The Hobbit Camp

Youth Intensive Opera Camp

Camp: Tuesday, May 28 – Friday, June 7, 2024, 9 am-5 pm
Performances: Friday, June 7, 2024, 7:30 pm & Saturday, June 8, 2024, 2 pm 

Camp Tuition: $700*^ 

In a 2-week, full-day camp, children ages 8-18 will engage in singing, acting, and movement with teaching artists at the Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health. The Hobbit Camp is not only fun and instructional, it also will prepare campers for roles in two performances of Dean Burry’s children opera adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit. (June 7 & 8, 2024)

  • Lunch and two snacks should be brought from home and are NOT provided.
  • Lunch break is taken onsite (no pickup by grownups.)

For more information, contact Sarah Barry at YouthPrograms@KYOpera.org 

*Included for those already enrolled in the Youth Opera Project. 

^We are committed to making this work for every family. We offer installment plans and financial assistance. 

See FAQs below!

Enroll Here

Frequently Asked Questions

The Hobbit is a children’s opera composed by Dean Burry adapted from J.R.R. Tolkein’s beloved novel. It follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, as he is invited to join a band of dwarves to find lost treasure, but they encounter some challenges in their adventure. The Kentucky Opera production emphasizes the importance of kid’s imaginations and playacting and their ability to create whole worlds filled with adventure, even if it’s still in their own back yard.  

Participants are ages 8 to 18.  

With this range of ages, students can expect to learn from one another based on their varying experience levels. 

Once roles are assigned, participants can expect to learn all dialogue, music, staging, and choreography for the show in the two weeks. Due to the 2-week duration, this camp acts as an “intensive” with longer periods of rehearsal that require full attention and participation. During rehearsals, participants will engage in acting and vocal workshops to expand their skills for the show. At the conclusion of the camp, students will put on a fully staged production of The Hobbit with staging, choreography, costumes, and more! 

Yes! There are various solo roles available! Announcements for solo auditions will be released in mid-April to all camp registrants and Youth Opera Project participants. Roles will be assigned after the camp is in session. 

Full tuition for the camp costs $700*. Due by Monday May, 28 by 9 AM. 

As part of our mission to spark discovery and joy through opera, Kentucky Opera is committed to addressing financial and cultural barriers to participation in the arts. Please let us know if you want to talk about financial assistance or installment plans. 

* Included for those already enrolled in the Youth Opera Project 

Camp Dates: 

Tuesday, May 28, 2024: 9 am – 1 pm, on-site lunch, 2 – 5 pm  

Wednesday, May 29, 2024: 9 am – 1 pm, on-site lunch, 2 – 5 pm 

Thursday, May 30, 2024: 9 am – 1 pm, on-site lunch, 2 – 5 pm 

Friday, May 31, 2024, 9 am – 1 pm, on-site lunch, 2 – 5 pm 

Monday, June 3, 2024: 9 am – 1 pm, on-site lunch, 2 – 5 pm 

Tuesday, June 4, 2024: 9 am – 1 pm, on-site lunch, 2 – 5 pm 

Wednesday, June 5, 2024: 9 am – 1 pm, on-site lunch, 2 – 5 pm

Thursday, June 6, 2024: 9 am – 1 pm, on-site lunch, 2 – 5 pm

Friday, June 7, 2024 – The Hobbit Opening Night
9 am – 1 pm, on-site lunch, 2 – 5 pm
5-6 pm, dinner (Kentucky Opera provided)
6-7:30 pm, “call time” = mandatory performers preparation
7:30 pm, performance

Saturday, June 8, 2024 – The Hobbit Matinée
12:30-2 pm, “call time” = mandatory performers preparation
2 pm, performance 

The Hobbit Production Dates:

Friday, June 7, 2024, 7:30 pm & Saturday, June 8, 2024, 2 pm

Enroll with this link: http://secure.kyopera.org/camp

Enrollment opens January 15, 2024 

No! We accept all students that are interested in the program, regardless of their experience or skill! Those that are interested in solo roles or lines may audition at a later date. 

Tuesday, May 28 – Wednesday , June 5 9 AM – 5 PM * 

Performances are Friday, June 7 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, June 8 at 2 PM 

We require attendance at all rehearsal and performance days. This is due to the intensive nature of the camp as it is highly interactive. We want your child to have the best experience and attendance is crucial to that! 

Participants can expect to receive a discount for family and friends. Tickets to the public are $15 each and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 502.584.4500. There is a special “family-pack” bundle price.

Participants are allowed up to 2 (total) hours of missed rehearsal time*. 

*This must be cleared with the Youth Opera Project Manager a week prior to absence. 

If an unscheduled absence occurs (from 2 hours to a full day of rehearsal), the camper may still participate in the rehearsal process and show, but their role may be affected. 

Absences must NOT occur during Dress Rehearsals or Performances. 

Can withdraw with a full refund up until Noon on the Monday before Camp begins (12 PM May 20, 2024)   

After 12 PM Monday May 20, 2024 and until 9 AM Tuesday May 28, 2024, can refund ½ tuition   

No refunds after 9 AM Tuesday May 28, 2024 (special circumstances considered)