Stetson Opera Theatre
Overview
Opera Theatre is a vital component of the vocal program at Stetson University. Through the creative effort and mentorship of the opera director, voice faculty, conductor, coaches and accompanists, we provide a nurturing environment for the aspiring singing actor. In addition to world-class vocal training from some of the finest teachers in the industry, students enrolled in Opera Theatre receive comprehensive role preparation in the areas of musical coaching, diction, deportment, movement, character development and analysis. Full productions are double-cast and an understudy is assigned to each role, as appropriate, to give as many students an opportunity to perform as possible.
Repertoire
Opera Theatre presents two or three productions each year. The fall production is presented as a scenes program or chamber opera, performed with piano, instrumental ensemble or chamber orchestra, and may involve minimal sets and costumes and is considered a training ground for the spring production. We stage this performance in our recital hall or at a local venue.
In the spring we offer a full production utilizing sets, costumes and Stetson University's Symphony Orchestra. We choose from standard operatic repertoire and are presented in the original languages, when appropriate. Spring productions take place at the DeLand High School Theater, built in 2004.
Auditions
All students wishing to be considered for an opera role must audition. All transfer students are encouraged to audition when you arrive in the fall semester. If you wish to receive a role in the spring production, you must enroll in Opera Theatre in the fall.
Because of the time commitment involved with Opera Theatre, freshmen are discouraged from enrolling in this course. You may audition for the experience and you may participate in the spring production with permission from the Dean and the Associate Dean of the School of Music.
Technical Production
Opera Theatre relies on the many talents of our students and they assist in various technical capacities. Students are in charge of key aspects of each performance including scenic design, stage management, supertitles, lighting, scene direction and conducting.
Faculty
- Russell Franks, director
- Anthony Hose, conductor
- Kristie Born, coach
- Craig Maddox, voice and diction
- Jane Christeson, voice and diction
- Lloyd Linney, voice and diction
- Mollie Rich, voice
Upcoming Productions
February 2013
Rusalka, a fairy tale of unattainable love and betrayal, by Antonín Dvořák, to be presented in conjunction with Stetson University's Symphony Orchestra (Anthony Hose, conductor).
Times: Feb. 22, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 24, 2013 at 3 p.m.
Location: DeLand High School Theatre Complex (800 N. Hill Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32724). The theater is located on the corner of Hill and Plymouth Avenues.
For more information and tickets call 386-822-8950.
June 2013
Opera Theatre in Bulgaria
Le Nozze di Figaro, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime trip through a land rich in Thracian and Roman history. We will perform Mozart's comedic masterpiece at the ancient theatre in Plovdiv, a second century Roman amphitheater and at the State Opera House of Stara Zagora. You may audition for a role, be part of the chorus or just audit and enjoy all that Bulgaria has to offer!
Contact Russell Franks at rfranks@stetson.edu.