Exploring the Humanities and Opera Education Hub: A Webinar for Educators
Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET
Webinar
Learn about OPERA America's Humanities and Opera Education Hub in this interactive webinar led by Director of Learning and Leadership Vincent Rutter-Covatto. The hub, created in 2024 with a working group of opera educators, is a free learning resource center that includes lesson plans and supporting materials for a selection of literary works adapted into operas. Attendees explored the resources, participated in a lesson demonstration, and engaged in a Q&A about the program.
This OPERA America webinar was recorded on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Featuring:
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Neal Long, director of learning, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Dr. Neal Long has served as Director of Learning at Lyric Opera of Kansas City since 2021, building on a career as a freelance musician and educator. Neal is particularly proud of leading the commissioning of three operas for intergenerational audiences: Sketchbook for Ollie, The Haberdasher Prince, and Maya and the Magic Ring. He also instituted Residency Courses in Kansas City Public Schools. Recognized for integrating opera into wider communities, Neal is known for his collaborative leadership and deep commitment to excellence. He champions artistic literacy as a human right, fostering empathy and shared experiences through the arts.
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Lauren Medici, director of partnerships and programs, Opera Omaha
As Director of Partnership and Program at Opera Omaha, Lauren Medici oversees all community programming, extending impact beyond the mainstage, producing 200+ workshops and events which reach 12,000 people annually. Her time with Opera Omaha has been spent fostering accessibility through cross-sector collaboration and bringing opera to new communities, especially those that have been historically excluded from the art form and arts education. She advocates for opera and its ability to promote joy, creativity, and empathy. With a background in Arts in Medicine, Lauren believes in the transformative power of the arts. Lauren designed, and leads, the Holland Community Opera Fellowship (HCOF) which works to impact social issues such as homelessness, accessibility and inclusion within disability services, immigration and more. Prior to Opera Omaha, Lauren worked in arts in health field in New Jersey, and started her career at McCarter Theatre in Princeton. She earned a master’s degree in Arts in Medicine from the University of Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in business from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX where she studied marketing and theater.
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Vincent Rutter-Covatto, director of learning and leadership, OPERA America
Vincent Rutter-Covatto (he/him) is an arts leader and producer based in New York City. He is the director of learning and leadership at OPERA America, where he develops leadership and professional development programming for opera company administrators, independent producers, and artists. 2025 marks his 10th year at the company, where he previously served in roles in the membership department and the National Opera Center. He is an alumnus of OPERA America's 2019 Leadership Intensive. In 2023, he and his husband, Jordan, founded counter codex, an interdisciplinary performance company where he serves as the company producer. Counter codex prioritizes community-building around its performances, which center LGBTQIA+ perspectives. Outside of his work in the arts, Rutter-Covatto can be found taking classes at the Harlem YMCA, volunteering for political causes, and spending time in the West Village.
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Alexandria Zallo, director of education, Pittsburgh Festival Opera
Alexandria Zallo is a passionate singer, teaching artist, and music educator. Currently, Alexandria serves as the Director of Education at Pittsburgh Festival Opera where she is committed to delivering opera to classrooms in innovative and creative ways.
This webinar is part of OPERA America's year-round series of digital learning opportunities that address key topics pertinent to the industry. Learn more and see what's next at OPERA America Webinars.
Looking for more opera in your life? Check out the National Opera Calendar to find out what's on stage near you.
This webinar and the Humanities and Opera Education Hub are supported by the Whiting Foundation.
Programming at the National Opera Center is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
