School Programs
Central City Opera comes to your school! Our programs are designed to support academic standards and curriculum. They are portable and able to be performed in your space, in most areas of Colorado and southern Wyoming. We also work directly with educators, community leaders, students and parents to curate offerings that are relevant, educational and entertaining to your audience.
For pricing please contact education@centralcityopera.org for more information.
Please note that CCO’s fees reflect the cost of the teaching artist or performer. Central City Opera is committed to providing scholarships to schools and community organizations that request financial aid for any reason.
“Before your wonderful performance I personally did not think I would enjoy the opera. As soon as I walked into the gym I just knew you were going to be great. You were very funny and taught me a lot. You did things that blew my mind. I really want to thank you for all the happiness and joy you brought to our school.”
Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World
This new 30-minute opera premiered in 2019, commissioned by Fort Worth Opera and written by Joe Illick and Mark Campbell. It tells the true story of a Mexican girl named Mariana, who asks the famous painter Frida Kahlo to paint her portrait. Mariana learns about Frida’s experiences and is inspired to live bravely and boldly, just like Frida. Post-show interactive activities enrich the experience for students and families.
Scholarships available.
Opera Up Close
In-depth explorations of opera and musical storytelling for smaller classroom settings. Free add-on to any school assembly program or $6 per student on its own. Spanish-speaking teaching artists are available to present to bilingual classrooms. Also available as a virtual option.
Bravi Tutti! Opera and Musical Theater Favorites
Enjoy a 40-minute concert with Q & A afterwards with the singers and pianist.
Scholarships available.
¡Fiesta! Spanish-language opera, zarzuela, and art song
Celebrate Latinx and Hispanic heritage with this 30 to 40 minute concert of Spanish-language opera, zaruzuela and art song. Q & A afterwards with the artists.
Scholarships available.
Yoga and the Voice Workshops/ Masterclasses with Ruth L. Carver
Teaching Artist Ruth L. Carver leads students in grades 7-12 through yoga workshops designed to enhance students’ understanding of the mind/body/spirit connection and confidence in unleashing their own authentic voice and increase awareness of alignment and posture. Workshops can be customized to students’ needs. Available through a video conferencing platform for classes up to 15 students.
Scholarships available.
“The teaching artist took the time to listen to the students interests and questions. She was engaging and seamlessly integrated her planned presentation with the students questions…The videos enthralled the students.”
The students were so surprised and awestruck. We had mini operas in all classes -with multiple conflicts and usually happy resolutions!
Free Content
Central City Opera House Coloring Pages
Discover the historic Central City Opera House, built in 1878 by Welsh and Cornish miners, through coloring book pages. Suitable for all ages. Available for free download here.
Historic Scavenger Hunt with Limerick Writing Activity
History and Language Arts come together in this fun activity for students in grades 6-9. With clues written in Limerick form, discover Colorado’s historic Central City on a virtual scavenger hunt, then write your own limericks. Available for free download here.
Yoga and the Voice
Free videos of individual yoga exercises by Teaching Artist Ruth L. Carver, designed to enhance students’ understanding of the mind/body/spirit connection and confidence in unleashing their own authentic voice and increase awareness of alignment and posture: Watch here.
Opera Trivia “Jeopardy” Style
Test your knowledge of opera and historic Central City through trivia games. Available for free here and here.
Opera Up Close Video Playlist
Discover the rich spectrum of operatic voices through a curated YouTube playlist. Videos feature a diverse range of artists, languages and productions. A free downloadable PDF with detailed descriptions, “write-your-own-review” activity and guided questions accompanies the playlist. Available here.
Central City Opera Podcast
Have you ever wanted to sit down with a Central City Opera singer, director, conductor, orchestra musician, or production staff member and get to know them (and what they do) a little better? You’re in luck – our podcast features interviews with artists and others involved in our operas. This is a great way for students to find out more about careers in opera and other performing arts. Downloading the episodes is easy, free, and fast, and you’ll be glad you did. Find out more here: ccopodcast.org.