Under the guidance of Elaine Cinnamon, Education Outreach

Coordinator, and Samantha Duthler, Managing Director, OPAS’s

education and outreach programs have become an integral

component of OPAS's programming.


OPAS brought the magic of the performing arts to local students, who

were thrilled with their first introductions to Broadway stars, concert

pianists, opera singers, dancers, orchestras, composers, arrangers,

and music from a wide variety of cultures and styles.  The dress

rehearsals of Amahl and the Night Visitors and The 5 Browns were

opened to wide-eyed schoolchildren, many with little exposure to

opera or classical music.  Those who witnessed the reaction and

responses of the students became firm believers in the importance of

the presence of the arts in the lives of our children.

Several OPAS artists have visited and performed in our local

schools and classrooms.  Fifth-grader Stevonna Greene, further

inspired by the visit of opera singer Monica Murphy, was awarded an

OPAS scholarship to attend Summer Music Camp at UGA - an

exciting opportunity for her to pursue her passion for a musical

education. 


Not every student dreams of being onstage, as evidenced by the
 
success of the “Behind the Curtain” program.  During all OPAS
 
presentations since May 2008, students from the Entertainment
 
Technology program at the Putnam County High School have
 
assisted OPAS Technical Director Mikel Gambuto with lighting,

sound, and staging, both during load in/load out and learning the
 
hands on skills required during the show itself. 

Special Thanks to our Education & Outreach Sponsor