Course Descriptions
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Voice and Opera
6OP 209 (I-2) Introduction to the Lyric Theater I
Introduces students to basic acting techniques and stage terminology that aid the singing-actor in dramatic presentation on the lyric theater stage. Character study through improvisation, observation, word association, sensory recall, and pantomime. Special emphasis given to the interpretation of music and the use of the singing voice as a necessary part of character development. Offered every fall semester.
6OP 210 (II-2) Introduction to the Lyric Theater II
A continuation of work of the first semester with added emphasis on character development through group projects. Special consideration given to auditioning techniques. The semester focuses on applying the various acting techniques covered in the first semester to short musical structures and scenes, culminating in an informal presentation at the end of the semester. Offered every spring semester.
6OP 211 (I-3) Opera Workshop I
Study, through exercises and performances of specific musical forms and acting techniques, that aids the singing-actor in the dramatic presentation of operatic repertory up through the eighteenth century. Private ensemble coaching, both musical and dramatic. Offered every other fall semester.
6OP 212 (II-3) Opera Workshop II
Study, through exercises and performances of specific musical forms and acting techniques, that aids the singing-actor in the dramatic presentation of operatic repertory of the nineteenth-century English, French, and Viennese operetta and the twentieth-century musical. Private ensemble coaching, both musical and dramatic. Offered every other spring semester.
6OP 213 (I-3) Opera Workshop III
Study, through exercises and performances of specific musical forms and acting techniques, that aids the singing-actor in the dramatic presentation of operatic repertory of the twentieth century. Private ensemble coaching, both musical and dramatic. Offered every other fall semester.
6OP 214 (II-3) Opera Workshop IV
A continuation of the first semester (study through musical forms and acting techniques) that aids the singing-actor in the dramatic presentation of operatic repertory of the nineteenth century. Training may be offered in physical skills such as stage combat and lyric theater dance forms. Offered every other spring semester.
6OP 215, 216 (I, II-1 or 2) Opera Performance Project
Participation and performance in Eastman Opera Theatre's fall and spring productions, 804 show and Opera a la Carte. Additional outside class coachings and stagings are required. May be substituted for 211-214 Opera Workshop with permission of opera coordinator. OP 215 (1 credits) and 216 (2 credits) may be repeated for additional credit.
6OP 401, 402 (I, II-2 or 3) Seminar in Stage Directing
Study and practice of operatic stage direction. Emphasis on the technical considerations in producing and directing opera. Students are required to assist in the direction of Opera Theatre productions or direct a scene in the opera workshop. Opera 401 and 402 may be repeated for additional credit. Prerequisites: 2 semesters of OP 209, 210; 2 semesters OP 211-214; and/or permission of instructor.
6OP 410 (I, II-2) Opera Production Project: Stage Management
Study of basic concepts and procedures relevant to an opera stage manager. Students are required to participate as assistant stage managers for the Opera Theatre productions. Prerequisites: 2 semesters of OP 209, 210; 2 semesters OP 211-214; and/or permission of instructor.
6OP 411, 412 (I, II-1) Opera Workshop: Scene Performance Module
Preparation of opera scenes through coaching, staging, and public performance. Permission of primary voice teacher and instructor required.
6OP 413, 414 (I, II-2) Performance Techniques for the Singing-Actor
Study of stage disciplines that will aid and develop the lyric theater performer. Permission of primary voice teacher and instructor required.
6OP 415 (I-1) Opera Repertoire
The practical study of operatic literature from Mozart to the present day through the musical preparation of arias and scenes appropriate for the enrollment. Specific attention is given to historic performance practice and the unique challenges of the lyric theater: stylistic interpretation of accompanied and secco recitative, the basics of vocal ornamentation as it applies to the stage, musical/ dramatic score analysis, etc. (Offered in the fall semester concurrently with OP 405 for pianists and designed to musically prepare singers for OP 416 in the spring semester.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor and voice teacher. May be repeated for credit.
6OP 416 (II-2) Advanced Opera Seminar: Performance Techniques
The study, preparation, and performance of arias and excerpts from operatic literature. Through historical research, character analysis, and dramatic staging, the student prepares excerpts and arias from the OP 415 class for public performances. Special attention given to the preparation of arias for professional auditions. Prerequisites: 2 semesters of OP 209, 210; 2 semesters OP 211-214; and/or permission of instructor.