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Arts in the Park unveils original student operas August 1st
Friday, July 25, 2008
The Springfield Regional Arts Council's program, Arts in the Park Summer Workshops, will present two original operas created by students from the Springfield Community Center, Friday, August 1 at 2:00 PM at The Creamery Arts Center.
In its sixth year, the Arts Council's Arts in the Park program took a new turn in introducing the Arts to Springfield Community Center children. Based on Washington National Opera's "Creating Original Opera" program, students spent eight weeks at the Creamery Arts Center writing scripts with director of the production, Judy Luxton, composing music with the Springfield Symphony, creating choreography with Springfield Ballet, designing lights and sets with Springfield Little Theatre and making costumes and make-up designs with Springfield Regional Opera.
Springfield Regional Opera’s Arts in the Park instructor for six years, Alberta Smith, (also the choir director at Central High School) said, “After teaching for this program for six years, I’m now seeing students enroll in the Fine Arts Program at Central (High School). I kno Arts in the Park is making an impact on the high school programs as it peaks the kids interest in the Arts at an early age.”
The two original operas are, Lost in the Rainforest, written by students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade, and Lovin’ Life, written by grades 5th-8th. Both operas will be performed consecutively in the Exhibition Hall located in The Creamery Arts Center. The performance is free and open to the public.
“I liked composing the music and really enjoyed singing it,” said Ausha Hawkins, the elected young stage manager for Lovin’ Life. “I can see how this program would inspire others to be a stage manager or even be in an opera like this when they get older.”
The Arts Council hopes members of the community will come out to support these young actors and singers -- the performance is free. For more information about Arts in the Park Summer Workshops or the performance, call the Arts Council, 417-862-ARTS(2787) or email Info@SpringfieldArts.org.