Opera Teens
OPERA America’s Opera Teens is a national collective for young adults with a shared passion for opera.
The program welcomes high school students and college freshmen and sophomores who participate in local opera clubs and/or their own individual pursuits with the art form. It empowers teens to develop their interests in opera, share opera learning with others, network and build relationships, and leverage the power of opera to serve their local communities.
Opera Teens offers a calendar of programming produced by opera companies, the Opera Teens Advisory Council, and OPERA America, including watch parties, professional development sessions, volunteer opportunities, and media projects.
Get Involved
Are you a high school student or college freshman or sophomore interested in opera, eager to learn more, and ready to be part of a national movement? You can engage with like-minded peers.
For additional information, contact us at Programs@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5275. If you are a teacher or facilitator of a local opera club for teens, get in touch with us to see how your participants can take part in Opera Teens programming.
Opera Teens End-of-Year Virtual Celebration
December 18 • 7:00 p.m. ET
Opera Teens will gather for an end-of-the-year virtual celebration on Sunday, December 18 at 7 p.m. ET to socialize and connect around their passion for this amazing art form. Come and share your favorite opera moments to bring in the winter season! Is there an aria that invokes a sense of bliss and joy? Maybe a chorus that always incites a sing-along? What is the first opera you experienced that made you fall in love with the art form? This is an opportunity to discover new music, reminisce on familiar favorites, and network with fellow teen opera aficionados. Bring your favorite wintertime beverage and snacks to enjoy while we celebrate the magic of opera!
Register to join in the virtual festivities.
New York City Opera Teens Council Kick Off Event
January 20 • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET
Are you a high school student who lives in the New York City Metropolitan Area and loves opera or may be curious about the art form? If so, come join us for an exciting kickoff event of the New York City Opera Teens Council on Friday, January 20, 2023 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET at OPERA America’s National Opera Center (located in downtown Manhattan, just a few blocks from Penn Station). Meet other teen opera aficionados as we bond over trivia, games, pizza and of course, opera!
Please register to attend this kick-off event for the New York City Opera Teens Council!
Join Opera Teens to participate in upcoming Opera Teens programs.
All high school students and college freshmen and sophomores are welcome to attend Opera Teens events. For more information, please contact Ebony Menefield, education manager.
Join A Local Opera Teens Council
Opera Teens are encouraged to find community in their region thru local councils.
Does your city have a local Opera Teens group? Let us know so OPERA America can help spread the word. Please contact Ebony Menefield, education manager, with your local council information.
The New York City Opera Teens Council
The NYC Opera Teens Council is a local chapter of the Opera Teens, for students in the New York City Metro Area. This group will have social gatherings, engage in community service, collaborate on media projects, and attend performances. This inclusive council is open to all high school students interested in the many facets of opera, including music, dance, set and costume design, stage directing and more. Students will also develop leadership skills by contributing to program planning and engaging with opera company professionals in the region. The group allows teens to explore the art form and connect with like-minded peers who love opera!
The Opera Teens Blog
Check out the latest blog post from Observations From The Theater, the official blog of the Opera Teens:
The Opera Teens Podcast
Check out these recent episodes of Teens Tackle Opera, the official podcast of the Opera Teens:
- Cartoon Opera (Summer 2022, Week 1)
- The Beginnings of Opera (Summer 2022, Week 2)
- Summer-Themed Opera (Summer 2022, Week 3)
- Teens Tackle Opera Special Edition: Interview with Composer Ashi Day
Listen to all episodes of the podcast here.
Past Opera Teens Events
- Artist Conversation with Russell Thomas
Sunday, November 6 | 7:00 p.m. ET - Inspiring the Future of Opera: Opera Teens in Conversation with Christine Goerke at Virtual Opera Conference
Tuesday, June 28 | 4:00 p.m. ET - Social Media: Plan for Great Impact, with Babatunde Akinboboye, Baritone, and Kimberly Sears, Social Media Strategist
Sunday, March 13, 2022 | 6:30 p.m. EST - Conversation with Ailyn Pérez, Soprano, and Soloman Howard, Bass
Sunday, April 18, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. EST - What is Opera? with Zachary James, Bass
Sunday, May 16, 2021 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST