Opera Naples Youth Company
Opera Naples is excited to announce opportunities for youth, ages 7-18, to participate with the Opera Naples Youth Company. Members of the Youth Company grow as young musicians through choral and solo singing and perform in various events throughout Opera Naples' season. The youth company explores music from a range of genres including selections from opera, musical theater, popular songs and folk songs and many events qualify for volunteer hours. No prior experience or training is required.
Registration is now open for Fall classes! All participants will perform in a showcase performance, the Opera Naples Gala, the 5th Ave. Christmas tree lighting street festival and at senior living centers. There are limited spaces available. Please email RFrank@operanaples.org to register or for more information. Rehearsals are held at The Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave. Naples 34112 unless otherwise indicated.
FALL CLASSES, October-December 2024
I Need a Christmas Vacation! | Ages 7-11
Participants will be the featured performers in a mini musical with songs and dialogue. They will also have the opportunity to perform holiday songs as a soloist or ensemble member at select events. Just a few hours until Christmas vacation and what should appear? An untimely blizzard that threatens to keep the students stuck in school for the duration of the holiday season. Though distraught, students learn how to make the best of their unfortunate situation and to appreciate being surrounded by friends.
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays: 3:45pm - 5:00pm
October 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, December 4 (no rehearsal Thanksgiving week)
December 11, 3:45pm-5:15pm
Performances:
December 5: Opera Naples An Evening in Paris Gala
December 6: 5th Ave. Christmas Tree Lighting
December 11: Showcase at the Wang Opera Center
Dates TBD at Senior Living Centers
Fee $65, scholarships are available
I Need a Christmas Vacation! AND MORE! | Ages 12-15
Participants will have featured roles and/or perform in select scenes in a mini-musical. They will also prepare and perform holidays solos, duets and ensembles.
Rehearsals:
Wednesdays: 4:40-5:40pm
October 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, December 4 (no rehearsal Thanksgiving week)
December 11, 4:30-5:15pm
Performances:
December 5: Opera Naples An Evening in Paris Gala
December 6: 5th Ave. Christmas Tree Lighting
December 11: Showcase at the Wang Opera Center
Dates TBD at Senior Living Centers
Fee $65, scholarships are available
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year | Ages 15 -18
The Holidays delight us with classic carols and beautiful songs only sung in the last few months of the year. Sing solos, duets and ensemble songs that focus on the holiday season.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals will be arranged on an individualized basis, depending on song assignments.
All will attend a rehearsal on Wednesday, December 4, 4:30-5:00pm and December 11, 4:30-5:15.
Performances:
December 5: Opera Naples An Evening in Paris Gala
December 6: 5th Ave. Christmas Tree Lighting
December 11: Showcase at the Wang Opera Center
Date TBD at Senior Living Centers
WINTER CLASSES, January-March 2025
La bohème | Ages 7-15, treble voices
Perform in the fully staged production of Puccini's beloved opera as part of Opera Naples Festival Under the Stars in Cambier Park with orchestra. Auditions Required. Contact Rfrank@operanaples.org to arrange an audition or for more information.
Rehearsals:
Tuesdays: 5:00-6:00pm: January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18
Monday: February 10, 6:40-7:40pm
TBD between February 22 - March 1
Sunday: March 2, TBD
Monday: March 3 & Tuesday, March 4, Time TBD at Cambier Park
Performances:
Thursday: March 6, 7:00pm (6:00 call time)
Saturday: March 8, 7:00pm (6:00 call time)
SPRING CLASSES, April-May 2025
Hawaiian Beach Party | Ages 7-12
Participants will be the featured performers in a mini musical with songs and dialogue.
Celebrate the boundless beauty of Hawaii! Hosted by Principal Peterson and Kumu Leilani, a cultural guide, the kids at this party not only sing and dance to several Hawaiian hit songs, they also learn about the traditions, beliefs and languages of the land.
Rehearsal Schedule TBD
Scenes for Teens | Ages 13 -18
Participants prepare and perform arias, duets and ensembles from operas and operettas.
Rehearsal Schedule TBD
The Opera Naples Youth Company is part of the Opera Naples Student Apprentice Program
Local students, ages 7-21 receive training and public performance opportunities including singing solo roles in main stage productions when applicable, singing in the Opera Naples Adult Chorus or Opera Naples Youth Chorus and performing in “Scenes for Teens” programs and community concerts. Youth also perform in ON’s outreach ensemble “Sing for Smiles” which visits local assisted and independent living facilities. Private vocal lessons and coaching are provided as well as group masterclasses.
To join the Student Apprentice Program or for more information please contact Robin Frank at (239) 963-9050 or rfrank@operanaples.org.