three hours each week and has a performance at the end of the semester. Rarely, the Music Department collaborates with the Theatre Department to produce a complete musical through the Theatre Department.  Recent productions include “Urinetown” and “Spring Awakening”.