Finding their path

Lyric Unlimited’s new Opera Pathfinders program introduces high school and college students to (sometimes unexpected) careers in opera

“Most people, when thinking about opera and its related careers, think first of singers and members of the orchestra,” says Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, Director of Civic Engagement for Lyric Unlimited. While audiences may only see and hear the work on stage and in the pit, it of course takes a host of other professionals working around the stage and behind the scenes to bring an operatic production to life. Opera Pathfinders — the latest program from Lyric Unlimited — brings this less visible (and audible) work into the spotlight. “This program allows young people to gain a greater understanding of what it takes to build an opera from conception to completion,” explains Keyton. 

Launched in the 2025/26 Season, Opera Pathfinders presents high school and college students in the Chicago area with the variety of accessible entry points into the world of opera. Recognizing that the art form has often been dominated by an older, less diverse demographic, Opera Pathfinders presents opportunities for students to connect, grow their interests, and develop the skills and confidence needed to see themselves as future professionals with a stake in the future of the opera and the performing arts. 

“Many young people go through high school, college, and well into their adulthood uncertain of what they want to do as a career. Everything feels very permanent,” says Keyton. “Opera Pathfinders gives them a chance to explore different facets of the industry in a safe and judgment-free space.”  

Over the course of the program, participants gain an understanding of the wide variety of careers and expertise that are crucial to the success of arts institutions like Lyric, and develop the tools needed to craft their own career path in the arts. Opera Pathfinders participants choose from three offered tracks, allowing them to curate their experience in the program based on their interests, with each path featuring a mix of student-led activities, group discussions, workshops, and professional-led career talks.

The Opera Pathfinders Council focuses on opera and performance arts from the perspective of an arts administrator. Participants are introduced to the basics of arts administration by staff members from Lyric in addition to professionals from other cultural institutions in Chicago. After learning from members of Lyric’s artistic, finance, development, marketing, and human resources departments, the Opera Pathfinders Council tasks participants with creating and presenting on their own mock opera company, complete with a name, opera season, operating budget, and marketing plan. 

The Opera Pathfinders Producers delve into the behind-the-scenes world of tech and production. Through discussions with members of Lyric’s technical, lighting, and audio departments, this path teaches participants what it takes to bring a massive production to life on the Lyric stage. Members of the Opera Pathfinders Producers put these skills into practice, forming design teams to create production models with lighting and special effects as part of a final design display and presentation. 

The Opera Pathfinders Collective provides participants with a route to learn more about opera, the performing arts, and cultural institutions in Chicago. This track is focused on engagement, looking at opera from the perspective of an audience member. Participants attend and volunteer at Lyric programs including Student Dress Rehearsals, Opera Insights panel discussions, and Opera in the Neighborhoods performances. Opera Pathfinders Collective participants draw upon these experiences to create a final multi media presentation focused on the ways in which Lyric can grow in exemplifying high levels of accessibility for young audiences. 

Through these endeavors, Opera Pathfinders strives to create lasting change in both the lives of participants and the broader artistic community. Regardless of which of the three tracks the students choose, Opera Pathfinders highlights the importance of career readiness and equips participants with the skills and resources to push the boundaries of their creativity, take their artistic practices seriously, and share their stories as they step into their roles as the next generation of opera professionals. 

“Ultimately,” Keyton says, “we hope students will walk away with a greater understanding of what their career path should be — and of who they are.”