UCF OPERA W ORKSHOP [GRADUATE] COURSE S YLLABUS Spring Semester 2013 Course Number: Class Time and Location: Instructors: MUO 5505L [1 credit hour] Wednesdays 3:30-5:30 PM Performing Arts Center Room T-107 Fridays 3:30-5:30PM Rehearsal Hall Auditorium Mr. Thomas Potter Ms. Robin Jensen [Artistic Director/Coach] Contact Information: Mr. Potter s Office: PAC Room M-113 Mr. Potter s Phone/E-mail: (407) 823 4680 tpotter@ucf.edu Ms. Jensen s Phone/E-Mail: (407) 246-5410 robin.jensen28@gmail.com Catalogue Listing: PR: MUO 2501C, or C.I., and audition. Study, preparation, and performance of opera literature. May be repeated for credit. 7 times. 1(0,3) Course Description: The fundamental purpose of Opera Workshop is the study and performance of opera. Students audition for and are chosen to sing specific operatic roles and/or scenes each semester. Those scenes are rehearsed and staged throughout the semester, then performed for a public audience. In addition, students prepare and perform operatically centered educational programs in elementary and/or middle schools in the greater Orlando area. Prerequisites: MUO 2501C [Opera Skills] or Consent of Instructor, and Audition Course Objectives: 1. Students will learn and memorize words and music of select operas, arias and scenes. 2. Students will learn and apply basic parameters of character preparation and operatic acting. 3. Students will increase their awareness of standard operatic repertoire. 4. Students will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to stylistic aspects of operatic traditions. 5. Students will diagnose situational and musical aspects of the scene/opera they sing, and apply creative answers to the problems they present. 6. Students will encounter permission to explore their full onstage potential in a collegial and nonthreatening environment and the responsibility of self-analysis in relation to their acting and interpretive skills. 7. Students will experience the joy and satisfaction of serving both music and text of opera arias and scenes. 8. Students will improve their communication abilities through singing, developing their knowledge of and abilities to realize effective characterization through music. 9. Students will gain insight into the artistic process of opera rehearsal, production, and performance. Page 1 of 5 Revised on January 11, 2013
Required Text(s): Students may need purchase a piano/vocal score for any opera(s) in which they sing. Students may also be required to purchase appropriate opera aria anthologies. Library Resources: The UCF Library has an ever-growing collection of operas in Video Tape and DVD format to further expose students to the genre. The UCF Library maintains subscriptions to three of the most important periodicals in the opera world: Opera News Magazine Classical Singer Magazine Newsline [a journal produced by Opera America] Evaluation Procedures: completion of requirements for all class members, including: o aria/scene work, including memorization and interpretation of music and blocking o character profile presentations [as assigned by instructor and/or coaches] o scene preparation work; memorization and musical preparation class examinations and performances: o written quizzes/examinations o music and text examinations o public performance evaluation(s) Grading: Grades will be determined on the following percentages: 34% class participation, 33% Performance(s), and 33% written assignments/extra assignments. Spring 2013 Semester Plans: Students have been assigned roles in both the Mozart Project Performance [April 20] and the Educational Outreach opera [see below]. The Educational Outreach opera for this semester is JACK AND THE BEANSTALK with music from Charles Gounod s opera FAUST. Students cast in the opera can expect to be given 2 or 3 performances in Elementary and/or Middle Schools this semester. All Opera Workshop students will be involved in the preparation of this opera as singers, stage managers, assisting with the acquisition/building of props/costumes/sets, etc. An important aspect to this course is exposure to opera events/performances, as they present themselves in our community. Students must attend at least one of the MADAMA BUTTERFLY performances [Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra April 5 & 7] and also the MET Auditions [held at the Trinity Preparatory School on Saturday, January 19 (from 10:00am) to at least noon. [and are strongly encouraged to stay for the entire event, which finishes around 5:00pm that day.] Graduate students enrolled in MUO 5505L may expect an average of two additional hours per week of outside of class work to be assigned by the instructor. These additional assignments may take the form of leading music and/or staging rehearsals, providing organizational help in preparing music scores [Student Librarian], serving as Student Marketing Director, and/or serving as the Student Education and Outreach Coordinator. An effort will be made to customize these assignments to coincide with each student s professional goals. Page 2 of 5
Spring 2013 Semester Calendar: Note: ** indicates outside of classtime commitment Date(s) Event/Rehearsal Location January 9 Review Opera Assignments, Master Schedule T 107 View Act I Don Giovanni View Act I Così Fan Tutte January 11 Jack and the Beanstalk Music Review Rehearsal Hall Jan. 16-Feb. 6 Staging Rehearsals for Jack and the Beanstalk Varied ** SAT. January 19 Attend MET Opera Auditions [minimum 10-noon] Trinity Prep [Winter Park] ** [Fridays] Jan. 11-25 Individual ½ hour music coachings on Mozart assignments M 114 [This is outside of class time to be scheduled 11:00-3:00 Ideally each singer will have 2 private coachings] February 8 JACK Final Dress Rehearsal with sets, props and costumes Rehearsal Hall ** Feb.11-March 1- Performance window for Jack and the Beanstalk Varied [This is outside of class time to be scheduled ideally 3 shows/week with each cast taking one show per week] Feb.13-March 1 Class time Music Rehearsals for Mozart Operas Varied ** March 4-8 Spring Break: Memorize Music March 13 Review Music in class T-107 March 15 MEMORIZATION SING [Music be memorized by this date!!!!!] Rehearsal Hall March 20-April 12 Class time Staging Rehearsals (4 weeks) Varied ** April 5 and/or 7 Attend one MADAMA BUTTERFLY performance [OPO] Bob Carr Auditorium April 17 Dress Rehearsal Run T-107 April 19 Final Dress Rehearsal - Class time extended TBA TBD ** SAT. April 20 (Final Dress 2-2:00-5:00?) VAB Auditorium Mozart Project Act One [PERFORMANCE @ 6:30] VAB Auditorium ** Tuesday, April 23 CLASS PARTY [time and location TBD] Page 3 of 5
Additional Policies: Classroom Behavior Be on time to class a portion of your training in this class is exercising professional etiquette. No food in class water allowed in clear, plastic bottles only. Newspapers, homework, other music, etc. are to be put away. Attendance Procedures Two unexcused absences will drop semester grade one half (.5) letter. Excused absences include: Extra Time and Cost Commitments Disability Access Statement 1. illness with a note from Health Service or a doctor the day you return to class * If you are not feeling well, you will still benefit from attending class and observing unless you are contagious, you should attend class. 2. a note for official School Business [band/orchestra/choir tour, etc.] 3. approved singing rehearsals or engagements [Florida Opera Theatre, etc.] 4. approved out of town audition trips 5. observance of religious holidays Three unexcused occurrences of tardiness will drop semester grade one half (.5) letter. The performance oriented nature of this class will require extra time commitments to be outlined each semester which may include, but are not limited to: performance(s) in local Elementary Schools or other venues technical rehearsal(s) outside of class time dress rehearsal(s) outside of class time Students will need/want extra musical rehearsals with Ms. Jensen and/or Mrs. Jones beyond that provided during regular class time. These extra rehearsals/coachings are provided at no extra charge. The University of Central Florida is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus will be made available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the professor at the beginning of the semester to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the professor to request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be registered with Student Disability Services, Student Resource Center Room 132, phone (407) 823-2371, TTY/TDD only phone (407) 823-2116, before requesting accommodations from the professor The UCF Opera Creed Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct, performance, and decisions. Integrity: Scholarship: Community: Creativity: Excellence: I will demonstrate professionalism toward my instructors, student colleagues, and audience members at all times. I will cherish and honor the study and performance of opera as the fundamental purpose of UCF Opera. I will promote an open and supportive environment in all rehearsals and performances by respecting the contributions of my colleagues. I recognize that I represent UCF in all I do and will actively contribute to a positive public impression of UCF, especially while performing in schools and public venues. I will use my talents to produce my best representation of the composer s intentions. I will strive toward only the highest standards of performance. This syllabus may be modified at the discretion of the instructor. Changes will be discussed in class and/or via email. Page 4 of 5
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK U cast: Micki Kris Hunter Casting [as of 1-11-13] (subject to change) Student Stage Director Luis Rivera Student Stage Managers Brandon and Liana Narrator & Giant s Wife mezzoish C cast: Whitley Aja F [no offense ] cast: Lyndsey Rueff Megan Narrator & Giant s Wife mezzo-ish Narrator & Giant s Wife mezzo-ish DON GIOVANNI 1 st half of 1 st Act Student Stage Directors Keel & Kris Schave] Don Leporello Commendatore Anna Ottavio Elvira Masetto Zerlina Chorus Luis Hunter Lyndsey Brandon Aja All but Luis, Brandon, and Aja ZAUBERFLÖTE 1st Act page 10-81 Tamino Kris 1 st Lady Whitley 2 nd Lady Micki 3 rd Lady Lyndsey Papageno Queen 3 Slaves Rueff, Brandon, Luis Monostatos Pamina Megan 1 st Spirit Liana 2 nd Spirit Aja 3 rd Spirit Micki Priest Sarastro Chorus ALL Page 5 of 5