learning & Enrichment programs
Communicate • Collaborate • Create
Greetings! Cincinnati Opera is excited to enliven our community by creating opportunities for the entire family to enjoy positive and meaningful experiences with opera.
Whether you are a school entity searching for programming that en-hances curriculum and true value-add to the instructional process or a community collaborator seeking to invite the arts into your space, our aim is to be a powerful partner that listens and learns.
There is a vast amount of research that supports the benefits of arts programming in all facets of life, including reduced stress and higher levels of happiness. It is also proven that those involved in the arts are more likely to demonstrate patterns of civic engagement—and stu-dents demonstrate higher test scores, increased rates of graduation and college enrollment, and more!
Our programs are designed to be flexible to accommodate various settings and needs. Let our opera artists serenade you with Cincinnati Opera in Concert, or cozy up with a book and craft with Opera Story-book Hour. We have something for everyone.
Want to learn more about how to bring a Cincinnati Opera Education and Engagement program to your school or community center? Email us at education@cincinnatiopera.org or call 513-768-5548.
School Programs
Our aim is to be a powerful partner with our local schools by enhancing the curriculum to extend learning and be a true value-add to the instructional process. There is a vast amount of research that supports the benefits of arts programming in schools, including higher standardized test scores, increased graduation rates, higher enrollment in college bachelor’s degree programs, and greater student involvement in the community.
Our programs are designed to be flexible to accommodate various classroom sizes and versatile school schedules.
Through our art form, Cincinnati Opera strives to encourage critical thinking, creative expression, and collaboration. We hope to inspire students to explore their aesthetic appreciation and help them prepare for success in their future professional careers. We are excited to share our multidisciplinary art form with you and your students in new and unexpected ways. Please join us in the endeavor to provide enriching experiences and new avenues for learning.
PRESCHOOL; AGES 3-6
Opera and Oranges
Get ready for a delightful tale and a nourishing treat! Tailored for children from 3 to 6, this program introduces an opera-themed storybook accompanied by a unique musical guest, engaging little ones with an interactive song. Our goal is to foster a passion for both literature and music, and we’ll also bring along a healthy and tasty snack. Cincinnati Opera proudly presents this initiative to bolster the positive influence that music exposure and nutritious eating have on a child’s overall development and well-being. Get ready for a deliciously enjoyable time!
GRADES 5-10
OPERA STORYBOOK HOUR
Embark on a captivating storytelling journey with Cincinnati Opera! Our engaging program breathes life into opera-inspired stories through the vibrant voices of our skilled artists who read, sing, and play enchanting opera music. Following the story, students will dive into an enjoyable craft activity. For example, drawing inspiration from The Magic Flute, they’ll have the chance to create their very own Papageno and Papagena masks, representing a charming bird catcher and his bride. Our instructor will also engage students with questions to make sure everyone grasps the story. This experience blends the magic of storytelling, the power of music, and the joy of crafting into an unforgettable adventure of creativity and fun.
Check out our free Virtual Opera Storybook collection! Follow along as we read an opera-themed storybook followed by a special performance. Enjoy a study guide with fun activities for the kids with each episode!
ages 10 and up
behind the voice
Behind the Voice is all about enlightening, motivating, and educating groups about the various aspects of opera-related careers. In this program, a seasoned professional op-era singer will take you on a journey through their own personal story and career path. They’ll delve into topics such as education, vocal training, networking, auditions, and performances. Along with their story, the artist will treat students to a selection of musical pieces. The experience will wrap up with a Q&A session. Expect to hear from sing-ers representing diverse cultural backgrounds. This compelling program seeks to inspire and unveil the many paths of career development.
* Classes scheduled based on artists’ availability.
all ages
masterclass
Imagine stepping into a world where the magic of opera comes to life right before your eyes! At a Cincinnati Opera masterclass, you will have the rare opportunity to learn from a seasoned opera artist in an immersive and interactive setting. The artist shares invaluable insights on vocal techniques, stage presence, and the art of sto-rytelling through music, while also providing personalized feedback to young, aspiring performers. This transformative experience not only hones their musical skills but also boosts their confidence, creativity, and passion for the arts, leaving a lasting impact that resonates both on and off the stage.
ALL ages
stagebound!
Experience the magic of “Stagebound!”—a captivating 30-minute touring show that immerses you in the world of opera in the comfort of your own space. Follow profes-sional singers through narration and song as they take you on a mesmerizing journey from auditions and rehearsals to a stunning costumed finale. After the performance, en-gage with the cast in a lively discussion. “Stagebound!” is perfect for introducing opera to new audiences or reignit-ing passion for this timeless art form.
ages 13-16
tHE WORLD OF LALOVAVI
Join us for a transformative 2–3-day classroom experience for students in grades 7-12, where they’ll dive into the captivating world of Afrofuturism through the Lalovavi libretto. Students will engage in discussions about the storyline, characters, and themes. Through creative expression, they’ll be inspired to craft their own futuristic stories, drawing on the rich and fantastical elements of the opera. This educational experience will not only captivate their imaginations but also broaden their perspectives on cultural heritage and futuristic storytelling.
Adult Learning and Enrichment
Our aim is to be a powerful community partner that listens and learns. There is a vast amount of research that supports the benefits of arts programming in all facets of life, including reduced stress and higher levels of happiness. It is also proven that those involved in the arts are more likely to demonstrate patterns of civic and social engagement.
Our programs are designed to be flexible to accommodate various community settings and needs. Bring our impressive Opera Express truck out for a festival or bust a move with our Opera and Yoga series. We have something for everyone.
all ages
Cincinnati opera in concert
Cincinnati Opera is bringing the magic of music to your stage! This concert series is incredibly flexible and can be customized to suit your audience’s specific preferences. Whether you crave beloved opera classics or prefer a cap-tivating blend of Broadway, jazz, and other genres, Cincin-nati Opera is your one-stop destination for an electrifying, tailor-made musical experience that’s sure to leave your audience in awe! Perfect for assemblies, field days, block parties, and more! Have young audience members in at-tendance? Ask about adding a storybook element to the concert!
all ages
opera & yoga
Join us for a journey of relaxation and reflection, where yoga and opera converge to nurture your inner peace. Our experienced instructors will lead you through a unique and serene group yoga session, geared toward all levels of ex-pertise. Between yoga intervals, Cincinnati Opera artists will serenade you with the soothing melodies of opera music, renowned for its calming and emotive qualities. This program is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
MUSIC IN MOTION
Experience the transformative power of music and motion with Cincinnati Opera’s innovative series. Led by opera and yoga professionals, each session combines group singing and chair yoga, complemented by a captivating opera performance. Sing along to beloved Broadway classics and modern hits and move your body in this 45-minute class designed to enhance cognitive and physical well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What programming will work best for my group?
We are happy to talk through programming options with you! Please give us a call at 513-768-5548 to get more details on any of our offerings. We have programs available for all ages and grade levels.How long is a Cincinnati Opera program?
Our programs are approximately 45 minutes in length. Some programs are presented in a series format, with multiple sessions over several days.What are the prices for Cincinnati Opera programs?
We are always willing to work with you on pricing. Our programs typically range from $150-$1200. Full or partial grant funding may also be available for schools and community groups.I would like to connect your programming to our curriculum. Is that possible?
Absolutely! Our education staff and teaching artists will work with you to integrate content into the lessons. We have programs specifically designed to align with content standards and are happy to collaborate with you!
Want to learn more about how to bring a Cincinnati Opera Education and Engagement program to your school or community center? Contact us at education@cincinnatiopera.org or 513-768-5548.
