Seattle Opera's Education Department now offers middle and high school students a chance to experience opera up close.
Seattle Opera's newest education program shows students what really goes on behind the scenes of a world-class opera company. Tours take place on Wednesday mornings before most of the artists have arrived to prepare for the evening's performance.
During opera tours, middle school students explore all of McCaw Hall, check out the many art installations, enter the orchestra pit, peek into the dressing rooms, and explore the backstage area, learning about the fascinating work done by stage management, costumes, wigs and make-up, props, sets and lighting.
Local high schools can participate in the "Experience Opera" program, which gives teachers custom-created study guides that allow them to integrate opera into their classroom curriculums. In addition, Seattle Opera brings more than 5,000 high school students to the dress rehearsals of main stage productions so they can experience first-hand the magic of a fully-staged opera production.
Seattle Opera's educational programs have evolved over the years and are designed to reach virtually every age group.
To learn more about educational opportunities at the opera, call the Seattle Opera Education Department at 206.389.7600 or email at education@seattleopera.org.
