Middle and High School Education Program 2013

The primary project will be in conjunction with a new production, designed specifically for students, of Daron Aric Hagen's 1993 opera, Shining Brow. The opera documents turbulent events in the live of iconic American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

This production will be condensed, without losing the authenticity of the material, to last just around 90 minutes which should make it a superb introductory opera for young audiences and a natural vehicle for cross-curricular exploration of art, architecture, and American history The student performances will take place at the Father Ryan Arts Center in McKees Rocks on February 27, 28, and March 1, 2013. The opera will then be revived as part of the company’s summer festival offerings in June 2013.

The Education Program will comprise the following:

Teacher’s Study Guide

Opera Theater has created a detailed study guide [PDF, 2.8 MB] for teachers, offering suggestions and information for cross-curricular exploration of the themes and material touched on in Shining Brow, including art, architecture, American history, and social mores of the early 20th century.

Middle and High School Workshops

Opera Theater will provide 10-12 middle and high schools with classroom visits prior to the production, presenting excerpts of the work with a singer and pianist to students.

Student Matinee Performances

Free student matinees will take place at 9:30 and 11:00 am, Wednesday through Friday, February 27, 28, and March 1. Prior to the performances the director will give a talk to students, and the performance will be followed by a Q&A session with artists.

Interested educators may reserve both pre-performance programs for the classroom and seats for both students and accompanying teachers using our online reservation form. For more information, please call Yvonne Hudson or Dennis Robinson, Jr. at 412-621-1499, or by email to drobinson@otsummerfest.org or yhudson@otsummerfest.org.