OperaWorks transforms performers into artists and creates productions that are alive and relevant. We serve the emerging artist in every aspiring professional, draw people to opera, and create a cultural bridge in the community.
HISTORY
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THE COMPANY
Since 1987 OperaWorks has earned a reputation for innovation and excellence. Under the leadership of Ann Baltz, founder and executive director, the performance training programs have achieved national recognition and distinction. Hallmarks include four Summer Intensive Programs in Los Angeles, year-round workshops in New York City and Los Angeles, and master classes taught throughout the United States. To honor 20 years of history, OperaWorks was the subject of a documentary filmed by Lightsong Films during the 2006 Summer Programs.
THE TRAINING OperaWorks is nationally recognized for its unique and transformative approach to performance training. We believe that The Artist and The Person are undeniably linked. Therefore, our training integrates the Creative, Dramatic, Musical, Physical, Mental, and Emotional aspects of performance.
OperaWorks’ faculty consists of professionals who are trained in the operatic traditions, yet who are not afraid to incorporate innovative teaching methods to develop each singer’s exceptional talents. (Please go to the training page and faculty page for complete information)
THE PRODUCTIONS While OperaWorks’ main focus is educational, performances are a vital part of the OperaWorks mission and include a Concert Opera Series, new works, improvised operas, showcase concerts, and our summer Original Productions. Audiences can hear outstanding singers in a variety of exciting productions designed to offer an alternative to traditional opera performances.
OUR ALUMNI Over twenty years of OperaWorks alumni are now performing in opera houses throughout the world. During Fall 2007, three of our alumni were on the roster at the Metropolitan Opera, and eight were on stage at New York City Opera! Still other alumni can be heard throughout the country in regional opera houses, while others enjoy successful careers as opera company founders, teachers, directors and conductors.
THE FUTURE Ever evolving, OperaWorks is in the first stage of a major ten-year expansion plan to integrate opera, dance, and theater into projects on socially relevant topics. This expansion includes thoughtful and responsible strategic planning that will ensure success programmatically, organizationally, and financially. We are interested in partnering with other arts, social action, and funding organizations that share our vision for a more responsible and peaceful world.
OperaWorks: Training the Artist and the Person
OPERAWORKS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
11565 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Suite 218
San Fernando, CA 91340
818-898-9597
OperaWorks is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
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OperaWorks is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Educational programs and productions are partially funded by student tuition and ticket sales. Contributions from individuals or businesses are a critical component of OperaWorks' annual budget. Click Here to make a gift to OperaWorks.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Executive Board
Carol DeFore, president
Ann Baltz, secretary/treasurer
Wendy Elizabeth Cooper, member
Rodger Mills, member
Carmen Tolivar, member
Fernando Tolivar, member
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Advisory Board
Stacy C. Brightman, PhD: Director of Community Programs, Los Angeles Opera
John Clark: former Chair of Music, University of New Mexico
Stewart Robertson: Music Director, Florida Grand Opera; Music Director, Glimmerglass Opera
Peter Russell: General Director, Opera Colorado
OPERAWORKS STAFF
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Kristina Driskill, Managing Director, is multi-talented in both business and as a performer. She has served in management positions for companies in Dallas, Houston and Baton Rouge. She is currently completing her DMA at West Virginia University where she was a three-year recipient of the Swiger Fellowship. Kristina is a 2000 OperaWorks alumna and is known to Los Angeles audiences as the mezzo in OperaWorks' FlipSide: When Good Opera Goes Bad.
Alysha Conroy, Programs Administrator, joined the staff in April 2008. Her diverse background includes years in positions including administrative assistant, personal assistant, lifeguard, pre-school teacher, and nanny. As a 2007 alumna of OperaWorks, she was most recently acclaimed for her performance as Papagena in OperaWorks’ Concert Opera The Magic Flute. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice Performance from California Institute of the Arts, with a minor in Science (focusing on vocal and muscular physiology, and Evolutionary Animal Behavior). She begins her Masters of Music Degree in the Fall 2008 at California State University, Northridge.
Gil Davis, photographer and OperaWorks Webmaster, can be found at many OperaWorks events, digital camera in hand, capturing images and reflections of the OperaWorks experience.
Purposefully unobtrusive in his work, he captures the creativity and excitement of OperaWorks through digital photography.
Gil is the Proposals and Contracts Manager for a multimedia document conversion and imaging firm in Southern California, and formerly with the University of New Mexico Collegiate Singers. Contact Gil
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Rick Stockwell
Formally a professional photographer in Los Angeles, Rick is now in demand in New York City, specializing in headshots for classical musicians, particularly opera singers and instrumentalists.
He brings to his sessions an uncanny skill for capturing the essence of the performer from his own background as a singer in both opera and musical theater. His pictures have been featured on the cover of Classical Singer magazine, numerous web sites, and he is the official headshot photographer for OperaWorks faculty and participants.
Visit his website: Rick Stockwell Photography
