Opera Residencies

Opera Residencies for Schools pair classroom teachers with professional Lyric teaching artists to enrich students’ learning through opera. Programs are available for grades 1-12 and each of our three unique programs are tailored to customized learning objectives and goals identified by teachers.

Elementary Opera Residency (Grades 1-5)

Opera Discovery Project (Grades 6-12)

High School Choir Residency (Grades 9-12)

Program Duration: 12 or 18 sessions (typically once a week)
Session Length: One full class period (50-60 minutes) for each participating class
Cost: $2,000 or $3,000 per class (free for qualifying Chicago Public Schools)

This multi-disciplinary program empowers students in grades 1-5 to create and perform an original opera that integrates learning content objectives with arts learning in music, theater, and movement. Teachers and Lyric teaching artists work collaboratively to develop a custom residency plan that addresses desired learning outcomes while students engage in creative storytelling through the art of opera. Teachers determine a session schedule that coordinates with the established class meeting schedule and the program can be implemented any time during the school year.

This program requires participating classroom teachers to attend a Professional Development Workshop at Lyric before the start of the residency. Teachers may also elect to enhance the experience by scheduling an optional backstage tour of the Lyric Opera House, and attend a performance of Lyric's Opera in the Neighborhoods.

The Elementary Opera Residency program downloadable PDF contains helpful information regarding the goals, structure, and application process.

Elementary Opera Residency (grades 1-5)

The Elementary Opera Residency enagages students in grades 1-5 in creating and performing an original opera that integrates learning content objectives with arts learning in music, theater, and movement.

Teachers and Lyric teaching artists work collaboratively to develop a custom residency plan that addresses desired learning outcomes while students engage in creative storytelling through the art of opera.

Teachers determine a session schedule that coordinates with the established class meeting schedule and the program can be implemented any time during the school year.

Download Elementary Opera Residency program information

2023|24 Elementary Opera Residency

Opera Discovery Project (grades 6-12)

Opera Discovery Project engages students in grades 6-12 in the study of opera through activities that integrate language arts, music, drama, and performance skills. Students gain a rich understanding of a selected work, its history and context, and important themes.

Working in collaboration with the classroom teacher, a Lyric Teaching Artist guides students through a creative process to reinterpret select operatic scenes with their own words and music.

The program includes a field trip to the Lyric Opera House to attend a final dress rehearsal. Teachers determine a session schedule that coordinates with the established class meeting schedule.

Download Opera Discovery Project program information

2023|24 Opera Discovery Project

Opera Discovery Project (formerly Explore Opera)

High School Choir Residency (grades 9-12)

The High School Choir Residency supports vocal instruction in high school (grades 9-12) choir programs by providing regular, year-round assistance from a Lyric professional teaching artist. Teaching artists work collaboratively with choir teachers to deliver student instruction and foster student artistic growth. The program features three integrated components:

  • Regular, ongoing music learning support in the choral classroom

  • An embedded Opera Discovery Project unit of study including a streaming opportunity or field trip to the Lyric Opera House for a final dress rehearsal

  • Special guest artists in-school visits

Download High School Choir Residency program information

2023|24 High School Choir Residency

Opera Residencies for Schools are supported by

Polks Bros. Foundation

Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Major Lyric Unlimited support provided by the Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund.

Lyric Unlimited - Learning & Creative Engagement Sponsors

Anonymous Donor

Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund

Dr. Scholl Foundation

BMO Harris Bank Logo

Walter Family Foundation

The Richard P. & Susan Kiphart Family

Shure Charitable Trust

Eisen Family Foundation

Robert and Evelyn McCullen

Marsha Serlin and Jerry Sloan

Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.

Terry J. Medhurst

Mazza Foundation

Buehler Family Foundation

Wintrust Community Banks

Helen Brach Foundation

The Siragusa Family Foundation

Polk Bros. Foundation

Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Raynette and Ned Boshell

John and Rosemary Brown Family Foundation

John Hart and Carol Prins

Photos: Kyle Flubacker, Jaclyn Simpson