Educate, Enrich, Inspire.
Discover the magic of storytelling through music and drama. Our tailored Opera For Kids workshops bring the art of opera directly to schools and communities, fostering creativity and passion for the arts.
Join us as we connect, create, respond, and perform,
enriching lives through the power of opera.
About Opera For Kids
Opera For Kids shares the tale of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance.” Students learn fundamental music concepts as they sing songs like “Poor Wandering One” and “A Paradox.” They also put their theatre skills to the test as they come to our stage in costume while singing and acting parts from the show. Kids have a blast on stage while presenting this beautiful operetta and learning how the arts convey this meaningful story.
Throughout the program, our Teaching Artists share a brief history of opera, introducing students to this beautiful art form. They also guide students through a variety of vocal exercises and singing techniques, encouraging them to explore and grow their skills.
Opera For Kids has students connect, create, respond and perform (Minnesota State Music Standards and National Core Art Standards). We offer our workshop from 1st-8th grade students. All workshops are tailored to fit the needs of each school and organization.
Enriching Youth Through Opera
Tailored Workshops for All
Join us for a hands-on opera experience, as children step into scenes from The Pirates of Penzance through music, movement, and storytelling. Designed for ages 6–13.
Pirates of Penzance
Opera for Kids Auditions
Rochester Opera (formerly Hometown Opera Company) is seeking 4–8 Teaching Artists for our Opera for Kids Workshop, an interactive program featuring excerpts from Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance.
Teaching Artists can expect to perform an abridged/kid-friendly version of the Pirates of Penzance alongside students, teaching them simple musical and theatrical parts before inviting them to dress in costume and join the performance!
Workshops primarily take place Wednesday–Friday during the school day, with some weekend opportunities. Each school or community engagement typically lasts 45–100 minutes. Anticipate 1-3 performances a month. Daytime availability is required. Rehearsals are held Sunday afternoons/evenings once a month based on artist availability.
Teaching Artists should be strong singer-actors who enjoy working with children and must successfully complete a background check.
Compensation: $100 per Teaching Artist, per site engagement.
Audition Logisitical Information:
Date & Time: Sunday, October 18th 12pm - 2:30pm
Location: Rochester Academy of Music
3169 Wellner Dr NE Ste C, Rochester, MN 55906
Available Roles:
Storyteller
Police Sergeant
Pirate King/Queen
Mabel
Frederic
Ruth
All Teaching Artists will also perform in the ensemble, and roles will be double
or triple cast based on availability.
What to Prepare:
Those auditioning for female-presenting roles should prepare Mabel’s “Poor Wand’ring One.”
Those auditioning for male-presenting roles should prepare Frederic’s “Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast.”
Follow this link for sheet music and sign up details.
Teaching Artists
Our artists have performed across the United States and Europe. Our Opera For Kids leader, Stefanie Tranchida, has been teaching in schools for over twelve years, and has her Masters in Music Education from the Conservatory of Music G. Tartini in Trieste, Italy.
Cassandra Grace McGreevy
Jazmine Medina
Theodora Nestorova
Paula Bried
Stefanie Margaret
Tranchida
Travis Dockter
Grant Holsinger
Kate Rogers
