Making of An Opera
Every year since 1996, Opera Atelier’s Making of an Opera (MOAO) program has provided more than 1,000 young people a one-day, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about, participate in, and experience the magic of opera, completely free of charge.
Through a series of hands-on, interactive workshops, school groups of students aged 12-18 have the opportunity to work with the professional team behind our productions to explore every aspect of opera.
Fall 2026
When:
September 28 – October 2, 2026
Where:
Elgin and Wintergarden Theaters
158 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T6
Who:
Students (aged 12 – 18)
Music, Dance, Drama, Art, History, English, Travel and Tourism, & more…
What:
Day of Workshops
Music, Design, Drama, Dance, & Stage Craft
The workshops are centered around our upcoming production of Charpentier’s ‘The Descent of Orpheus‘, playing at Koerner Hall in April 2026.
Music
Learn about Baroque Style
Experience Operatic Singing
Participate in Vocal Exercises
Dance
Learn Period Dance Technique
Experience a New Artform
Participate in a short Ballet Combo
Design
Learn about Costumes, Sets, and Props
Experience the Beauty of the Past
Participate in Prop Demonstrations
Drama
Learn about Baroque Character Types
Experience new Ways of Embodying
Participate in Scenes and Staging
Stage Combat
Learn about Safety in Combat
Experience Armed/Unarmed Combat
Participate in a Sword Fighting Demo
Attend a Performance for FREE
Following the workshops, students are invited to attend an upcoming performance for free, where they will witness how all of these different art forms come together to make a thrilling spectacle in the opera.
MOAO Trailer
Watch the video below to get a sneak peek into this program!
Apply to MOAO
Click the button below to submit your
application for Making of an Opera!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend Making of an Opera?
The workshop is recommended for high school students, but may also be suitable for some grade 7 and 8 classes. School groups from all disciplines are welcome: Music, Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, Theatre Production, History and Classics Studies.
What’s a day like at Making of an Opera?
Students and teachers should plan to arrive at 10am in the morning, and participate in a fun-filled day of workshops and discussions about Baroque opera, ballet, and theatre production. Please note that programming may change each session based on the production’s focus and artist availability.
I’m interested in bringing my group – what’s the cost?
Our program (MOAO and complimentary performance) is offered to participating schools completely free of charge; transportation (e.g. bussing) remains the school’s responsibility. We welcome new schools from the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
This sounds exciting! How do I sign up?
Forms are sent out to our mailing list in June and December to reserve a spot for the upcoming session. Registration for the program is limited due to capacity. Participation in the Making of an Opera program is processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Typical day
at Making of an Opera
Introduction
Storytelling through Music
Set Design, Props, and Costumes
BREAK
Workshop: Directing a Scene
LUNCH
Intro to Baroque Dance
Stage Combat Basics
END OF DAY
Past Instructors
Measha Brueggergosman-Lee
Artist-in-Residence | Music
Attending the student workshop on the production process of Opera Atelier in Toronto was an unforgettable experience. From learning about art production to witnessing stage combat and period dancing, every aspect was captivating. Culminating with a dress rehearsal at Koerner Hall, the royal treatment and corporate sponsorship making it free for students is incredible. They were thoroughly engaged and entertained, fostering a genuine love for opera
Music & Religion Teacher, Michael Power – St. Joseph High School
Have more questions? Send an email to moao@operaatelier.com
