Children’s Opera Theatre

Studies show that a positive experience with arts education not only encourages a lifelong relationship with the arts, but often opens the windows of curiosity leading to a new enthusiasm and discipline for learning in general.

Fort Worth Opera and Children’s Opera Theatre are dedicated to expanding the horizons of young people across the state of Texas, while concentrating our efforts in North Texas. Since 1972, Fort Worth Opera has opened millions of young minds to the colorful and exciting world of opera.

2008-2009 Children’s Opera Theatre Productions

The Three Little Pigs

This hilarious adaptation of the classic fairy tale uses music from famous operas by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Young and old will belly-laugh as Despina, Cherubino and Don Giovanni out-ran and out-smart the overblown Wolfgang BigBad. This opera promotes reading and problem solving skills, and has been adapted by John Davies.

Carmenella

A combination of the story of Cinderella and the music of Bizet’s famous opera Carmen, this opera places the familiar heroine in Spain and sends her to a bullfight rather than a ball. Cleverly adapted by Denise Page Caraher, the opera has an anti-violence theme and is chock full of familiar tunes from one of the most popular operas of all time.
Download the Carmenella Teacher Guide

Children’s Opera Theatre production highlights

Productions appropriate for pre-K-6th grade
45 minutes in length with Q and A session
Sung in English
Downloadable TEACHER GUIDE provided with each booking includes pre and post opera activities and worksheets to integrate opera into student’s existing curriculum
Professionally directed, costumed and staged
Professional singers and musicians from the FWOpera Studio perform
A FUN and UNFORGETTABLE experience!

In-School Performances

In-school performances for the 2008-2009 school year are available for booking. We travel state-wide (additional fees apply), and our flexible self-sufficient productions can be performed in almost any gym, cafetorium, auditorium, or stage. Booking fees are based on a per-student fee of only $2.25 with a minimum $550.00 per performance. Book your date and return the signed contract by the end of October and you can take advantage of a CLASS COUPON good for admitting one full classroom (30 students) for free!

Are you far enough from Fort Worth that we’d have to stay overnight? Find a sister school (or two) that we could perform at on the same day or next day as yours and you can split the travel costs! We have spent several days in the Panhandle and in San Antonio. Coordinate with a few other schools and you could save a lot of money.

Available booking dates:
September 22 to November 25, 2008
January 6 to March 20, 2009

Field Trip Opportunities

If your school prefers to go off-campus for their opera experience, or doesn’t have the facility for a performance, then bring your students to the Scott Theater. Our performances at the Scott in the spring of each year make for a perfect field trip. Situated in the heart of the Cultural District in Fort Worth, the Scott Theater is in walking distance from the Museum of Science and History, the Kimbell, the Modern, the Amon Carter and the new Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

Donating Opera to Students

Donating an on-site performance or field trip of Children’s Opera is a wonderful way to enrich the lives of underprivileged children. This year, at least 30 Children’s Opera performances were held in schools located in low-income areas thanks to community support. For more information, go to "Support" or contact Suzy Williams, Director of Development at (817) 731-0833 ext. 14.

For More Information

Contact Clyde Berry, Director of Education at (817) 731-0833 ext. 19 or clyde@fwopera.org