Summer Opera Camp

Inspire. Express. Discover.

"Amazing teamwork; Never boring! Always eager to return!" Kira, parent, March Break Opera Camp

Sing, dance, create visual art and play with professional artists during week-long summer camps at the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre (227 Front St. E.).




Camp for 5 and 6 year olds

5 or 6 year olds (by first day of program)

Organized around the theme of fairytales, the camp introduces children to the different art forms at work in operatic storytelling, including music, drama and dance. Led by Canadian composer and resident artist-educator Dean Burry, participants will present a showcase for family and friends on the last day of camp.

PLUS Participants will receive a pair of complimentary tickets to the dress rehearsal of the 2012 Xstrata Ensemble Studio School Tour production of Burry's The Brothers Grimm in fall 2012.

Date: Aug. 7 – 10, 2012 (four days)
Time/Tuition: Full Day* Camp, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ($160 + HST) with drop off beginning at 8:30 a.m. 
Extended Care: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. $40/week
To register: Register Now or call ticket services at 416-363-8231 or 1-800-250-4653 for registration information

*Please note that due to low enrolment we are no longer offering a half-day option for this age group. 

Camps for 7 to 12 year olds

7 to 12 year olds (by first day of program)

During each day of this camp, participants take part in daily music, drama, design and movement tutorials with guest artists and explore Strauss' Die Fledermaus from the COC’s upcoming 2012/2013 season. Participants will present an abridged version of the opera to family and friends on the last day of camp. The camp will be led by artist-educator and opera singer, Kyra Millan.

PLUS Participants will receive a pair of complimentary tickets to the dress rehearsal of Die Fledermaus in fall 2012.

Date:
July 30 – Aug. 3, 2012 (7 to 9 year olds) and
July 23 – July 27, 2012 (9 to 12 year olds)
Time/Tuition: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. with drop off beginning at 8:30 a.m. ($200 + HST)
Extended Care: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. $40/week
To register: Register Now or call ticket services at 416-363-8231 or 1-800-250-4653 for registration information

Frequently Asked Questions about Camps

More Information Including Frequently Asked Questions About Camp


Where does the camp take place?

Camp takes place at the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, which is located at 227 Front St. E. The drop-off point is located through the Imperial Oil Opera Theatre doors. The Imperial Oil Opera Theatre doors are located on the north east side of the building, close to Berkeley Street.

For more information on how to get to the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera centre visit the map & directions page on our website.

Please note: the camp does not take place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

When can I drop my child off and pick my child up?

You may drop off your child beginning at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m.

Extended care allows campers to be picked up later (additional fee of $40/week). Extended care is well supervised by education staff and lightly programmed. Campers registered for extended care must be picked up by 5:30 p.m.

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. Visit coc.ca/bursaries for information on applying for financial assistance. The deadline to apply is May 14, 2012.

My child is 8, can I enroll him/her in the program for 9 to 12 year olds?

No. Exceptions will be made for campers turning 9 during camp. This applies to all ages.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not provided. Please send your child to camp with a nut-free lunch, snacks and a refillable water bottle. Though the COC cannot guarantee a nut-free environment, we request that participants refrain from bringing food items that contain nut ingredients (ex. peanut butter sandwiches, peanut oil, etc.) to the program.

What should my child wear to camp?

Clothing must be appropriate for active fun! Campers will be involved in drama and movement sessions which require them to have a wide range of movement. Campers will also be involved in arts and craft activities. Spills are inevitable and may not wash out completely. Clothing should be chosen accordingly. Please refrain from sending your child to camp in sandals for safety reasons.

My child has an allergy. Who should I inform?

Please visit coc.ca/programinformation to download the mandatory health and medical safety form. The form can be faxed back to: 416-363-2895 or brought on the first day of camp.

Who teaches at camp?

Camp is led by a minimum of three COC artist educators, many of whom hold advanced degrees in education and arts and all of whom hold valid police clearances.

Campers are also supervised throughout the day by a staff of four to five camp leaders, who are high school and university studying music, drama, art, education or a related field.

Do children stay indoors for the whole day?

Campers will be spending time outside every day unless it is too hot or rainy to do so. The COC has a private gated courtyard that campers will be spending time in during their lunch break. Please make sure that you apply sunscreen on your child before they come to camp, and pack some extra for reapplication!

What will my child do in camp?

Your child will explore music, singing, creative thought, acting, movement and the visual arts. Over the course of the day, your child will work with COC artist educators to learn about the story and the characters, as well as some of the music right from the opera! Campers will present an abridged version of the opera for family and friends on the last day of camp. Activities are always based on the abilities and interest of the age group.


Summer campers show off their set designs. Photo Credit: Karen Reeves © 2011

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