Opera Theatre

The opera curriculum is an important element of singer training at Lawrence and is uniquely designed with the specific needs of the undergraduate singer in mind. The curriculum is divided into four loosely consecutive tiers that increasingly emphasize a culminating public performance. These ensemble classes establish an environment for the student to incrementally build and hone the craft of a skilled singing actor.

Performance Skills for Singers

Performance Skills is a workshop-style class that introduces the student to foundational elements of stage performance, whether recital, concert, or opera.

Opera Workshop

Opera Workshop is also a workshop-style class that builds on the concepts and skills of Performance Skills and increases focus on the specifics of the opera stage. The class culminates in a showcase presentation.

Opera Scenes

Opera Scenes provides performance practice for the singing actor. In original language students prepare roles from opera scenes in a wide range of historical periods and theatrical styles. The public performance of Opera Scenes is one of the major ensemble offerings at Lawrence. The 2011-12 performance showcased scenes from Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Der Schauspieldirektor, Menotti’s The Consul, R. Strauss’s Rosenkavalier, Paisiello’s Socrate Immaginario, Gluck’s Orfée, Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, and Johann Strauss’s Die Fledermaus.”

Mainstage Opera

The Mainstage Opera is the centerpiece of the opera curriculum at Lawrence. The opera, usually sung in English, is fully staged and performed with full orchestra. The 2012-2013 opera will be Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring. Past productions include The Fairy Queen, The Bartered Bride, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, The Magic Flute, Hansel and Gretel, Candide, and L'Étoile.

In addition to the Opera Curriculum, the Theater Department produces a fully staged musical with full orchestra every other year, an offering that is augmented by the yearly student-produced musical. Students also often have the opportunity to perform in student-produced chamber operas or opera scenes.

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