Usage of any images on this blog is restricted to The Atlanta Opera and approved news websites. Any other usage, particularly for professional purposes, must have written permission. For additional information, please contact The Atlanta Opera's Marketing Department at 404.881.8801.

Reality TV with an Operatic Twist

By Ellen Sturgill

Staying up all night can do some funny things to a person, and we here at The Atlanta Opera would like to share all the hilarity that ensued at the 24-Hour Opera Project! Participants in the event had to either stay up all night, or rehearse for hours to complete their opera scenes in the 24-hour period, and we captured the creative processes of our five teams through our "Confession Cam."  Think of it as "reality TV meets Verdi."

As the weekend went on and participants survived off coffee and shear willpower, they were able to take a minute or two from rehearsals, and confess their thoughts, fears, and funny quotes from the last 24 hours. Below, we've included some of our favorite confessions.  With operas about everything from butter to bugles, these videos are as entertaining as the opera scenes they refer to.  Enjoy!

Composer Timothy Brown of The Accidental Affair talks about this exciting "operatunity." ©Emmalee Iden

Lyricist Vynnie Meli of Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens proves that butter and opera make a tasty combination! ©Emmalee Iden

Megan Fitzgerald, lyricist of The Grass is Always Deader, talks about the unexpected challenges of this project. ©Emmalee Iden

Watch as Stage Director Frances Rabalais discusses the artistic licenses her team takes with their opera, The Layover. ©Emmalee Iden

Stage Director Beth Suryan discusses how working on The Grass is Always Deader is a different experience than her participation in 2011's 24-Hour Opera Project. ©Emmalee Iden

Hilarious quotes from Bass-Baritone John Elliot Yates and Soprano Sondra Collins, two of the singers from Krispy Cremes and Butter Queens. ©Emmalee Iden

Christine Lyons, Soprano, confesses how fun and challenging it is to play "Butter Queen" Paula Deen in the opera Krispy Cremes and Butter Queens. ©Emmalee Iden

As Stage Manager of The Layover, RaMia Green talks about what has made this a great experience. ©Emmalee Iden

Baritone Ivan Segovia and Soprano Katie Adams, singers from The Grass is Always Deader,  talk about how the opera came together through the use of poison, love triangles, and... lollipops? ©Emmalee Iden

More "Confession Cam" videos are available on our Youtube channel. To see pictures of the event, check out our Flickr page.  If you weren't able to attend the showcase, you can still view the performances on the Atlanta Opera's Ustream channel.

# # # 

Usage of any images on this blog is restricted to The Atlanta Opera and approved news websites. Any other usage, particularly for professional purposes, must have written permission. For additional information, please contact The Atlanta Opera's Marketing Department at 404.881.8801.

A Weekend of Accidental Affairs...

By Ellen Sturgill

With teddy bears, bugles, rolling pins, and "Accidental Affairs" setting the scene, the second-annual 24-Hour Opera Project was a success.  Contestants from all over the United States came to Atlanta to compete in the whirlwind of operatic chaos, and create what turned out to be five dramatic, hilarious, and innovative opera scenes.

It all began with the Kick-Off party on Friday night at 5:00 p.m., where the composers and lyricists selected props from an assortment of bags and boxes, and were randomly paired together.  One of the guidelines for the project was that the teams had to compose around a certain theme, and this year's theme of  "Accidental Affairs" evoked all the emotions we love about opera.

Lyricist Brad Fairchild and composer Sara Hersh have fun with the teddy bear and ovens mitts in their composition, The Layover. ©Tim Wilkerson 

 

Edward's Eatery composer Jonathan Stinson and lyricist Madeleine St. Romain show off their props: sausage links, and a fishing net. ©Tim Wilkerson

Composer Jennifer Jolley and Lyricist Vynnie Meli with the props for Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens, a block of cheese, and a rolling pin. © Tim Wilkerson

 Lyricist Megan Fitzgerald and composer Jason Barraba of The Grass is Always Deader are given a delicious, and deadly pair of props: lollipops and a poison bottle. ©Tim Wilkerson

With coffee percolating constantly, composers and lyricists worked feverishly all night to create an opera by the deadline of 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning.  The "Confession Cam" was in high-demand as teams began to feel the effects of staying up all night...

Composer Jennifer Jolley takes some time to give audiences a sneak peek of what's to come in Team 3's composition, Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens. ©Emmalee Iden

Though not making the deadline was on the minds of more than one team, everyone completed their creations, and the composers and lyricists got some well-deserved rest while the Music Directors, Stage Directors, Stage Managers, and singers went to work rehearsing early Saturday morning.

Music Director Erin Palmer rehearses The Layover with Bass Robert Adams, and Mezzo-Soprano Janeen Griffin. ©Tim Wilkerson.

From left to right, Stage Director Kristen Kenning, Stage Manager Spencer Gum, and Music Director Catherine Giel prepare a scene in Edward's Eatery. ©Tim Wilkerson 

Fun in a rehearsal for The Grass is Always Deader, with Soprano Katie Oates, Baritone Ivan Segovia, and Soprano Amanda Pillatzki. ©Tim Wilkerson.

At 4:00 p.m. -- after approximately eight hours of rehearsal -- the teams packed up their props and costumes from the rehearsal spaces at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, and moved to The Atlanta Opera Center, where they would have a quick dress rehearsal, before the performance at 7:00 p.m.

At 6:30, our guest judges- Stephanie Adrian, Voice Professor at Emory University and writer for Opera News, Classical Singer, and Journal of Singing; Andrew Alexander, Arts and Entertainment Writer for Creative Loafing; John Lemley, Assistant Program Director, host of City Café, Afternoon Classics, and Tapestry on WABE (90.1); Ann Owens, former Executive Director of the Houston Grand Opera; and our fabulous "mistress of ceremonies," Atlanta Planit's Nicole Jones, arrived.

The five teams were able to showcase their creations to a packed house of 200 people.  With antics involving clandestine affairs and teddy bears, these operas were one-of-a-kind. The judges rated performances on composition, lyrics (libretto), creativity of stage direction, and musical performance. Audience members were able to cast their votes for "Audience Favorite," and those tuning in via the webcast (all 762 of them!) were able to vote through Twitter, Facebook, or Ustream Chat.

This year's "Judges' Choice" and the "Audience Favorite" was...

Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens! 

Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens celebrate their win! ©Tim Wilkerson

Below, we've included more photos from the event, and if you missed the live performances, check out our Ustream Channel. This year's 24-Hour Opera Project flew by, and we want to thank everyone who participated, and helped make this past weekend a success! 

Bass-Baritone John Elliot Yates, and Soprano Sondra Collins  (bottom) praise Christine Lyons as Paula Deen in Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens. ©Tim Wilkerson

Click here to view a recording of the live webcast! ©Dave Stevens

Stage Director Frances Rabalais, Bass Robert Adams, Music Director Erin Palmer, Mezzo Janeen Griffin, Lyricist Brad Fairchild, Composer Sara Hersh, Stage Manager RaMia Green, and Soprano Laura Peacock of The Layover. ©Tim Wilkerson

Cast and creative team of Edward's Eatery (left to right): Lyricist Madeleine St. Romain, Composer Jonathan Stinson, Baritone Gerald Yarbray, Stage Director Kristen Kenning, Stage Manager Spencer Gum, Soprano Vivian Clifton, and Music Director Catherine Giel. ©Tim Wilkerson

Krispy Kremes and Butter Queens with their "Audience Favorite" prizes! From  left to right,  Lyricist Vynnie Meli, Composer  Jennifer Jolley, Stage Director Michael Nutter, Bass-Baritone John Elliot Yates, Soprano Christine Lyons, Soprano Sondra Collins, Music Director Paul Tate, and Stage Manager Rebecca Yan. ©Tim Wilkerson

Stage Manager (left to right) Kendall Thompson, Mezzo Sharon Blackwood, Composer Timothy Brown, Stage Director Thomas Isaac Collins, Music Director Sandra Lutters, and Soprano Sarah Vatour of Accidental Affair. ©Tim Wilkerson

The cast and creative team of The Grass is Always Deader, Stage Manager Erin Bailess, Soprano Amanda Pillatzki, Baritone Ivan Segovia, Lyricist Megan Fitzgerald, Composer Jason Barabba, Soprano Katie Oates, Music Director Michael Spassov, and Stage Director Beth Suryan. ©Tim Wilkerson

Judges Andrew Alexander, Stephanie Adrian, John Lemley, and Ann Owens. ©Tim Wilkerson

# # # 

Usage of any images on this blog is restricted to The Atlanta Opera and approved news websites. Any other usage, particularly for professional purposes, must have written permission. For additional information, please contact The Atlanta Opera's Marketing Department at 404.881.8801.

Top 10 Reasons to Tune in to the 24-Hour Opera Project

By Ellen Sturgill

The second-annual 24-Hour Opera Project is almost here, and you only have to wait three more days for all the chaos and creativity to begin!

The event starts this Friday, January 20th at 5:00 p.m.,  with the Launch Party, where teams will be randomly selected, and the theme for the compositions will be revealed.  All of this craziness will lead up to the Showcase performance on Saturday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m.  The will be your chance to see the contestants' masterpieces presented in front of a panel of judges, a live audience, and the public via a LIVE webcast.

For those of you still debating whether or not to participate in this event, we've included the Top Ten Reasons why you should tune in LIVE!

1. You can be a part of this creative adventure without leaving the comfort of your home.
2. You can watch in your PJ's!
3. Everyone needs to see how a rubber chicken relates to opera.
4. Find out that opera doesn't always have to be serious! 
5. Don't you want to see what happens when you throw a team of artists in a room for 24 hours?
6. Are you looking for a new opera to listen to? This event is your chance to hear five original compositions. 
7. Spot a rising star! If one of the contestants participating in the 24-Hour Opera Project makes it big, you'll be able to say you saw him/her "back when..."
8. You can help decide the fate of one of the teams. Vote for the "Audience Favorite" online via Twitter (@TheAtlantaOpera or #24HOP), or Facebook. 
9. See if everyone finishes by the deadline!
10. This is a one-of-a-kind event, and you won't want to miss it! According to members of the Atlanta Opera staff, some were upset they missed out on all the fun last year. Don't let that be you!  

With the ten reasons above, you have no excuses not to view the webcast! Join us for the Showcase performance this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at The Atlanta Opera Center, or put on your PJ's, grab some popcorn, and tune in LIVE!

Beware of the flying rubber chicken! 

Usage of any images on this blog is restricted to The Atlanta Opera and approved news websites. Any other usage, particularly for professional purposes, must have written permission. For additional information, please contact The Atlanta Opera's Marketing Department at 404.881.8801.

We're Going Live!

By Ellen Sturgill

The fastest-paced event of the season is just around the corner! So brace yourselves, for the second annual  24-Hour Opera Project!

Beginning on January 20th at 5:00 p.m., composers, lyricists, stage directors, and singers from all over the United States are randomly put into teams, and have 24 hours to compose, stage, and rehearse a 10-minute opera!

Following the caffeine-fueled rehearsals, the teams will perform their creations in front of a panel of judges including: Stephanie Adrian, Voice Professor at Emory University and writer for Opera News, Classical Singer, and Journal of Singing; Andrew Alexander, Arts and Entertainment Writer for Creative Loafing; John Lemley, Assistant Program Director, host of City Café, Afternoon Classics and Tapestry on WABE 90.1; and Ann Owens, former Executive Director of the Houston Grand Opera.

This year, we will be doing something a little different.

For those of you who can't make it to the showcase, you will still have the opportunity to see the event online via a LIVE webcast.

On January 21st at 7:00 p.m. on the dot, you can tune in to the Atlanta Opera's  Ustream channel to watch the five teams show their stuff!

Along with watching the event unfold live, webcast viewers can also vote for "Audience Favorite."

You will be able to cast your vote via Ustream, Facebook, and Twitter. The voting process is simple, and here are a few ways to join the fun. You can:

• Watch the event on Ustream, and vote directly on the Ustream site.
• Watch the event on Ustream, and Tweet  your votes and comments to @TheAtlantaOpera,  #TheAtlantaOpera, or #24HOP through your Twitter account.
• View the event on the Atlanta Opera's Facebook page in the Ustream tab.

               

Or better yet.... make it even easier on yourself, and go to our homepage and watch it there.

Whether you Tweet, Like, or frequent Ustream, you can participate in the 24-Hour Opera Project! 

For more information, you can view our previous blog article on the event, or visit our website. 

In case this isn't enough to make you TUNE IN... here's what else you can look forward to...

Crazy props...

The prop table from last year's 24-Hour Opera Project. © Tim Wilkerson 

The infamous "Confession Cam..."


Confessions from the 24-Hour Opera Project 2010.  © Cherokee Rose Productions

AND... Wacky, creative, and talented players...

2010's "Audience Favorite" Scrub-A-Dub Raw © Tim Wilkerson

The team behind the opera A Toast for all Toasts. © Tim Wilkerson 

Last year's "Judges' Favorite" winners, the team from Eye of the Needle.  
© Tim Wilkerson 

Usage of any images on this blog is restricted to The Atlanta Opera and approved news websites. Any other usage, particularly for professional purposes, must have written permission. For additional information, please contact The Atlanta Opera's Marketing Department at 404.881.8801.

Opera at Warp Speed!

By Ellen Sturgill

Are you dying to break into the opera world? Have you been wishing for an opportunity to showcase your music, talent, and skills? Would you love to be a reality TV star like Snookie, Donald Trump, and the Kardashians? Well, we can't really help you with that last aspiration, but here at The Atlanta Opera, we have the perfect opportunity for those of you looking to let your voices be heard! Presenting the second annual...

The 24-Hour Opera Project was created to promote outreach and awareness by encouraging the community to become involved in opera. This event also gives composers, lyricists, directors, and singers an opportunity to showcase their art for the public. Those selected to participate will be randomly partnered in teams, given a theme for their opera, and then let loose for 24 hours to create a one-of-a-kind production. The creative process will be filmed, so you can be a part of all the action! There will also be a "Confession Cam," similar to your favorite reality TV shows. After the 24 hours is over, the teams will present their operas to a panel of judges, a public audience, and a live webcast. Prizes will be awarded for the Judge's Choice, as well as an Audience Favorite.

A scene from last year's Audience Favorite, Scrub-A-Dub Raw. © Tim Wilkerson

Why am I feeding you all this information? Because there is still time to join the fun! Composers, lyricists, directors, and singers have until December 21 to apply by visiting our website. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to spend 24 hours with people who love opera, who enjoy being creatively challenged, and who simply want to have a blast!

Atlanta Opera staff and last year's 24-Hour Opera Project participants. © Tim Wilkerson

The videos and images in this article are from last year's event, and will give you a glimpse of the excitement to come! Enjoy!

Bass Larry Frazier, tenor Charles Baugh, and mezzo-soprano Sharon Blackwood rehearse A Toast for all Toasts. © Tim Wilkerson

Video of the launch party for last year's event. © Cherokee Rose Productions

The infamous "Confession Cam." © Cherokee Rose Productions

Usage of any images on this blog is restricted to The Atlanta Opera and approved news websites. Any other usage, particularly for professional purposes, must have written permission. For additional information, please contact The Atlanta Opera's Marketing Department at 404.881.8801.

24-Hour Opera Project... in 25 hours!

Daylight savings time is only annoying when you're not trying to create, produce, and perform a 10 minute opera in 24 hours! That extra hour meant the mayhem and joys of the creative process could last a little longer, and we all could revel in good ole' fashioned fun -- with a hint of drama and a few death scenes... oh, and a rubber chicken.

You've probably heard by now that The Atlanta Opera embarked on a little experiment called the 24-Hour Opera Project. Composers, lyricists, stage directors and opera singers from all over the country -- randomly put into teams -- had 24-hours to compose, stage and rehearse a 10-minute opera. The theme was “Family Reunion” – an appropriate topic for opera, don’t you think?

The project was created for National Opera Week, OPERA America’s annual celebration of opera. Opera companies across the United States were charged with ways to actively engage their respective communities with events and concerts that can expose new audiences to opera. We think we were quite successful in this calling.

With the help of many, many enthusiastic partners, staffers, volunteers, media, and our panel of celebrity judges, we conducted an experiment we may just want to try again! So keep in touch, will ya'? Maybe next year you can join us!

Below is a recap of the 24-Hour Opera Project... in 25 hours!

Bass Larry Frazier, tenor Charles Baugh, and mezzo-soprano Sharon Blackwood rehearse their black comedy, A Toast for all Toasts.

Stage director Bari Newport rehearses Eye of the Needle with bass J. Robert Adams.

(left to right) Mezzo-soprano Andrea Green, tenor Dennis Shuman, soprano Vivian Clifton and Stage Director Beth Suryan rehearse a scene from Scrub a Dub-Raw, a country reunion gone horribly awry.

Mezzo-soprano Andrea Green, tenor Dennis Shuman, and soprano Vivian Clifton perform Scrub a Dub-Raw.

Soprano Jennifer Zuiff, bass Larry Frazier, tenor Charles Baugh, and mezzo-soprano Sharon Blackwood perform A Toast for all Toasts.

The cast and creators of A Toast for all Toasts receive their prize. The recipients are: Valerie Pool (accompanist), Chadwick Hagan (lyricist), Jennifer Zuiff (soprano), Patrick McColery (stage director), Sharon Blackwood (mezzo), Marie Incontrera (composer), Larry Frazier (baritone), Charles Baugh (tenor)

The creators and singers of Scrub a Dub-Raw receive their prizes for “Audience Favorite.” They are (clockwise from left) Beth Suryan, director; Nicole Chamberlain, composer; Andrea Green, mezzo-soprano; Vynnie Meli, librettist; Dennis Shuman, tenor; Vivian Clifton, soprano; Stephen McCool, baritone; Catherine Schaefer, accompanist/music director (not pictured).

The “Judges' Favorite” Award went to Eye of the Needle, an opera about a “family reunion” in the “dust bowl.” Pictured here are (front row, from left) Robert Adams, bass-baritone; Catherine Striplin, accompanist/musical director; Bari Newport, director; (back row, from left) Dennis Hanthorn, judge, Zurich General Director of The Atlanta Opera; Nicole Jones, emcee, Editor in Chief for Atlanta PlanIt; Sondra Collins, soprano; Bart Gilleland, baritone; Karen Wyatte, mezzo; Curtis Krick, librettist; Lois Reitzes, judge, Program Director, host of Second Cup Concert and ASO Broadcast, WABE; Dwight Coleman, judge, Director of the School of Music, Georgia State University; (not pictured) Edwardo Perez, composer.