Opera

The USD Opera offers students the opportunity to bring music and drama to life on the stage. The multiple national award-winning program trains performers to become believable and compelling singing-actors in operatic literature from the Baroque period through the contemporary lyric theater.

Every year, USD Opera produces a minimum of two productions. The fall production consists of a children’s opera, one-act or scenes program and includes outreach opportunities in the region. In the spring, USD Opera produces a full main stage opera with orchestra.

Opera students find out who they are as artists as they receive individual attention and personalized guidance from dedicated, highly skilled and acclaimed faculty. Find your voice, unlock your potential and discover your passion for a lifetime.

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Auditions

Auditions for the fall production occur in the first week of classes in the fall semester. Spring production auditions take place in early December. For most of the auditions, an aria or song of your choice is requested and a pianist is provided. Audition information is posted in the Fine Arts building, but the auditions are open to all students. If cast, students must register for 1 credit of Opera Workshop (MUEN 107/307/707).

Rehearsals

Rehearsals take place from 2 - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, however, for some roles, M-W-F or T-Th availability may be acceptable at the discretion of the director. Additional rehearsals may be required in the evening and on weekends, particularly in the spring semester.

Upcoming Productions 2020-2021:

• "CoOPERAtion COVID-19,” a virtual original comedy featuring the music of Mozart, Puccini, Menotti and more. Directed by Dana Carlson-Kottke, M.M.
  • Saturday, November 21
    7:30 PM
    www.usd.edu/livemusic
• “Zoom Speed Dating Tonight” takes a funny, yet poignant look at the challenges of human connection during a global pandemic. Join us for a virtual date night as a motley crew of characters search for love, sex and everything in between. Music and Words by Michael Ching. Based on a concept by Dean Anthony. Directed by Tracelyn Gesteland, D.M.A. 

  • Saturday, May 1
    7:30 PM
    www.usd.edu/livemusic

• "Opera Pop-Ups," A new series of live outreach concerts featuring the outstanding singers of USD Opera, along with a chamber orchestra of USD’s finest players, in performances of your favorite arias and duets in the great outdoors!  (Weather permitting) 
  • Friday, April 30
    • Noon-1pm   
      USD Campus between Old Main and Slagle Hall
    • 5:00-6pm
      Downtown Vermillion on the Platz (corner of Main and Market St.)
  • Saturday, May 1
    • Noon-1pm
      Levitt at the Falls (504 N. Phillips Ave.- Sioux Falls)
    • 3:00-4pm
      McKennan Park Bandshell (1400 S. 3rd Ave.- Sioux Falls)
  • Sunday, May 2
    • 2:00-3pm
      Riverside Park Amphitheater (200 Levee St.- Yankton)

For questions or more information, please contact:

The USD Opera has won national awards and received recognition every year since 2011: