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.