The Young Artist Program
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Our Young Artist Program is geared toward students who are ready for advanced studies in stagecraft, vocal technique, movement, and diction. All students receive private instruction from well-known voice teachers, language and style coaches, as well as group instruction in acting, dance, and audition techniques.
All students participate in fully-staged opera productions, scene programs, lieder recitals, and opera galas at local wineries.
A Day at the Festival
A typical morning begins with a movement class. Led by the New York-based choreographer Alexis Silver, the class is designed specifically with the needs of opera singers in mind. In addition to fundamentals of stage movement, the students learn dance forms of the baroque and classical periods, such as minuet, bourrée, courante and gigue.
Masterclasses
The rest of the morning is dedicated to masterclasses led by internationally-renowned experts in acting technique, voice, diction, and historical performance.
Rehearsals
All rehearsals take place in the afternoon and evening. Since all operas are fully staged, the rehearsal process involves team effort that includes musicians, stage directors, and costume and set designers.
Performances
In addition to fully-staged opera productions, the students participate in lieder recitals, opera galas, and performances at local wineries and vineyards.
