DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM
Explore the excitement of singing, acting and movement, and the thrill of theatre with Kentucky Opera’s Youth Opera Project. Learn from professional teaching artists in a nurturing and engaging environment as you prepare to represent Kentucky Opera as one of its performing company members. In addition to youth opera performances, choristers will have the opportunity to audition for mainstage productions and have exclusive behind the scenes access including meeting artists, attending open rehearsals, and more. This program is intended for ages 8-18. All skill levels are welcome; no experience necessary!
Monday, September 8, 2025 6-7pm – Kick-off Meeting (Parlor)
Monday, September 15, 2025 5-7pm – Rehearsals Begin
full schedule available separately
SCHEDULE
Regular Monday rehearsals after school at the Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health, located at 708 Magazine St., Louisville, KY 40203. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled to accommodate staging or extra rehearsals needed for public performance(s).
(JCPS closures and holiday schedule will be observed).
PROGRAM PRICE
The price of the program is $715 per child for the year and may be paid in installments according to an arranged payment plan. For students joining Youth Opera Project in the spring semester, tuition is $500 per child with installments available. To set up a payment plan or discuss a pay-what-you-can option, please contact the Youth Programs Coordinator at YouthPrograms@kyopera.org and fill out the payment plan on the last page.
CAMP PRICE
In the 2025/26 season, the program includes a two-week day camp culminating in performances of the children’s opera Robin Hood. The tuition of the camp will be independent of the after-school Youth Opera Project tuition. The price of the camp will be $600 for NON-Youth Opera Project participants, and $300 for Youth Opera Project Participants. Payment plans and financial assistance are available.
CASTING
Casting for Robin Hood (and additional solo opportunities) will take place Monday, November 24 from 5-7pm at the Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health.
- If students wish to audition for a leading/named role in Robin Hood, they must participate in the full-year and/or spring semester of Youth Opera Project.
- Students participating only in the 2-week summer camp will be cast as ensemble.
WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY
Notice of withdrawal from the program should be submitted to YouthPrograms@KYOpera.org
- Students who withdraw prior to the first session will receive a full refund.
- Students who withdraw within 14 calendar days after the program has started will be refunded 50% of the full, published registration cost.
- Students who wish to withdraw more than 14 calendar days after the program has started will not be refunded.
- Refunds will be made in the same method as the original purchase.
CAMP WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY
- Withdrawal from camp 7 or more days prior to the start date will be refunded 50% of the full, published registration cost.
- Withdrawal from camp 6 days prior to and after the beginning of camp will not be refunded.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Additional performance opportunities may arise, such as singing at a ball game, a donor event, or at various community events. These are not requirements of the program but allow you to grow your experiences. Participants of the program will be notified at least two weeks in advance and will be given the opportunity to audition for any solos. Rehearsals will take place on Mondays during the 5p – 7p time frame.
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REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE ETIQUETTE
Drop-off and Pick-up
Parents or guardians must bring their child into the rehearsal or performance space and sign them in upon drop-off. When returning to pick up your child, we must ensure that each child gets back to their respective adult. Please come to the same drop-off location when picking up your child, sign them out, and we will release them.
Authority Figures
Those in authority for youth performers are the Youth Programs Coordinator, Staging Director, Music Director/Conductor, Stage Manager, and Parent Chaperones. Please use your listening ears and follow all instructions.
Parent Chaperones (On-site & Off-site Performances)
For each performance (on-site or off-site), we require 3 parent chaperones to help. These volunteers (along with the Youth Programs Coordinator) are responsible for watching over youth performers, managing behaviors & volume levels, leading performers on and off-stage, and recording a video of the performance for parents to see. Parent volunteers will have the opportunity to sign up before each performance. Any admission fee for performances will be covered by Kentucky Opera for confirmed parent chaperones.
Breaks
Breaks are determined by the Youth Programs Coordinator and/or Stage Manager. Bring a snack & water for yourself during this time. Please save any socializing for break time. Excessive talking interferes with our limited rehearsal time.
Absence Policy
Attendance is crucial for learning music, building relationships, and advancing as a performer. If an unavoidable conflict arises, contact the Youth Opera Coordinator immediately. Dress rehearsals & performances are mandatory.
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Youth Programs Coordinator
KYO Box Office: 502-584-4500