Youth Opera Council

Youth Opera Council (YOC) is a select group of Chicagoland high school students, from a broad range of backgrounds, who share a passion for opera and the performing arts. The purpose of the council is to encourage and grow youth interest and participation in the arts by helping students develop critical thinking and advocacy skills through student-led activities. Council members gain a deeper understanding of opera of how it’s produced through exclusive access to Lyric artists, staff, and behind-the-scenes exploration. The Youth Opera Council also hosts youth-focused events throughout the season.

Questions? Contact Lyric Unlimited at LyricUnlimited@lyricopera.org.

2021|22 Youth Opera Council Application

The Youth Opera Council provides a community for youth from various backgrounds to discuss and develop their passion for classical performing arts. It aims to find ways for young people to learn about and engage with opera and serves as a safe place for youth to

connect surrounding their passion for opera and/or performing arts.
help teens develop advocacy and critical analysis skills to give them a larger stake into how opera can and should function in the future.

Through student-led activities and discussions, YOC members will develop leadership and effective communication skills to dissect not only the art they consume but classical systems and companies.

Youth Opera Council will meet bi-weekly on evenings (5pm – 6:30 pm) during the 21-22 season beginning October 4th, 2021 through June 6th, 2022. Ideally on the 1ST and 3RD Monday and/or Wednesday of the month.

Youth Opera Council meetings will be primarily hosted via private Zoom link shared between staff and YOC members.

**HYBRID MEETINGS: If Lyrics administrative offices open to the public, the Youth Opera Council will plan to meet in person in a predetermined conference room at least once a month (usually the second meeting of the month). This determination will be on a case by case situation assisted by the program facilitator’s need and judgement.

YOC members are selected based on their interest in learning more about opera on stage and behind the scenes, as well as their interest in connecting with their peers.

Apply now

If you are interested in joining the 2021/22 Youth Opera Council, please complete and submit this form.

Questions? Contact LaRob Payton at lpayton@lyricopera.org

Student Information

First Name*

Last Name*

Pronouns

Email*

Phone*

Age*

Grade *

Name of School *

Student Address

Street Address*

Address Line 2

City and State/Province/Region*

Postal / Zip Code*

Additional Information:

In order for us to get to know you more, please provide 2-3 sentences answering the questions below. Remember, there is no one right answer, so please feel free to answer honestly. We're looking forward to learning more about you!

Are you a returning Youth Opera Council member?*

Yes

What do you enjoy or want to learn about opera?*

When you're meeting someone new, what is the first thing you want to know about them? *

What is the importance of art in your life? Your community?*

Have you attended other YOC events?*

Stars of the Lyric at Millennium Park 9/6/19

A Night at the Opera (Don Giovanni) 11/23/19

Attended an opera with a friend on the Council

Not yet but I can't wait!

Transportation Aid

In the event that we have in-person meetings, they will be held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago office located at 20 N Wacker Dr., Chicago.

If selected to join the YOC, would you benefit from getting financial help with transportation?*

Yes, it is difficult to get there without assistance

No, I don't foresee an issue with getting there

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Parent/Guardian First Name*

Parent/Guardian Last Name*

Relationship to student*

Parent/Guardian's Email *

Parent/Guardian's Phone Number*

Parent/Guardian Address (if different than student's)

Street Address (Parent/Guardian)

Address Line 2 (Parent/Guardian)

City and State/Region/Province (Parent/Guardian)

Postal / Zip Code (Parent/Guardian)

Swipe

Members of Youth Opera Council at Stars of Lyric Opera, an outdoor concert at Millennium Park featuring members of Lyric's Ryan Opera Center

Ryan Mckinny, star of Lyric's *Dead Man Walking* and *Don Giovanni*, visits the Youth Opera Council, and helps them prepare for the upcoming A Night at the Opera

Ryan Mckinny, star of Lyric's *Dead Man Walking* and *Don Giovanni*, visits the Youth Opera Council

Youth Opera Council members greet party guests at this past year's A Night at the Opera

Youth Opera Council member Natalia walks through the *Don Giovanni* program book with pals during this year's A Night at the Opera.

*Don Giovanni*'s Ben Bliss and Mika Kares surprise guests at this year's A Night at the Opera.

Youth Opera Counil member Daniela chats with pals at A Night at the Opera

Guests make opera masks as part of the fun at A Night at the Opera

Lyric's Youth Opera Council

The Youth Opera Council, a new initiative for high school students at Lyric, takes a look back at its first year and their experiences throughout the season.

Photos: Kyle Flubacker, Lyric Opera of Chicago

Youth Opera Council

2021|22 Youth Opera Council Application

Apply now

Additional Information:

Lyric's Youth Opera Council

Youth Opera Council Sponsors

Lyric Unlimited - Learning & Creative Engagement Sponsors