Whose Opera?
S07
Kitty Brazelton
Looking for six able composers, six able writers, and six able singer/actors. Or those who combine these abilities. Example of biweekly assignment: short operatic sketch by six teams of writer-composers for singer-actors. Writer starts by delivering “libretto” to composer who sets words to music, and team delivers sketch to class one week later. After sketch is critiqued in class, singer-actor(s) prepare sketch for following week with composers’ musical assistance. Writers must contribute to performance in some way as well. Finished sketches presented at Music Workshop during term. Course will culminate in evening-length public showing of most successful sketches.

No musical style requirements. For writers: a clear understanding of spoken word and the sonic effects of language. For actor/ singers: self-directed “quick-study” acting ability. For everyone: enough music literacy to speed communication but sight-reading not required, and willingness to learn, imagination, memory, acting ability, and good intonation crucial. Field trips, film-watching, and relevant reading/listening