The TCU Opera Studio performed for over 200 elementary school students.
In the TCU Opera Studio, students find their voice on the stage, in the classroom and in the community.
Director of the TCU Opera Studio, Dr. Corey Trahan, personally invited elementary schools across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex to attend a live performance of “Little Red Riding Hood.” Trahan hopes this unique opportunity will be a learning tool for his students to develop as professional artists and understand the importance of introducing the performing arts to the community.
“We had over 200 students attend our performance, and for many, it was the first time they heard an operatic voice and attended a live performance due to the pandemic,” Trahan said.
Trinity Basin Preparatory students created a life-size wolf made from cut-outs of their handprints.
In preparing for the opera, Trahan asked the elementary teachers to read “Little Red Riding Hood” to their class and have students create artwork that depicted their interpretation of the story. Trinity Basin Preparatory students created five large-scale paintings depicting scenes from the story and a life-size wolf made from cut-outs of their handprints. The completed artwork was then collected to create a display in the Secrest-Wible Building lobby.
“The elementary students showed so much pride when they entered the lobby and saw their work on display,” he said.
TCU students intently rehearsed for the performances and got a glimpse into life as a professional artist and the requirements to maintain musical excellence. Many students will attend an apprentice program after graduation and engage with the community through hosting workshops and participating in outreach initiatives.
“The performances gave students a hint of what to expect in their future careers,” said Trahan. “It was on the performers to commit to their character and engage with the audience. I observed students improving their performances throughout the week.”
Following each performance, a Q&A session was held.
Following each performance, a Q&A session was held for elementary students to ask questions about the characters, performance and set design. The invited schools requested TCU Opera to make the performance an annual event.
“Teachers offered to share their positive experience throughout their network to help build an even bigger audience for next year,” Trahan said.
Cindy Burlin, a music teacher at Overton Park Elementary, invited TCU Opera students to collaborate with her class next year and serve as mentors for their 2023-2024 productions.
“I believe through this opera, we found a great balance between entertaining and educating our audiences, establishing community relationships and making opera accessible,” said Trahan.