Student & teacher programs

Lyric Opera of Chicago offers arts education programs and learning opportunities for elementary through high school students and teachers. Explore school residency programs, teacher workshops, special performances, Choral Fest, educational resources, and more ways to experience opera, music, and the performing arts in Chicago and beyond.

Free Dress Rehearsals for Students (grades 6-12)

Lyric offers free dress rehearsal passes for qualifying middle and high schools. Passes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

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Performances for Students (grades 6-12)

See world-class performances with your students at the Lyric Opera House.

  • For grades 6-12
  • Tickets starting at $20
  • Free online classroom resources

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Opera Residencies (grades 1-12)

Lyric teaching artists partner with classroom teachers to create custom learning experiences that support music, arts, and academic learning goals.

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Opera in the Neighborhoods for Students (grades 3-6)

Live performances of youth-focused operas in neighborhood venues throughout the Chicagoland area. 

  • For grades 3-6
  • 45 minutes long, plus Q&A with the cast afterwards
  • No admission charge
  • Bus scholarships available to qualifying schools

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High School Choral Fest

Lyric is proud to bring hundreds of students annually from Chicago Public Schools for a one-day choral intensive during which students learn about the many aspects of opera, and are empowered during a final rehearsal on the Lyric mainstage under the direction of Chorus Director and Head of Music Michael Black.

Learning resources

This is your all-access pass to the world of opera and musical theater where you will find engaging information for some of the world's most beloved operas and musicals. Learn about each work's story, creators, history, and some musical highlights to listen for when you watch these productions!

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Negaunee Education Programs: Sponsors

Major support provided by The Negaunee Education Endowment and the Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund.

BMO Harris Bank
CNA
U.S. Bank
United Airlines

Dr. Scholl Foundation

The Beaubien Family

Penelope R. Steiner

Mazza Foundation

Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Shure Charitable Trust, a supporting organization of the Jewish Federation of Chicago

Polk Bros. Foundation

Elaine S. Frank Fund

Anonymous Donor

Roxanne Decyk and Lew Watts

Charles & M.R. Shapiro Fund

Segal Family Foundation

Terry J. Medhurst

John Hart & Carol Prins

Chaz Ebert

Anonymous Donor

The Siragusa Family Foundation

Dr. & Mrs. Mark Bowen

Helen Brach Foundation

Jane Colman

Mr. Donald Clark

Gerald Padbury

Photos: Kyle Flubacker, Todd Rosenberg, Jaclyn Simpson