The After School Opera Program is for children ages 7 to 12. A maximum of 25 students can participate per term at each of the program's five locations where the program is offered.
Children are exposed to all aspects of opera including singing, acting, directing and set and costume design through hands-on experiences and the expertise of special guests. The participants use what they have learned and apply it to a new work written by composer and program leader Dean Burry. Participants perform the world premiere of this new opera to family and friends during the final class. Take a look at past performances!
Each term of the After School Opera Program runs for approximately ten weeks. Registration costs vary by location, starting as low as $5 to a maximum of $15 for the entire program. See below for details.
Download the 2012/2013 After School Opera Program Parent Handbook with information about the program, including what to bring and program policies.
Fall – Grimm Fables Participants will create an opera that recalls the work of the Grimm Brothers who popularized stories like Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and Rumpelstiltskin!
Winter – Everyday Opera Drawing inspiration from the world around us – the changing seasons, the daily news, life as we know it – participants will pick a theme that reflects the everyday and express it through movement, visual arts and music.
All classes take place on Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. in the McLaughlin Studio located at the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, 227 Front St. E. (at Berkeley). Enter through the administrative entrance ("227" marked clearly overhead) and take the elevator to the second floor. Follow the signs to the McLaughlin Studio.
The cost is $15 per student per term.
Registration Policy: Registration starts September 10. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the program there are limitations on enrolment. To ensure that ALL children get a chance to participate, a student can register for one of the three sessions. The same child may be put on a waiting list for the remaining sessions. Children who have not previously participated in the program will get priority over those on the waiting list.
For full policies surrounding registration, please refer to the PDF document available on the right column of this webpage.
The 2013 Spring term is now full.
Online: Click here to be added to the waitlist for Spring 2013.
In person: Download a registration form (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) and then visit either one of our Box Offices:
If you prefer to register in person, please note that the Ticket Service hours change seasonally, so be sure to check online before you make the trek out to our Box Offices. Please call Ticket Services at 416-363-8231 or 1-800-250-4653.
By fax: Download a registration form and fax with credit card* payment to: 416-363-5584
By e-mail: Download a registration form, scan and e-mail it with credit card* payment to: education@coc.ca
Registrations by fax and e-mail are processed as quickly as possible in the order that they are received. Due to the high volume of registrations, your registration will ONLY be confirmed by e-mail once it has been entered into the system.
*Please note we can only accept credit card payment with faxed and e-mailed registration.
Please contact Amber Yared, Children and Youth Programs Co-ordinator at 416-306-2307 or e-mail education@coc.ca for more information.
All classes take place on Mondays from 4 – 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Ourland Commity Centre located at 18 Ourland Ave. (at Islington).
The cost is $11 per student per term.
To Register: Registration for spring opens March 2, 2013. To register, call 311 or 416-394-8673 or online at toronto.ca/torontofun.
All classes take place on Tuesdays from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Barbara Frum Recreation Centre, located on the lower level of the Barbara Frum Library, 20 Covington Rd. (Bathurst and Lawrence)
To Register: Registration for spring opens March 5, 2012. To register, call 311 or 416-395-6123 or online at toronto.ca/torontofun
All classes take place on Wednesdays from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Community Hall of St. Christopher House, 248 Ossington Ave. (at Dundas).
To Register: The fall term is open to all students. Registration starts September 4. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the program there are limitations on enrolment for the winter and spring terms. To ensure that ALL children get a chance to participate, a student can register for one of the three sessions. The same child may be put on a waiting list for the other sessions. Children who have not previously participated in the program will get priority over those on the waiting list.
After September 3, registration forms will be available through the Music School office or reception or you can download a registration form (PDF) beginning September 10 (when registration opens at the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum location). To register, you must complete and sign a registration form (one per child) and pay the registration fee. You may leave the complete forms with the receptionist, who will return them to the Music School Co-ordinator.
Please contact Sherry Squires, Music School Co-ordinator at 416-532-4828 x.127 or e-mail sherrysq@stchrishouse.org for more information.
Fall classes take place on Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. at St. Thomas More School located at 2300 Ellesmere Rd. (at Markham Rd).
Winter classes take place on Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club located at 100 Galloway Rd. (at Kingston Rd).
Spring classes take place on Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. at St. Margaret's Public School located at 235 Galloway Rd. (at Lawrence Ave. E.)
The program is free to Boys and Girls Club members ($10 membership fee). Limited space is available to non-members. To register, call Russell Scott, Manager, Children and Early Teen Services at 416-281-0262 x.216.
The After School Opera Program is generously supported by Scotiabank, the McLean Foundation, the COC and anonymous private donors. Established program centres include: St. Christopher House Music School, Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough, Barbara Frum Recreation Centre, Ourland Community Centre.
After School Opera Program participants at the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre. Photo Credit: Karen Reeves © 2011
Presenting Sponsor