Mission Statement
To provide high quality opera and other musical productions while cultivating emerging artists and building on our over-sixty-year tradition of educating, entertaining and enriching our community.

Education Committee Chair Statement
Because funding for the arts is sadly dwindling, it is incumbent upon volunteer groups such as Mobile Opera's education committee to make every effort to provide as much education in this vital area as possible. We feel that it is necessary both for the well rounded education of our students and for the preservation of the cultural fabric of our community.

Jane Williamson
musicandbooks@comcast.net
Education Chair
Mobile Opera Board of Directors

2007/2008 Education Programs


Student Matinees
MainStage Performance Schedule

The Arts

  • Make a tremendous impact on the development of every child
  • Encourage reflection and higher level thinking
  • Stimulate the imagination and creativity
  • Enhance informed perception, problem-solving, self-esteem and self-discipline
  • Teach team building skills and appreciation of cultural diversity
  • Help to increase academic performance and reduce delinquency
  • Enhance literacy

Opera is the ultimate art form. This incredible synthesis of music and drama stimulates the mind and enlivens the soul!

Each year, Mobile's Opera's education programs positively impact over 50,000 school children. We would be delighted to include your students in our programs. Please contact us to find out how you and your students can join Mobile Opera during the 2007/2008 school year.

Opera on the Stage

Opera is truly the ultimate art form with its talented soloists, robust chorus, full symphony orchestra, beautiful costumes, dazzling scenery, and energetic choreography. Our productions of La Traviata and Andrea Chenier are sure to have your students on the edge of their seats.
While opera may be the most expensive art form to produce, your students can enjoy a complete performance for only $5.00 at Teen Night or Student Matinees! Classroom teachers and chaperones attend FREE (limit 1 chaperone for every 10 students attends free).

Student Matines

A student matinee will be offered for the two MainStage Operas for the 2007/2008 season. The performance will be the final dress rehearsal of each production. These student matinees are available for both middle school and high school students. A docent program is required for all schools attending the student matinees. Reservations are required and seating is reserved by section for each school. Please contact Jane Williamson by e-mail at musicandbooks@comcast.net to schedule a docent program. Reservations for seating can be made by calling 251-432-6772 or by e-mail to info@mobileopera.org. Cost is only $5 per student with classroom teachers and chaperones attend free (limit 1 chaperone for every 10 students attends free)

La Traviata Student Matinee - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 – 10:30 AM
Andrea Chenier Student Matinee - Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - 10:30 AM

Because Andrea Chenier takes place during the French Revolution and is based on the life of the poet Andrea Chenier, we invite and encourage French and history teachers to bring their students to this exciting opera. This production will add interest and bring to life their classroom studies.

Teen Night/Sneak Preview

Mobile Opera offers a program especially for the high school or college age student. A special Sneak Preview performance will be performed for teens and collegians that prefer a night out at the opera. A docent program will be given at 6:15 before each Teen Night/Sneak Preview. Teacher/Chaperones are invited to attend, but are not required. Students are encouraged to arrange for a special BackStage Tour, which begins at 6:30PM. The cost is only $5.00 per student. teachers and chaperones attend free (limit 1 chaperone for every 10 students attends free)

La Traviata Teen Night - Monday, October 22, 2007 - 7:00 PM
Andrea Chenier Teen Night - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 7:00 PM

InSchool Arts Education Programs
Lift Every Voice and Sing - February 11 - February 29, 2008

by Frank Ward, Jr.

Welcome to the compelling world of minstrel and vaudeville music. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will explore the theater music of African-American Composers, circa 1900. These composers were contemporaries of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Cole Porter. This program, performed by bass-baritone Frank Ward, Jr., www.frankwardjr.com, will focus on the songs of James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson while highlighting other African-American composers such as James Reese Europe, Noble Sissle, Alex Rogers and Eubie Blake. These positive and uplifting songs were heard in minstrel, vaudeville and early musical theater shows. Come experience this one-of-a-kind program that will surprise and delight.

Mobile Opera's MainStage Performance Schedule

Verdi’s La Traviata - October 25 & 27, 2007, 7:30 PM, Mobile Civic Center Theater

Some Enchanted Valentine – An Evening of Rodgers & Hammerstein Classics –February 14, 2008, 7:30 PM, Saenger Theatre

Giordano’s Andrea Chenier - March 13 & 15, 2008, 7:30 PM, Mobile Civic Center Theater

Student Tickets: High School and College Students - $15 with valid ID