Education & 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.

Our programs are designed to be flexible to accommodate various ages, venues, classroom sizes, and more. 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 3-5
Opera and Oranges

Get ready for a delightful tale and a nourishing treat! Tailored for preschoolers, this program introduces an op-era-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 of course, we’ll also bring along a wholesome and tasty snack. (Snack selection coordinated with classroom teacher.) 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 K-3
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!


GRADES 7-12
behind the voice

Cincinnati Opera is thrilled to provide students with a chance to explore career possibilities! In this program, a seasoned professional opera singer will take students on a journey through their own personal story and career path. Behind the Voice is all about enlightening, motivating, and captivating students. 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 their musical pieces. The experience will wrap up with a Q&A session. Expect to hear from singers representing diverse cultural backgrounds. This compelling program seeks to unveil the path of career development and inspire students to follow their dreams.


GRADES 7-12
FIERCE RESIDENCY

Unleash your inner power! During the summer of 2022, Cincinnati Opera proudly introduced the world to Fierce, a groundbreaking opera centered around the journeys of four teenage girls as they navigate the complexities of social media, college applications, friendship, and grief. We’re excited to bring this extraordinary opera experience to your school. Through our Fierce Residency, we empower young minds to explore their own fierceness. Participants will have the chance to view a Fierce performance video, take part in writing workshops and dynamic group discussions, and engage in interactive Q&A sessions with the talented Fierce creative team, opera performers, and so much more.


ALL GRADES
SHARE THE LOVE TRUCK

The Share the Love Truck is hitting the road! Bring the mag-ic of opera right to your doorstep. We cruise through the region, bringing captivating live concerts to schools, com-munity centers, libraries, and more. Delight in a 30-minute performance featuring a diverse blend of opera, Broad-way, jazz, and pop tunes, all presented from the bed of a pickup truck. For an immersive experience, our program seamlessly blends with Opera Storybook Hour, catering to pre-K to Grade 3 students, or it can take center stage for the entire school. This mobile experience is designed to thrill audiences of all ages–a truly remarkable treat for everyone!


opera express

Experience the magic of opera like never before with the Opera Express, a mobile theater that brings captivating performances to unexpected places in the community. Professional singers combine narration and song to take you on a journey through the creation of opera, from audi-tions to rehearsals and a stunning costumed finale. Here’s the scoop: Our 28-foot box truck parks in approved lo-cations, and after a quick 45-minute setup by our skilled technicians, this black box theater stage is set.


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.

 

cincinnati opera in concert

Cincinnati Opera is bringing the magic of Cincinnati Opera in Concert to your stage! This concert series is incredibly flexible and can be customized to suit your audience’s specific preferences. Whether you crave a night filled with beloved opera classics or prefer a captivating blend of Broadway, jazz, and other genres, Cincinnati Opera is your one-stop destination for an electrifying, tailor-made musical experience that’s sure to leave your audience in awe!


classics. music. opera.

Uncover the hidden similarities between mythology and opera in CLASSICS. MUSIC. OPERA.

What do the ancient Greek epics such as The Odyssey and timeless operas like Tosca have in common? More than you might think! In these enthralling 45-minute lectures, we’ll embark on a journey that unearths the hidden threads weaving together these seemingly unrelated classics.


opera & yoga

Find inner peace through our thoughtfully designed program blending yoga practices with the captivating world of opera. Our experienced instructors will lead you through a unique and serene group yoga session, geared toward all levels of expertise. During designated yoga breaks, you can relax and reflect with soothing opera music known for its calming and emotional melodies.

music in motion

Music and motion are both vital to health and healing. In this series, Cincinnati Opera combines group singing with chair yoga to exercise both the voice and body. This 45-minute class stimulates cognitive and physical functions for the best of both worlds.


share the love truck

The Share the Love Truck offers a delightful musical experience, bringing the joy of music to the great outdoors. This unique open-air concert presents a 30-minute performance that spans various musical genres, including opera, Broadway, jazz, and pop. What makes this event truly special is that it takes place right from the bed of a pickup truck. Music enthusiasts and nature lovers alike will appreciate the opportunity to soak in the melodies and rhythms while basking in the warmth of the sun. Catch the Share the Love Truck for a unique musical journey in a refreshing outdoor setting!


opera express

The Opera Express is our one-of-a-kind mobile opera theater, traveling around the community to bring opera to unexpected places. Through narration and song, professional singers perform beloved opera tales in this unique black box theater setting.

Up to 25 patrons at a time will enter the truck, take a seat, and witness a 15-minute live performance they won’t soon forget. The Opera Express is climate-controlled and features a staircase allowing entrance into the truck. All performances will be staffed by Cincinnati Opera.


Partner Programs

ROKCincy
Grades K-6

Cincinnati Opera is proud to partner with ROKCincy (Roundabout Opera for Kids Cincy) to bring the thrill of live opera performances to students age K-6 and community centers throughout Greater Cincinnati. To learn more about ROKCincy and its touring schedule, visit [rokcincy.com][1]. Interested in scheduling a performance or auditioning for ROKCincy's next tour? Email Kelly Holterhoff or call 513-768-5522.


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 Education and Engagement 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 Education and Engagement Programs?
    We are always willing to work with you on pricing. Our programs typically range from $150-$800. A limited amount of 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 that have been 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.


EDUCATION SPONSORS

 
 
 

Fierce World Premiere and Community Outreach received funding from a Civic Practice Grant from OPERA America’s Opera Fund.