Opera Theatre

Stetson Opera Theatre

Stetson Opera Theatre is a vital component of the vocal and orchestral programs at Stetson University School of Music. Through the creative effort and mentorship of the stage director, conductor, voice faculty, coaches and designers, it provides an immersive performance opportunity for the aspiring singing actor.

Productions include early music, contemporary hit musicals, operettas, and operatic masterpieces spanning the last 400 years, giving students the opportunity to explore the performance tradition and to develop as actors.

In addition to world-class vocal training from some of the finest teachers in the industry, students enrolled in Stetson Opera Theatre receive comprehensive role preparation in the areas of musical coaching, diction, deportment, movement, character development and analysis. Productions are double-cast and understudies are assigned as appropriate, giving the students many opportunities to perform and develop.

Upcoming Productions 

Lerner and Loewe's musical Camelot

With Stetson Chamber Orchestra
Dashiell Waterbury, director
Anthony Hose, conductor

Friday, November 3, 2023, 7:30 p.m. | Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall
Saturday, November 4, 2023, 7:30 p.m. | Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall

Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II 

With Stetson Symphony Orchestra
Dashiell Waterbury, director
Anthony Hose, conductor

Friday, April 5, 2024, 7:30 p.m. | News-Journal Center, 211 N Beach St., Daytona Beach
Sunday, April 7, 2024, 3:00 p.m. | News-Journal Center, 211 N Beach St., Daytona Beach

Please go to the Concerts page for ticket and up-to-date performance information.

For additional information on these productions, please contact Dashiell Waterbury. 

Behind the Scenes and more!

Watch Behind the Scenes with The Cunning Little Vixen performed in Spring 2023

Past productions include:

Production and Repertoire

Stetson Opera Theatre presents two or three productions each year. The fall production - a workshop-style chamber production - is presented as a scenes program performed with piano or a baroque or chamber opera performed with the University Chamber Orchestra. The fall production is typically performed in a smaller venue, such as the historic Lee Chapel on Stetson University's DeLand campus. 

The spring production is a full production with sets and costumes with the University Symphony Orchestra. Works from the core opera repertoire are chosen and presented in the original language where appropriate.

The Stetson Opera Theatre productions provide an opportunity not only for performance but also to acquire experience in setting up a stage, stage management, scenic design, supertitles, lighting, sound systems, front-of-house management, makeup and costume. Some operas may need assisting scene direction and offstage conducting.

In fall 2022, we excitingly welcomed a new Opera director, Dashiell Waterbury, and look forward, enthusiastically, to the creative ideas he will bring to our students.

Audition

All roles are cast by audition. Transfer students are encouraged to audition upon arrival in the fall semester. For those wishing to receive a role in the spring production, you must first be enrolled in the Opera Theatre in the fall.

First-year students, because of the time commitment involved with Opera Theatre, you are discouraged from enrolling for the course in the fall. You may audition for the experience and participate in the spring production; however, permission must be obtained from both the Dean and the Associate Dean of the School of Music.

Faculty