For the first time since its inception in 1973, the ACC Music Department has been offering an opera workshop class. This is an introductory performing and movement course designed to nurture confidence and teamwork in singers. Students learn and apply vocal and acting techniques for the operatic, art song, and musical theater medium. Dr. Blythe Cates envisions collaborations with other departments throughout the college that meet the requirements of students pursuing a degree in music. The goal of the voice area, Dr. Cates says “is to provide our students with comprehensive training to set them up for success in whatever avenue of music they pursue.” The Austin area is a source for some of the best singing performers in the country. The attractiveness of having a comprehensive opera workshop program at Austin Community College will have a tremendous impact on both the music department’s enrollment and other liberal arts departments.
The workshop’s first production, a children’s opera entitled, Little Red’s Most Unusual Day, was performed in April of this year to excellent audiences and positive reviews.In this operatic retelling of a classic fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood recounts the events of the day she went to visit her granny. Who knew the series of unfortunate events that would happen that day, including her granny kissing a wolf, Forest Ranger Dudley losing his pants, and Little Red getting in trouble? This performance is a great introduction to opera for children and adults of all ages.
The class has an exciting and ambitious performance schedule this year with performances of Warren Miller’s The True Story of Cinderella in the fall and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas to finish up our year.
For more information on the opera workshop class and our performance schedule, please contact [email protected].
Photo credit: Dwayne Barnes
