Youth Opera Project

Kentucky Opera’s Youth Opera Project engages young performers in its 10-month after school program. This program for ages 8-18 immerses students in a professional theatre environment with supportive professional teaching artists. Youth Opera Project participants will be cast in chorus roles, solo roles, and be offered other performing opportunities on Kentucky Opera’s mainstage and in the community throughout the season.

2023/24 Season

This season, join the Youth Opera Project for The Hobbit! This fully-staged opera will be performed in June 2024 at the Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health.

YOP students also have the opportunity to audition for Mainstage operas and various performance opportunities throughout the season.

Rehearsals take place every Monday after school, with additional rehearsals around specific events. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of experience, skill level, or financial circumstances. 

For more information and to register, please contact YouthPrograms@kyopera.org

Financial Assistance Available

Kentucky Opera is committed to eliminating barriers to participation in the arts. Programs may be offered at a reduced cost. Contact youthprograms@kyopera.org.

23/24 Youth & Family Programs Sponsor
The Gheens Foundation
LG&E & KU Foundation

No experience is needed to join Youth Opera Project. Come ready to learn and grow and make friends!

YOP is for students ages 8-18.

At your placement audition you will sing for the YOP director. Please bring a song you’d like to sing. Don’t know what you’d like to sing? Try My Country ‘Tis of Thee. The YOP director may play some piano and ask you to repeat simple melodies.

Placement auditions make sure we give you the right voice part (higher or lower notes) and helps your teacher know what you need to thrive.

Tuition is $700 and covers the entire year. If you are unable to pay or need financial assistance, please contact us at youthprograms@kyopera.org. No student is turned away for inability to pay.

Rehearsals take place at the Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health at 708 Magazine St. Generally, rehearsals are held on Monday evenings after school. Due to JCPS schedule changes, we are able to be flexible with rehearsal attendance. Please send any concerns to youthprograms@kyopera.org.

A printed rehearsal schedule will be available at our first Meet and Greet rehearsal.

Tickets are available to purchase through our box office. Please find more information here.

We are always looking for parents to volunteer! If you are interested, please reach out to us at youthprograms@kyopera.org.