- Grade Levels:
- 6-9
- Length:
- 30 minutes
- Taping Rights:
- Unlimited
- MARC Record:
- Downloadable
- Web Site:
- KET Online
- Teaching Materials:
- See Below
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Staging an opera requires solving all the logistical dilemmas of a theatrical production—sets, lighting, costumes, makeup, blocking and staging, props—while simultaneously putting on a classical music performance, with both singers and an orchestra. This KET arts and humanities field trip takes students behind the scenes at the Kentucky Opera in Louisville to see how all of that comes together.
The opera being prepared in the field trip is Susannah, a recent American work by Carlisle Floyd. The composer himself gives some background on the story and talks about the process of getting his work from sheet music to the stage.
Other topics covered include
- the basics of what opera is and where it came from;
- the decision-making process of putting on a performance, from selecting the work to be performed to casting singers;
- the behind-the scenes technical work;
- the rehearsal process, including how the stage director and orchestra conductor work together; and
- careers in opera, both on stage and behind the scenes.
This program premiered on March 28, 2000.
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