Summer Adult Education Class - "Putting It Together"
Ever wondered about how all of the myriad elements of opera
come together to create a cohesive whole?
Portland Opera is pulling back the curtain and introducing you to the people who put it all together. In this highly interactive class, we give you the opportunity to ask questions, try things out, strengthen your relationship with the opera and make new friends. Not bad for $160.00, eh?
Classes are held on Wednesdays, July 17 - September 4, 7-9p.
Contact Alexis Hamilton, Manager of Education & Outreach Manager, for more information or to register.
Here is what participants had to say about this course:
 | "I would give this a 10!!! Alexis and all of the participants were absolutely inspiring, prepared, exciting, lovely personalities, dedicated and just plain fun. They have all my respect and gratitude."
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From Initial Conception to Critical Reception:
HOW DOES AN OPERA GET ON ITS FEET?
| Class 1: | July 17, 2013 |
| Break It Down: | |
| Brief history of opera • Conventions of opera • Building blocks of opera | |
| Instructor: Alexis Hamilton | |
| Class 2: | July 24, 2013 |
| Write It 1: | |
| During this class, participants will learn a little about librettos and the most famous librettists and then break into small goups and create part of a libretto from a familiar story. Students will learn from local composer, John Vergin about the considerations they should take in writing a libretto. At the end of class, they will turn in their scenes in anticiation of having them set for the next class. | |
| Instructors: Alexis Hamilton, John Vergin (composer) | |
| Class 3: | July 31, 2013 |
| Write It 2, Hear It: | |
| Participants will gather to hear their scenes from the previous class set to music and sung by opera singers. They will have the opportunity to hear what challenges and opportunities their scenes posed and discuss the differences between the spoken and sung product. | |
| Instructors: Alexis Hamilton, John Vergin (composer), 2 local singers | |
| Class 4: | August 7, 2013 |
| Plan it: | |
| Could YOU plan an opera season? Participants will listen to Clare Burovac, Director of Artistic Operations discuss how Portland Opera's General Director and Senior Staff decide on a season...and then participants will plan their own! | |
| Instructors: Alexis Hamilton, Clare Burovac | |
| Class 5: | August 14, 2013 |
| Design it: | |
| Students will listen to a design team hold a mock initial meeting and then a mock presentation meeting for an agreed upon familiar opera. Students will get to see renderings for sets and cosutmes and ask questions of the Design team. If time allows, students may break into Design Teams to consider a concept for a popular opera. | |
| Instructors: Alexis Hamilton, Director (Christopher Mattaliano), Set Designer (TBA), Costume Designer (TBA) | |
| Class 6: | August 21, 2013 |
| Build it: | |
| Students will learn what a Technical Director, Props Master and Costume Mistress do to make designs on paper a reality in a panel discussion format. Students will get to see renderings and technical drawings and have an opportunity to ask questions. | |
| Class 7: | August 28, 2013 |
| Prepare it: | |
| Students will meet Portland Opera's chorus master and assistant conductor, as well as opera singers. Students will watch a coaching and have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the preapration process, both from the singers perspective and the conductor's perspective. In the second half, students will meet Production Stage Manager, Jennifer Hammontree to discuss what a Stage Manager does before, during and after an opera. | |
| Instructors: Alexis Hamiton, Local singers, chorus master and Jennifer Hammontree | |
| Class 8: | September 4, 2013 |
| Rehearse It: | |
| Students will have the opportunity to watch stage director, Christopher Mattaliano, direct an operatic scene. | |
| Instructors: Alexis Hamilton, Stage Manager (Jennifer Hammontree), Chris Mattaliano and two local singers, pianist | |