Opera Santa Barbara Announces 'Opera Lab' Tour of Area Elementary Schools

The Opera Lab, Opera Santa Barbara's innovative outreach program for children, will tour area elementary schools beginning next week. Opera Lab sessions will take place at Foothill and Monte Vista elementary schools in Santa Barbara on Monday, January 30; Briggs School in Santa Paula on Tuesday, January 31; Santa Barbara Charter School on Thursday, February 2; and Marymount of Santa Barbara on Friday, February 3.

March sessions will include Peabody Charter Elementary in Santa Barbara and Coastline Christian Academy in Goleta (both 3/14); Santa Barbara Charter School (3/15); Montalvo Arts Academy in Ventura (3/17); Ellwood School in Goleta (3/21); and Roosevelt Elementary School in Santa Barbara (3/22). Additional sessions will be added as needed.

The Opera Lab is an interactive program designed to teach students the rudiments of opera. Guided by four professional singers and an accompanist specially trained in improvisational theatre, participating children learn the art form's building blocks and use them to create their own opera, which is performed for them on the spot. The program emphasizes storytelling and language skills, and provides instruction in music, opera, and vocal performance.

The popular program is offered free of charge. Schools can request an Opera Lab session at www.operasb.org/outreach/the-opera-lab. For more information, call 805-898-3890 or email info@operasb.org.

About Opera Santa Barbara

Founded in 1994 by Marilyn Gilbert and Nathan Rundlett, Opera Santa Barbara is committed to presenting productions and educational programs of the highest quality. Over more than two decades the company has staged more than 50 operas and devoted thousands of hours to community outreach. The organization remains dedicated to the core passions that animated its founding: celebrating and championing the breadth and beauty of opera, and contributing to the cultural enrichment of the Santa Barbara community. Additional information is available at www.operasb.org.