Education: Summer Opera Conservatory
Summer Opera Conservatory
Each summer, Opera Memphis hosts two sessions of the Summer Conservatory. Acceptance into the Conservatory is by audition only, and accepted students are placed into Session I or Session II based on vocal ability. Auditions for the 2011 Summer Conservatory will be held at the Clark Opera Memphis Center, 6745 Wolf River Parkway on the following dates:
AUDITION DATES
Friday, March 11, 2011 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 12, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Students are placed in Session I or Session II based on vocal development. All audition dates/times are open to potential students ages 10-20. No appointments are necessary. An accompanist will be provided at no charge. Potential students should prepare one selection in the classical vocal music style, with or without accompaniment. CD accompaniment is acceptable. Should you choose to use our accompanist, please remember to bring an extra copy of your music! Every student must audition in order to be accepted to one of the conservatories. If you will not be able to attend the open audition sessions, you must contact Sarah Squire, Director of Education, to make arrangements to submit a recording.
Summer Conservatory: Session I
In Session I, up to 25 students spend two weeks preparing a complete production with a performance on the last evening. In 2010, students performed THE PIRATE TRIAL OF POOH-BAH, based on three operettas by Gilbert & Sullivan. Each student is given a role or roles within the show, and the two weeks are spent in vocal coaching and staging sessions. Workshops are presented on makeup and other aspects of production. The rehearsal process concludes with a fully staged performance on Friday, Jun 17 at 7:00 PM.
Dates: June 6 – 17, 2011
Times: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM weekdays
Location: Clark Opera Memphis Center
Cost: $300 per student
Ages: 10 – 18
Summer Conservatory: Session II
Session II is for the more advanced singer who is considering a college degree in vocal performance. Based on the audition, up to 20 students are given at least two roles in scenes from opera, operetta and/or musical theatre. Participants rehearse these scenes in an atmosphere similar to an Opera Workshop class in college. They receive vocal coaching from a talented staff of voice instructors. Each scene is staged by the voice instructors, and a concert of scenes is the final product. Workshops are presented on the International Phonetic Alphabet, acting, training the voice, careers in music, makeup and other aspects of production. Opportunities also include master classes from world-renowned artists like Kallen Esperian. The rehearsal process concludes with a fully staged performance of scenes on Friday, July 15 at 7:00 PM.
Dates: July 5 - 15, 2011
Times: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM weekdays and Saturday, July 9
Location: Clark Opera Memphis Center
Cost: $400 per student
Ages: 15 – 20
Opera Conservatory Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Summer Conservatory a residential program?
No. We do not have a residential conservatory program. We do admit students from outside the Memphis metropolitan area, but these students typically have family or friends in Memphis with whom they can stay for the duration of the program. We do not provide lodging, transportation, or meals for our students.
2. What is the cost of Summer Conservatory?
Session I will cost $300.00 in 2010. Session II will cost $400.00.
3. When are the final performance(s)?
The final performance for Session I will be on June 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM. The final performance for Session II will be on July 15, 2011 at 7:00 PM. Both performances will be open to the public. Admission is $5 per person, and free for children under the age of 5.
4. Is it possible to attend Summer Conservatory for one week, rather than two?
No. Because our curriculum is oriented toward the final performance, we cannot admit students who will not be available for both weeks of rehearsal and the final performance.
5. Will returning students be admitted without an audition?
No, we will not be admitting anyone without an audition.
6. What is the difference between Session I and Session II?
Session II is intended for the student with an extensive background in vocal music, including the ability to read music, performing experience and a mature voice. Although there is usually some correspondence between these criteria and a student's age, students are not admitted to Session II on the basis of age. Session I is intended for students with less vocal music experience.
If you have further questions about Summer Opera Conservatory, please contact Sarah Squire, Director of Education, at 901.202.4548.
