Drama, music, opportunity, Opera! Opera Warwick is the place to be for hardcore fans of opera and complete beginners alike. Our mission is to emphasise the fun in opera, and dispell the myth that opera is for the old and boring. Recognising that the world of opera sometimes feels inaccessible for many, we hope to introduce a love of opera to a whole new generation, and create opportunities for artists and performers who might not otherwise get a chance to work with operatic material. Our aim is to nurture all those with a creative urge; be you a singer, actor, musician, director, conductor, designer, writer, or someone who just wants to give it a go!
(above) rehearsal photo from High School Musical: The Opera (November 2022)
Carmen 2024
We are thrilled to announce that our 2023/24 show will be Bizet's Carmen - only the most famous opera ever written! We'd love to have as many people audition as possible, no matter what your ability is - anyone who takes part in the audition process will be automatically accepted into the chorus. Make sure to follow the Carmen instagram page @opwacarmen to get all the info when it comes out!
What we do
We aim to put on at least one production each year, giving all our members a chance to get involved in the process of putting an opera onto the stage. And that's not all!
- Screenings - we love to watch operas, and love getting together to enjoy a variety of productions together
- Socials - any performer will agree, one key to a successful show is cast & crew bonding! Check our facebook to keep up to date with our social events throughout the year
- Fun shows - Is there an iconic aria you've always wanted to sing, but without the pressure of the full opera? Our fun shows take the music of opera classics, and set them to a totally new, silly story. Past fun shows include Drag Race: The Opera and Sleepy Hollow, a Murder Mystery!
- Concerts - Each year we have at least one concert, allowing singers to showcase what they have been working on, plus some chorus songs for fun!
- Workshops - We are very lucky to have a number of theatre professionals come in for one-off masterclasses and workshops throughout the year, sharing their expertise of working in the acting and singing professions.
- Main Show! - Our main production usually happens in Term 2 in the Arts Centre Theatre. This is a wonderful opportunity to perform or work backstage in a professional theatre setting.
- Term 3 show - If you feel like trying your hand at directing or producing, our Term 3 show might be the perfect thing for you. This usually takes place in the Studio Theatre or another slightly smaller venue. With a smaller cast and team, this show is a great chance for those who want a break from revision!
(above) "The death of Manon" from our 2023 main show
Current exec (2022-24)
Presidents - Katie Gibson and Han Zhao (also music director)
Secretary - Gabby Stone
Treasurer - Dion Rudakubana
Marketing Officer - Ellie Stocker
Social Secretary - Yasmin Dacre
Welfare Officer - Ferdinand Clarke
Outreach Officer - Amelia Coleman
Past Productions
February 2023 - Manon by Jules Massenet
June 2022 - Der Freishütz by Carl Maria von Weber
February 2020 - The Bartered Bride by Bedrich Smetana
June 2019 - The Beggar's Opera by John Gay, with re-written Jazz score by our own Theo Caplan!
February 2019 - La Vie Parisienne by Jacques Offenbach
June 2018 - H.M.S Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan
January 2018 - Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck
June 2017 - The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan
February 2017 - Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II
June 2016 - The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill
January 2016 - The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
January 2015 - Carmen by Georges Bizet
June 2014 - The Coronation of Poppea by Claudio Monteverdi
January 2014 - Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(above) Theatre walk-around from Der Freischutz (June 2022)