Workshops Feature Networking Opportunities and Advice for Opera Professionals

OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, announces the final two sessions of its 2008-2009 Making Connections series, a professional development and networking program nurturing the next generation of performing and creative artists. Making Connections is geared toward early-career artists, including singers, composers, librettists, designers, directors and others who work in or would like to work in the field of opera.

OPERA America presented a total of 17 different sessions during the course of the full 2008-2009 Making Connections season, which began in September. Each session begins with an hour-long panel discussion followed by an informal reception where attendees are able to meet one-on-one with the panelists, providing a unique networking opportunity.

“One of the most exciting aspects of Making Connections is this direct exchange between the participants,” stated Marc A. Scorca, president & CEO of OPERA America. “In the increasingly competitive arts community, often, it’s not only what you know but who you know that can make a difference. Through Making Connections, OPERA America is able to foster a real dialogue between aspiring artists and decision-makers in the opera community.”

The next session, Fundraising 101, on Wednesday, May 20, will assist artists in identifying sources of income, creating a fundraising strategy, approaching potential funders, preparing taxes and other vital information not typically taught in schools. Leading this session is Dianne Debicella, the Program Director for Fiscal Sponsorship at Fractured Atlas, who has helped over 1,200 sponsored artists and emerging organizations, representing all artistic disciplines, find funding and other resources to support their work.

Panelists for Designing for 21st-Century Opera on Thursday, May 21, will explore current design trends in the field, including multimedia options for the opera stage and ideas for incorporating film, fashion and other art forms into opera productions. Speaking at this session are Wendall Harrington, projections designer for opera and Broadway; Jessica Jahn, costume designer; and Joachim Schamberger, virtual theater designer and stage director. Allen Moyer, scenic designer for opera and Broadway, will moderate.

Making Connections sessions take place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and are held in the OPERA America offices at 330 Seventh Avenue at 29th Street. A reception follows each panel discussion. Admission is $5 per session for OPERA America members and $10 for non-members. For additional information on individual sessions and speakers, contact OPERA America at 212-796-8620 or MakingConnections@operaamerica.org. Those interested in attending any of the sessions may register online at www.operaamerica.org/makingconnections.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Making Connections Schedule

Fundraising 101
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Speaker: Dianne Debicella, Fractured Atlas
Workshop: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Reception: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Designing for 21st-Century Opera
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Speakers: Wendall Harrington, projections designer for opera and Broadway; Jessica Jahn, costume designer;
Joachim Schamberger, virtual theater designer and stage director
Moderator: Allen Moyer, scenic designer for opera and Broadway
Workshop: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Reception: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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For more information on OPERA America, visit About Us.

For press inquiries, contact Press@operaamerica.org or 212.796.8628.