Kent State Opera Theatre
Kent State Opera Theatre continues to grow and expand, offering scene programs and fully staged productions.
Kent State Opera Theatre is dedicated to developing and nurturing young artists in the craft of opera performance by recognizing their individual strengths as they build the skills necessary to achieve their creative, academic and career goals.
2024 Fall Opera
P.D.Q. Bach’s
“The Abduction of Figaro”
A dying Figaro and his loving wife. A flirtatious playboy and the woman he has wronged. Two young lovers. And a pirate? Yes, these are but a few of the characters in PDQ Bach’s hilarious "The Abduction of Figaro," which will be presented by Kent State Opera Theatre from November 15th to the 17th, in the Wright-Curtis Theater. Using familiar musical samplings from the 18th through the 20th centuries, PDQ Bach spoofs opera and its many clichés. Come see our young artists display their vocal and comedic skills!
PERFORMANCES
All performances take place in the Wright-Curtis Theatre, Center for the Performing Arts (1325 Theatre Drive, Kent, OH, 44242).
Friday, November 15, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 17, 2024 | 3:00 p.m.
About the Program
Over the past decade, the Kent State Opera Theatre has continued to grow and diversify, presenting scene programs and fully staged productions with the Kent State University Orchestra to great acclaim each academic year. Students in the program experience a rich curriculum of vocal coaching, acting lessons, and production best practices.
Learn about of Voice Division here
Faculty
Jay White
Professor, Director of Opera Studies and Music Director
Timothy Culver
Professor, Stage and Production Director
Who can join the cast?
Open to all Kent State undergraduate and graduate students through audition.
Auditions
Typically, auditions are held during the first full week of classes each semester.
An collaborative pianist will be provided.
Auditionees can expect two sing two selections.
- Arias preferred but art song accepted.
- One selection can be in English.
- It is preferred that the other selection be in a language other than English.
Audition Sign-up
- Fill out this brief form to let us know you're interested in the Opera Theatre cast!
- We'll let you know when the audition sign-up ready and other details.
2023-2024
Spring
"Radio Hour"
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Fall
"Not/Ordinary: Scenes of Life and Love"
Wright-Curtis Theatre | Center for the Performing Arts
2022–2023
Spring
“Double Feature”
- “The Telephone” | Gian Carlo Menotti
- “Trial by Jury” | Gilbert and Sullivan
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Fall
Opera Scenes | “Sceneworks: A Sampling from 400 Years of Opera”
Wright-Curtis Theatre | Center for the Performing Arts
2021–2022
Spring
“Let the Party Begin”
- “Bon Appétit” | Lee Hoiby
- “A Musical Evening at the Choufleuris’" | Jacques Offenbach
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Fall
“An Evening of Opera”
Fine Arts Building | Kent State University at Stark
2020–2021
Spring
“Onward” – Audition Reels
Virtual
Fall
Opera Scenes | “Arias for the Pandemic”
Virtual
2019–2020
Spring (Canceled – Coronavirus Pandemic)
“The Medium” | Gian Carlo Menotti
"Dido & Aeneas” | Henry Purcell
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Fall
Opera Scenes | “Operetta: The Land of Smiles, Pirates and Pinafores”
Wright-Curtis Theatre | Center for the Performing Arts
2018–2019
Spring
"The Tender Land” | Aaron Copland
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Fall
Opera Scenes | “Marriage Inside/Out”
Wright-Curtis Theatre | Center for the Performing Arts
2017-2018
Spring
"Die Fledermaus" | Johann Strauss II
Performed with Kent State University Orchestra
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Fall
Opera Scenes | “The Wonderful, Wacky World of Opera”
Wright-Curtis Theatre | Center for the Performing Arts
2016-2017
Spring
"A Novel Idea! Stories of Operatic Proportions"
- "Gisela In Her Bathtub" by Neil Weisensel, Orchestration World Premiere
- "The Harpies" by Marc Blitzstein
- "The Doctor Miracle" by Georges Bizet
Performed with the Kent State University Orchestra
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Fall
Scenes from "The Magic Flute" | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Murphy Auditorium | Kent State University Museum
2015-2016
Spring
"Sweethearts" | Victor Herbert
Semi-staged concert performance with the Kent State University Orchestra
University Auditorium | Cartwright Hall
Fall
Opera Scenes | “Trying Trios!!!”
Wright-Curtis Theatre | Center for the Performing Arts
2014-2015
Spring
"Iolanthe" | Gilbert and Sullivan
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Fall
Opera Scenes | “Singing in Circles,”
Wright-Curtis Theatre | Center for the Performing Arts
2013-2014
Spring
"A Musical Evening at the Choufleuris’" | Jaques Offenbach
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Northeast Ohio Tour
Fall
Opera Scenes | “Singing Outside the Box”
Wright-Curtis Theatre | Center for the Performing Arts
2012-2013
Spring
“Oh...The Games We Play”
- "The Impresario" by W.A. Mozart
- "A Hand of Bridge" by Samuel Barber
- "Gianni Schicchi" by Giacomo Puccini
Performed with the Kent State University Orchestra
Ludwig Recital Hall | Center for the Performing Arts
Fall
Opera Scenes | “Lovesick Maidens, their Men and More, Much More”
Kent State University
Contact
Jay White
Director of Opera Studies and Professor of Voice
jwhite99@kent.edu | 330-672-9237