SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAMS on the campus of California State University, Northridge
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The singer who stands out from the crowd is the one who is not afraid to be him/herself, who moves with a natural ease, who is not constrained by traditions, and who is completely confident in his/her abilities and interpretive choices. This singer competes on a different level.
All programs include the nationally-recognized innovative OperaWorks training that focuses on the whole person and the artist. In a nurturing, non-judgmental environment, singers work with a distinguished faculty in classes and individualized sessions to unlock, and then integrate every element of their performances.
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OperaWorks now offers four summer intensive programs held in Los Angeles on the campus of California State University-Northridge. (See below for program descriptions.)
Accelerated Advanced Singer Program - June 9-21, 2008
Four-Week Singer Program - June 29-July 27, 2008
Emerging Artist Singer Program - June 9-21, 2008
Voice Teacher Program - June 9-21, 2008
"Out of three music degrees, summer programs, numerous professional performance experiences, and countless voice lessons and coaching, my single greatest experience as a singer and teacher was my summer with OperaWorks. I don't think there is a better program anywhere."J. Craig Johnson (2001) - Director of Vocal Studies at Point Loma University;
Soloist with internationally televised Crystal Cathedral Choir
ACCELERATED ADVANCED SINGER PROGRAM
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This new two-week program is ideal for the post-graduate singer who has professional experience or young artist program credits (or the equivalent) and who wants to continue their artistic growth to move to a new level in their career. This accelerated program offers in-depth individualized instruction tailored to each singer’s talents and goals. The fast-paced schedule includes all of the classes found in the four-week program, but with an emphasis on the special issues of the working singer.
This work is cutting edge and ahead of its time. After two weeks, I felt myself letting go of old habits and fears while undoing negative self talk which can sneak up after years of conservatory training. [It] has forever changed my singing and personal life.
Erika Wueschner (2007), Lincoln Center Theater Lab, Opera of the Pacific, Piatagorsky Foundation national tours
"OperaWorks taught me that sometimes what we might perceive as a 'flaw' is not a flaw after all - it's part of what makes us interesting and whole as people and as artists. It's more important to make a bold choice and risk exposing a weakness, than to try to play it safe and hide our full humanity from the world."
Erika Person (2006) - Opera Delaware, Lake George Opera, Indianapolis Opera
FOUR-WEEK SINGER PROGRAM
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The four-week program begins a culture of life-long learning that will benefit singers for the rest of their careers. OperaWorks lays a personal and artistic foundation at the core of each singer that they can use for the rest of their lives. This program is ideal for the career-bound singer who is seeking to expand and polish their craft, increase their self-confidence, and experience growth in a positive environment. This program focuses on singers individually and empowers them to perform consistently at their optimum level. The program culminates in two public performances of an original 3-act production incorporating opera, improvisation and physical theater.
"I don't think there's anything that can describe the powerful and unique experience one goes through during this program...actual concrete tools and ideas about strengthening our performance and career building skills."
Hila Plitmann (1998) -
Soloist-New York Philharmonic; Cleveland Chamber Orchestra; Philharmonic Orchestra of Mexico City
“[OperaWorks] teaches you what true, unobstructed focus means, how to be grounded, how to deal with nerves, how to minimize the voices in your head, what it means to stay activated, and discover an overall strength you may not know you had."
Ani Maldjian (2002), Seattle Opera, Long Beach Opera, Merola Opera Program
EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM
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This two-week program was created specifically for younger singers who are exceptionally talented and who would benefit from a shorter intensive program. This program mirrors OperaWorks' Four-Week Intensive Program in concept and classes, and with additional faculty who are experienced with the younger singer. Designed to focus on each individual's specific needs and goals, the program works towards integrating the voice, mind and body into a unified whole. In addition to coachings, singers will take classes in acting, movement, performance techniques, improvisation, conducting, diction, and business skills. The Emerging Artist program runs concurrently with the Accelerated Advanced Program and the Voice Teacher Workshop, offering numerous opportunities for interaction with professionals in the field. The program culminates in a final performance on June 21.
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CLASSES In the supportive environment of OperaWorks you will learn how to revitalize your performances, become an independent and creative thinker, and be centered and grounded in your daily life, all of which directly affects your performances. You will perform in every class, receive specific feedback, and learn dynamic ways to perform consistently at your optimum level.
Performance
Techniques
Acting
Alexander
Technique
Conducting
Coaching
Coaching
Coaching
Performance
Improvisation
Yoga
Movement
Marketing & Finance
Seminars
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FACULTY The distinguished faculty consists of outstanding professionals who have studied and worked in their fields to gain a sound foundation in the operatic traditions, but who are also willing to lay aside those traditions to seek out new ways of approaching the performing craft and make opera come alive for audiences today. FACULTY BIOS
ACCELERATED ADVANCED PROGRAM
David Aks - conducting; visualization
Vida Alikani - yoga
Ann Baltz - performance techniques; improvisation; career planning
Pamela Blanc - Alexander Technique
Gregory Buchalter - coach
John Duykers - acting
Patrice Pastore - improvisation; diction
Elvia Puccinelli - coach
Suzanne Recer - coach/accompanist
Lisa Sylvester - coach/accompanist
Dr. Paula Thomson - physical theatre/movement
Melissa Weaver - acting; director additional faculty TBA
FOUR-WEEK SINGER PROGRAM
John Ahart - acting; director
David Aks - conducting; visualization
Vida Alikani - yoga
Ann Baltz - performance techniques; improvisation; career planning
Pamela Blanc - Alexander Technique
Dan Bridston - coach
Kristina Driskill - performance techniques
Catherine Hurst - acting; director
Chun-Wei Kang - coach
Elsa Marquez - marketing
Patrice Pastore - improvisation; diction
Suzanne Recer - coach/accompanist
Shane Schag - coach
Lisa Sylvester - coach/accompanist
Dr. Paula Thomson - physical theatre/movement others TBA
EMERGING ARTIST PROGRAM
David Aks - conducting; visualization
Vida Alikani - yoga
Dan Bridston - coach
Kristina Driskill - performance techniques; marketing
Laurel Goetzinger - acting
Patrice Pastore - improvisation; diction
Amy Pell - Alexander Technique
Suzanne Recer - coach/accompanist
Lisa Sylvester - coach/accompanist
Dr. Paula Thomson - physical theatre/movement
Ann Baltz - master classes
Gregory Buchalter - master classes others TBA
VOICE TEACHER WORKSHOP
David Aks - conducting; visualization
Vida Alikani - yoga
Ann Baltz - performance techniques; improvisation; career planning
Pamela Blanc - Alexander Technique
Gregory Buchalter - coach
John Duykers - acting
Patrice Pastore - improvisation; diction
Elvia Puccinelli - coach
Suzanne Recer - coach/accompanist
Lisa Sylvester - coach/accompanist
Dr. Paula Thomson - physical theatre/movement
Melissa Weaver - acting; director additional faculty TBA
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HOUSING The OperaWorks experience is greatly enhanced by living in California State University-Northridge campus apartments. Relaxing with colleagues after an intense day, discussing the ideas and discoveries you made, as well as giving and receiving daily encouragement and support from them builds a confidence that can last throughout your lifetime.
The spacious apartments include two bedrooms with a living room, dining area, full kitchen, private balcony and swimming pool. Double occupancy rate is for two people per bedroom, four per apartment. Single rooms (one per bedroom) are also available at additional cost.
Please prepare 5 pieces of contrasting styles in any language. These can be arias, art songs, oratorio solos, or non-belt musical theater songs. A professional accompanist will be provided at each location.
AUDITION CITY
APPLICATION DEADLINE
AUDITION DATE
Orlando, FL
January 11
January 20
Dallas/Forth Worth, TX
January 11
January 22
Houston, TX
January 11
January 24
Los Angeles, CA
January 11
January 27
San Francisco, CA
January 22
February 3
Boston, MA
January 22
February 6
New York, NY
January 22
February 8-9
RECORDED AUDITION
If cannot make a live audition, you may audition by DVD (prefered), CD, or MP3. Please submit a recording of 3 pieces of contrasting styles in any language. These can be arias, art songs, oratorio solos, or non-belt musical theater songs.
DEADLINE FOR RECORDED AUDITIONS: POSTMARKED by February 1 AUDITIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
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FUNDRAISING & SCHOLARSHIP Pursuing a singing career requires an enormous investment of time and money. As part of OperaWorks' commitment to life-long learning, singers accepted into the program are provided with a personalized fundraising packet. Using the guidelines and tools in the packet, singers have raised all, part or more than their costs for OperaWorks. Alumni have continued to use these skills after OperaWorks to fund further training, relocations to New York, or European audition tours.
A limited number of small scholarships are also available to those in greatest need.
Four-Week Singer Program (June 29 - July 27, 2008)
Tuition - $3,175
Housing - $765*
Check-in date: June 28, 2008
Check-out date: July 28, 2008
Accelerated Advanced Singer Program (June 9 - 21, 2008)
Tuition - $1,850
Housing - $385*
Check-in date: June 8, 2008
Check-out date: June 22, 2008
Emerging Artist Program (June 9 - 21, 2008)
Tuition - $1,700
Housing - $385*
Check-in date: June 8, 2008
Check-out date: June 22, 2008
* Housing cost based on double occupancy. Single room available for an additional cost. Meals not included.
"I'm just astounded by how much better organized and more spiritually and technically worthwhile the OperaWorks program is. The difference is mind-boggling. [It's] a program that is actually worth more than the cost!" Jeannie Im (1998) -
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma; Altenburger Music Festival; Caramoor Bel Canto Soloists
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INFORMATION For further information, please contact:
OperaWorks
11565 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Suite 218
San Fernando, CA 91340
Phone: (818) 898-9597
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ALUMNI
News Break! This 2007-2008 season, we have three OperaWorks alumni at the Metropolitan Opera and eight (8!) alumni at New York City Opera! Congratulations to these singers and the hundreds of others singing throughout the world!
See our Alumni News Page!
Since their participation in OperaWorks, our alumni ...
have performed roles with the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Santa Fe Opera, San Diego Opera, Florida Grand Opera
have won international competitions
have won numerous Metropolitan Opera Regional Finals
...and
many others have been chosen in Young Artist Programs including the San Francisco Opera Merola Program, Seattle Opera, Minnesota Opera, Des Moines Opera, Sarasota Opera, and Santa Fe Opera.
"...Though there are no voice lessons (in the program), technique problems dissolve away thanks to such a wonderful holistic approach. 'The Voice' is more than just a voice--it's part of a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual being. OperaWorks realizes that, and helps a singer be the entire person he/she is created to be." Paul Hindemith (1998) - baritone, doctoral candidate U of Minnesota
"OperaWorks really cuts to the heart of what every singer needs: finding freedom in the body so that the Voice can do what it has been trained to do... OperaWorks director, Ann Baltz, focuses on breaking down the barriers that keep us from performing at our maximum potentials, and teaches us to refocus this energy into our singing." Katherine Wells (2000) - soprano, doctoral candidate U of Arizona; Anchorage Opera
