Kids Create Opera

Elementary and Middle School

Washington National Opera would like to partner with your school as you and your students create your very own opera!

The Kids Create Opera Partnership (KCOP) is designed to assist schools who are implementing the Music! Words! Opera! or Creating Original Opera curriculum in their classrooms. While students are creating their very own original opera, KCOP’s year-long partnership helps engage students in arts learning by developing a deeper understanding of the different jobs needed to produce an opera. Each partnership is specifically designed to accommodate the school in cooperation with the educator team, school principal, and WNO Education staff.

Each KCOP School may customize its partnership with the following opportunities:

A WNO Education staff member can contribute a presentation at parent meetings, PTA meetings, and/or In-Service events.
An opportunity to “Ask Bruce,” the original creator of the Creating Original Opera curriculum. Bruce Taylor is available by email, phone, or in person to help with challenges or difficulties during the year.
WNO Teaching Artist classroom visits to work with/coach teacher in a stage or element of the opera creation process (Limit 3 visits up to 90 min each - additional visits $100 each). Topics may include:
- Composing Music
- Writing Script
- Stage Directing
- Acting/Movement/Drama
- Vocal Projection & Diction
Attend a WNO working tech rehearsal in the Kennedy Center Opera House.
Tour the WNO Costume Studio.
A professional makeup demonstration.
Informational interviews, shadowing opportunities, or a class visit with Washington National Opera professional staff. Jobs may include:
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Production
- Stage Management
- Costumes
Additional needs or requests negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Fee: $350 per kids opera company

Application Deadline: October 1, 2010

Please contact the education department at 202.448.3465 to find out how your school can join KCOP.

Photo by Vicky Pombo