The Digital Opera Forum is a multiday webinar series exploring the evolving landscape of opera in the digital age. 

The forum offers practical guidance, explores real-world successes and challenges, and provides space for dialogue around opera's future in digital and hybrid formats. 

Sessions cover a wide range of topics, from reimagining the stage for the camera to budget-friendly production techniques, union considerations, and creative models for collaboration and distribution.

The forum is designed to provide resources, insights, and connections to support the work of artists, producers, and administrators.

Program Details

Artists, producers, and administrators are invited to participate in the Digital Opera Forum.

Sessions of the Digital Opera Forum will take place live online and will be recorded for registrants to watch on demand. 

For more information, please contact Jamelah Rimawi, chief programs officer, at JRimawi@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5239.

2025 Schedule

All sessions are listed in Eastern Time.

Thursday, October 23, 2025

The Future of Digital and Hybrid Opera 

This session explored how the opera world continues to evolve in the digital age. As companies and creators adapt to shifting audience expectations and technological opportunities, we examined the sustainability and artistic relevance of hybrid and fully digital models. This discussion highlighted how digital tools are reshaping opera production, distribution, accessibility, and engagement while offering new creative pathways that address long-term viability. 

High Impact, Low Cost: Digital Production Essentials 

This session provided practical guidance for creating high-quality digital opera content without breaking the bank. This session covered key strategies for video capture and editing on a budget, helping you prioritize where to invest time and resources for the greatest impact. We also explored various streaming platforms and how to choose the right one for your needs. Plus, discovered clever equipment hacks and low-cost solutions that can elevate your digital productions and expand your reach with limited resources. 

October 30, 2025

Reframing the Stage: Adapting Opera for the Camera 

This session will delve into the creative and technical considerations of reimagining opera for the screen. This session will explore how directors can use framing, blocking, and visual storytelling to translate the power of live performance into compelling digital experiences. We’ll examine the process of adapting traditional stage works for film, including the unique opportunities and challenges this presents. Additionally, the session will offer insights into working with singers for the camera, helping performers adjust their craft for close-ups, lenses, and cinematic nuance. 

Creative Strategies from Opera Companies 

This session will showcase how smaller opera companies have embraced digital production through resourceful, community-driven strategies. It will highlight successful approaches to creating digital works, including partnerships with local film schools and independent creatives. We'll explore how these collaborations have fostered innovation and discuss practical models for monetizing and distributing digital content. Learn from real-world examples of companies that have turned constraints into opportunities, expanding their reach and impact through strategic, creative collaboration. 

November 6, 2025 

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET | Clearing Rights for Digital Opera 

This session will provide essential insights into the legal and contractual considerations of streaming performances. This session will focus on understanding union agreements related to digital content, with an emphasis on securing streaming rights for recorded or live productions. Attendees will gain clarity on key terms, negotiation points, and best practices for working within union guidelines to ensure compliance while maximizing digital reach. Whether you're planning a one-time stream or building a long-term digital strategy, this session will help you navigate the complexities of union regulations with confidence. 

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET | Opera in the AI Age: Copyright, Creativity, and the Future of Music

This session offers an accessible overview of how the ongoing revolution in artificial intelligence intersects with opera and the performing arts. From algorithmic composition to cloned voices, AI is reshaping what it means to make—and to encounter—music. This raises questions about creativity, authenticity, and artistic ownership. How should we think about authorship when composers and producers work with AI? How do we engage with the past in a culture captivated by the future? And what do artists need to know about copyright in this shifting landscape? Drawing on real-world AI use cases, recent copyright disputes, and emerging ethical debates, this discussion helps performers, creators, and audiences make sense of a pivotal moment for opera’s future.