Auditions are now open!
Opera Naples’ Summer Youth program will take place July 12 – July 23, 2021 from 10am-4pm, Monday through Friday with performances July 23, 24, and 25. All activities are held at The Wang Opera Center. Auditions will be held on May 29th. All participants will rehearse and perform the operetta, and participate in workshops including vocal technique, acting, yoga, movement, and prop construction.
One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s finest, The Pirates of Penzance is a hilarious story involving sentimental pirates, blundering policemen, absurd adventures, and improbable paradoxes.
Naples’ Summer Youth Program engages youth ages 13-20 in a two-week training program that culminates in performing an operetta for the public. In addition to preparing the production, the youth participate in masterclasses and workshops focusing on a variety of topics associated with opera including proper vocal technique, acting and improvisation, set and prop construction, and costume design. All interested participants are accepted into the program and will perform in the production regardless of experience or audition. Scholarships are available to help cover the cost of tuition ($300).
For more information email Robin Frank at rfrank@operanaples.org
Stage Director
Louis Dall’Ava has performed 23 principal roles in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas with companies including The New York Gilbert & Sullivan players, Manhattan Savoyards, Sorg Opera (OH) and Mobile Opera (AL), at venues including Wolf Trap, The Garden State Arts Center, and The International G&S Festival in Buxton England. He is the 2005-2006 recipient of NYGASP's Isaac Asimov Award for Artistic Achievement. Among various other musical theater roles, he has performed Charles and the Comte de Chagny on three international tours of The Phantom of the Opera and was named Best Actor in a Musical by Bravo Pix for his portrayal of Fagin in Commonwealth Opera's Oliver. He has also been the director and costume/set designer for numerous productions throughout the country and has been involved with Opera Naples in various capacities including directing youth productions, costumes, props, and performing since 2005.
Louis Dall’Ava
Music Director
Robin Shuford Frank is Chorus Master, Music Administrator, and Director of Educational Outreach for Opera Naples, for which she also serves as Musical Director for youth productions. She engages Southwest Florida’s youth through the company’s Student Apprentice Program, community outreach performances, Elementary In-School Tours, and Young Artist Program. An accomplished pianist, she serves as the rehearsal pianist for Opera Naples’ main productions as well as the pianist for community concerts and events. As chorus master, she prepares the adult and children’s choruses for all productions in which they appear. She is also the company’s orchestra personnel manager and librarian. Aside from her work with Opera Naples, Frank is the accompanist for The Festival Singers of Florida and also frequently performs with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and The Naples Players.
Prior to moving to Naples, Frank was an Adjunct Professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, a rehearsal pianist for Palm Beach Opera, an Artist in Residence for Bak Middle School of the Arts, and a Pianist/Coach for Opera New Jersey. Frank has been an Adjunct Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University in the Bower School of Music since 2009. She has a Masters degree from Westminster Choir College in Accompanying and Vocal Coaching and a Bachelors degree in Music Education from The Florida State University.
Robin Frank
With heartfelt thanks, Opera Naples acknowledges our generous sponsors
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