educational opportunity for young singing actors in the Charlotte
region. This summer, they will host a week-long, music-drama workshop
featuring hands-on instruction, coaching and training by professional
artists highlighted by three special Master Classes conducted by
internationally recognized opera stars.
Opera Carolina Academy - 2010 Music-Drama Summer Workshop – to be held
at Spirit Square, June 21-25 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – is open to
students who have completed grades 6-8 or grades 9-12. The next
auditions for the workshop are on Sat., May 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
and from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Space
is limited and students must register for an audition at
www.csarts.org by Wed., April 30.
Students are not required to have prior private artistic instruction
but the comprehensive curriculum is geared toward individuals with a
strong desire to pursue a high level of music-drama training and a
propensity to achieve goals and exceed expectations.
"We are thrilled to be able to provide professional instruction to
young people in our region and to partner with Community School of the
Arts." said James Meena, General Director and Principal Conductor.
"This is an exciting opportunity for aspiring young artists to work
first-hand with exceptionally gifted opera artists who bring a wealth
of knowledge and experience from their years of performing on the
world's great stages. Opera Carolina is committed to creating
exciting, high quality professional educational opportunities for
young people."
About the Curriculum
The Music-Drama curriculum will include instruction in
stage combat, stagecraft skills, theater exercises and games, musical
interpretation, orchestral improvisation and movement. The vocal
instruction curriculum will include basic training in proper
breathing, laryngeal positioning and relaxation, practice exercises
and tactics, diction, song interpretation and care of the voice. All
vocal study is geared to the healthy production of acoustic solo
singing. In addition to regular class instruction, students may also
qualify (if they choose) to participate in master classes with
internationally recognized opera stars.
About Opera Carolina
Founded in 1948 as the Charlotte Opera Association by a small group of
volunteers, today Opera Carolina is the largest professional opera
company in the Carolinas with an operating budget of over $3.3 million
for the fiscal year 2009. The mission of Opera Carolina is to inspire
the region's diverse community through the presentation of excellent
Opera, Operetta, and Education & Outreach programs that elevate the
quality of life in the Carolinas. Opera Carolina is a community
resource with a commitment to artistic excellence and community service.
Opera Carolina is supported by the Arts & Science Council-Charlotte/
Mecklenburg and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by
the state of North Carolina, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Opera Carolina is a member of OPERA America.
About Community School of the Arts
Founded in 1969, Community School of the Arts provides
music and visual arts programs to more than 2,000 students each
year. Through music lessons, art classes, summer camps and extensive
outreach programs at more than a dozen Mecklenburg County studios, the
School fulfills its mission to transform lives and inspire community
through outstanding, accessible arts education.
Community School of the Arts is supported by the Arts & Science
Council of Charlotte/Mecklenburg and the North Carolina Arts Council,
an agency funded by the state of North Carolina.
