Eastern Opera 

Eastern Opera is a group of music majors, minors, non-majors, and faculty dedicated to the study and performance of opera, both on campus and in our local community. Eastern Opera produces a range of works for the stage, from productions of the classics to new operas by living composers. Students also present scenes programs that introduce the young artists and audience members to a range of repertoire from opera to musical theatre.

Course OFFERINGS

MUS 113: Eastern Opera Theatre (.5 credits) This course is repeatable for credit.

Eastern Opera Theatre is an auditioned ensemble, designed to give students hands on experience in stage movement, character development, and scene study through the preparation for full-length and chamber operas. 

Opera Theatre is offered in rotation with Eastern Opera Workshop and is open to both majors and non-majors. Auditions will be held at the end of the semester prior to the production. Audition announcements will be posted throughout the Fine Arts Building. For more information please contact Dr. Emily Riggs.

YOUTH OPERA INITIATIVE: OPERA FOR ALL!

Eastern Opera is committed to producing family-friendly programming that is accessible to the youngest members of our community through our Opera for All! initiative. Over the past several years, this program has introduced over 700 students in grades K-6 from the greater Windham area to the magic of opera. Eastern Opera is grateful to have received two grants from the Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation (2022 & 2023/24) which have provided financial support for this essential work.

Opera for All! in the News: ‘Opera for All’: Eastern partnerships bring opera to local children (by Noel Teter)

Past Opera for All! Productions:

Humperdinck's Hansel & Gretel (2022)

Rutter's The Reluctant Dragon (2023)

Mozart's The Magic Flute (2024)

Upcoming Opera for All! Productions:

Pauline Viardot's Cinderella (Fall 2025)