Opera Workshop is a one-credit course offered each spring that culminates in fully staged, costumed performances at the historic Majestic Theater. Repertoire is carefully chosen based on the students cast and spans a variety of operatic and operetta styles and languages.
Designed for students interested in exploring the world of opera, the course combines musical preparation with training in character development, acting, movement, diction, and text translation. Participants also gain real-world skills, such as writing a performance résumé and artist bio. Collaborative rehearsals provide valuable experience working on a dynamic creative team.
As part of the course, students may also have the opportunity to attend a professional opera production in a nearby metropolitan area.
Recent Productions Include:
Haydn’s La Canterina • Barab’s A Game of Chance • Viardot’s Cendrillon (live & digital) • Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers and The Pirates of Penzance • Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea (digital) • Ching’s Speed Dating Tonight • Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief • Strauss’s Die Fledermaus • Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas
Who Can Audition?
Opera Workshop is open to all students with strong music-reading skills and the ability to sing in the language of the chosen production.
Auditions are held each fall and include a required art song or aria. Callbacks may include excerpts from the opera under consideration. Casting is finalized by the end of the semester, allowing time for role preparation over winter break. An accompanist is provided for auditions, and students are encouraged to submit a résumé and headshot, if available.
For more information, please contact Dr. Susan Hochmiller at shochmil@gettysburg.edu