June 12 - 18, 2010
STEPPING STONES MONTESSORI SCHOOL

The Summer Children’s Opera Workshop, now in it’s 22nd year in Grand Rapids, continues the strong tradition of  providing a wonderful opera experience for young children. This summer opera camp for children ages 5-12 will take place at Stepping Stones Montessori School.

For registration information please click here.

"The Moon Maiden" by Sanford Jones
This Chinese legend opens with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration of the harvest to honor the moon. The story within a story explains the origin of the maiden image to be seen in the moon. Replete with shadow puppets, an art form originating in China.

In the week-long Youth Opera workshops, three elements of theatre -- singing, dancing and acting -- come together in an original children's opera. During the opera week, the children and support team of adults begin learning the story, text and music, preparing sets, props and costumes, and engaging in cultural studies related to the theme/culture of the opera.

Each day is given over to rehearsals. The day begins with physical and vocal warm-ups, singing the cast songs, and learning the language of the theatre. From mid-morning to mid-afternoon, the children work on solo and small group songs and dances. By mid-week, rehearsals move to the performance space and staging is begun. Dress rehearsal is Friday morning and the performance is Friday evening.