Sarasota Youth Opera Summer Camp Registration Underway Through May 10th

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. Summer Camp sessions will take place from 10am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, between June 10-28, with an option of one, two, or three week sessions, at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple, Sarasota, FL 34236. Tuition is based on age and session, with options for pre and post care available. Tuition assistance is also available.

Opera camp is a unique, hands-on adventure. Here is what campers and parents have to say:

"I was extremely impressed with the camp and all of 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!"

No audition is necessary to participate, and programing is designed for all skill levels. The deadline for registration is Friday, May 10, 2019 with remaining applications accepted on a first come basis. For more information and to register, call 941-328-1307 or email youthopera@sarasotaopera.org.

Since 1984, Sarasota Youth Opera has given thousands of young people an opportunity to experience opera first hand through participation in after-school choruses, Sarasota Opera productions, summer workshops, and fully staged Youth Opera productions. As the only program in the U.S. 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 opera for everyone.

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 in Lakewood Ranch: in addition to classes at the Sarasota Opera House, families can access Youth Opera programing in Lakewood Ranch. Participant take part in annual full-scale Youth Opera productions and rehearse weekly at Harvest United Methodist Church.

Youth Opera Productions: Part of Sarasota Opera's commitment to young people includes the commissioning of new operatic works written for children and young adults. Six new works have been presented as part of this mission: Deadline (1989), Polly Pen's Her Lightness (1993), Tom Suta's Eye of Ra (1998), John Kennedy's The Language of Birds (2004), Daron Hagen's Little Nemo in Slumberland (2012) and Rachel J. Peters' Rootabaga Country (2017). Members take part in the making of each opera, complete with professional staging, costumes, lighting, sound, and orchestral accompaniment.

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 32 productions as singers and many more as supernumeraries. 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 Figaro in 2006 and 2015, and including the three spirits in The Magic Flute in 2010 and 2019. Singers are involved in the complete production process - from early music and dramatic rehearsals to performing alongside opera professionals.

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