A summer training program for opera singers

Building upon last summer’s successful intensive training program, Against the Grain Theatre joins University of Toronto Opera to immerse established and emerging artists in a two-week program focusing on the exciting canon of modern-contemporary works. This program lets you bring your best, your worst, your tired, your polished, (and the ones you won’t do for many many years, but want to look at it) into a space to work on the development of your craft. This intensive is meant for you to prioritize your individual artistic needs, in the middle of August when audition season is just around the corner. And by looking at the hidden gems of opera’s 20th century treasures and looking at contemporary operas 21st century current works, we will provide valuable insight to artists as they aim to develop, specialize and perfect their modern opera roles. Against the Grain Theatre’s outside the box approach to traditional opera matched with UofT Opera’s educational excellence will be a hub for singers to learn and perform.  “As a graduate of this storied institution, my foundation for opera was built at U of T Opera.  Our General Manager, Jonathan MacArthur is also a graduate of this program and together we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Sandra and Michael,” says Against the Grain Artistic Director Joel Ivany.

Over the course of two-weeks, singers will take part in masterclasses, movement classes, staging, daily one-on-one coaching sessions, perform in Opera Pub and end the program performing modern opera scenes with both the performers and audience members right on the MacMillan Theatre Stage.

Sessions will take place at the Edward Johnson Building (80 Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario). Further opportunities include mentorship, career guidance, round-table discussions with industry professionals, a professional headshot, a recorded aria video, and much more!

Meet some of our faculty:

Voice Instructors:
Miriam Khalil
Heidi Melton
Karen Cargill

Music Faculty:
Sandra Horst
Topher Mokrzewski
Andrea Grant
David Eliakis

Stage Direction/Acting Faculty:
Joel Ivany
Michael Albano

Click HERE to apply. The application is free. There is no audition to this program.

Program Dates: Thursday, August 8, 2019 — Thursday, August 22, 2019
Deadline to Apply: January 25, 2019
Participants will be notified by end mid-February of their acceptance
Cost: $1,750 CAD
Payments due: 50% on April 1st, and the remainder of tuition June 1st.

Questions? Email: info@atgtheatre.com