OPERA America - Making Connections

Back to Full Graphics Mode

It’s not only what you know, it’s also who you know!

OPERA America brings you closer to the people you need to know, including managers, arts administrators and fellow artists at Making Connections — professional development and networking events in New York City. Come hear informative panel discussions with influential professionals in the field followed by receptions where you can enjoy refreshments and conversations with your peers.

The Making Connections series takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and offers convenient pre-performance or after-work activities. Each event is held in the OPERA America office, located at 330 Seventh Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets — less than one block from the 1 train and near Penn Station.

When: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a reception
Where: 330 Seventh Avenue, 16th floor (at 29th Street) [click here to view map]
Fees: $5 per session for members ($10 per session for non-members)

Podcasts
For those OPERA America members who are unable to attend the live events or would like to revisit them, podcasts of the 2008-2009 Making Connections season are available by logging in.

A sample podcast of September 24, 2008’s Crossing from Theater Directing to Opera is available for download. Click the following link to play the file in a new window; to save the file, right click the link and select "Save As.” [listen to podcast]

2008-2009 Making Connections Schedule

Either select a track from the dropdown or select individual sessions by checking the boxes.

NOVEMBER 18, 2008	New Works Opportunities with Music Schools
Composers and Librettists
Academic institutions can be great settings for new opera workshops and productions. This session will cover: • Music schools that develop adventurous programming and how they offer a unique experience for composers and librettists • Working with young musicians • Using the longer rehearsal periods for feedback and evaluation Presenters: Conrad Cummings, composer; Gordon Ostrowski, Manhattan School of Music;

NOVEMBER 19, 2008	Career Transitions for Singers
Singers
No two career paths are alike, and not every singer has a lifelong career at international opera houses. This session will explore: • Identifying your strengths and interests • Best ways to use your skills • Taking your career to its next logical stage Moderator: Anne Choe Panel: Ana De Archuleta, ADA-Artists; Jane Bunnell, DePaul University; Darren K. Woods, Fort Worth Opera

December 9, 2008	Choosing A Training Program
Singers
6:30 pm (note the later time) Singers have an array of choices when it comes to training programs. This panel will discuss: • Different types of training programs • Knowing when you’re ready for a training program • Making the most of your time at a training program Moderator: Laura Brooks Rice, Westminster Choir College Panel: Peter Kazaras, Seattle Opera; Justina Lee, Maryland Opera Studio; William Powers, Pittsburgh Opera

December 10, 2008	Putting Your Best Foot Forward in an Audition
Singers
One of the most important aspects in a young singer’s career is the audition. This session will feature advice on: • Performing an effective audition • Repertoire and attire • Processing audition feedback Moderators: Anne Choe Panel: Ken Benson, CAMI; Lauren Flanigan, soprano, Lenore Rosenberg, Metropolitan Opera

January 27, 2009	Public Speaking
All Artists
Public speaking is a craft that is invaluable to all professionals. This session will address: • Overcoming anxiety • Discussing your work in a clear, articulate manner • Speaking extemporaneously Presenter: Marc A. Scorca, OPERA America

January 28, 2009	Maintaining Your Health amid a Hectic Schedule
All Artists
For most opera artists, staying in good health is crucial to staying employable. Yet travel, stress and interaction with others can make keeping the sniffles away challenging. This panel will share tips on: • Creating a balanced lifestyle • Dealing with anxiety • Resources for maintaining your health anywhere Moderator: Megan Young, OPERA America Panel: Doo Nam Kim, M.D.; Carol Kirkpatrick, Aria Ready

February 24, 2009	Learning a Role Inside and Out
Singers
Delving into a new role is not as simple as starting from page one. Experts will discuss: • Creating a strategy for learning a role • Resources and research materials

February 25, 2009	How Companies Commission Opera
Composers and Librettists
Each new opera commission has a unique process and path. In this session, panelists will discuss: • Reasons opera companies commission new works • How operas and creative artists are chosen • Best practices for creative artists to reach opera companies

March 4, 2009	Making the Most of your Degree Program
Singers
Opera artists must acquire a multitude of skills to be successful. This panel will discuss: • Taking advantage of your education to the fullest • Managing your time • Gaining essential skills outside your degree requirements

March 24, 2009	Marketing and Media
All Artists
You have worked hard to perfect your craft, but are your promotional materials doing you justice? This session will cover: • Headshots and other photos • Creating engaging Web sites • Managing your Web image Panel: Mindi Raynor, Mindi Raynor Public Relations; Sean Bickerton, ArtistManager.net

March 25, 2009	Having a Career Beyond the Young Artist Program
Singers
Young artist programs can be great stepping stones for early career singers but they are not necessarily the key to success. The singers on this panel will discuss: • Important steps to take after completing a program • Carving out your own career path without a young artist program

May 20, 2009	Fundraising 101
All Artists
Most artists will likely have to raise funds during their careers, whether it is to produce a piece, attend a training program or simply to supplement income. Our fundraising expert will cover: • Identifying sources of income • Creating a fundraising strategy • “The ask”

May 21, 2009	Designing for 21st-Century Opera
Directors and Designers
New opera productions and new works provide designers endless possibilities to be creative. A panel of experts will explore: • Design trends in the field • Numerous multimedia options for the opera stage • Bringing film, fashion and other art forms onto the opera stage in exciting ways Presenters: Ben Pearcy, Wendell Harrington, Jerome Serlin, Johnathon Pape, Allen Moyer

While some sessions may be more applicable to some groups than others, all are welcome to attend any session.

MEMBERSHIP >>

Click here to learn how you can connect to the world of opera.

UPCOMING EVENTS >>

OPERA CONFERENCE 2008 KEYNOTE >>

CALENDAR >>

December, 2008
3	OPERA America’s Salon Series: Exploring American Voices Thomas Pasatieri’s Lady MacBeth and Before Breakfast; libretto by Frank Corsaro Featuring Soprano Lauren Flanigan and the composer at the piano. Presented in collaboration with the Theodore Presser Company. CD’s will be available for purchase.

December, 2008
9	Making Connections Choosing A Training Program Singers have an array of choices when it comes to training programs. This panel will discuss:

December, 2008
10	Making Connections Putting Your Best Foot Forward in an Audition One of the most important aspects in a young singer’s career is the audition. This session will feature advice on:

View Full Calendar

CURRENT ISSUE >>