AOP Programs

CREATING THE DRAMATIC CHARACTER FOR OPERA
Lauren Flanigan, instructor

American Opera Projects presents a unique series of Master Classes with acclaimed soprano, Lauren Flanigan continuing through Fall and Winter 2008.

LEVEL II:
October: Mondays 6 & 13 (7PM-10PM), Sunday 12, (4PM-9PM),
November: Sundays 2 & 9* (4PM-7PM), Mondays 3 & 10 (7PM-10PM)
("JAM" session Sunday November 9th, 3PM-8PM)

LEVEL I:
November: Monday 17, (7PM-10PM), Sundays 23 (7PM-10PM) & 30 (4PM-7PM)
December: Mondays 1 & 8 (7PM-10PM), Sundays 7 & 14* (4PM-7PM), Tuesday 16 (7PM-10PM)
("JAM" session Sunday December 14th, 3PM-8PM)

Lauren Flanigan

Creating Dramatic Character's Student Testimonial:
"These classes with Lauren Flanigan and the members of the SITI Company have completely changed the way I think about my work and perform on stage and in auditions. I remember the moment where it all started to click and I realized I'd never think about being on stage in the same way again."

"Shortly after beginning these classes, a colleague came up to me after a performance and asked "How do you always know just what to do on stage?". I just smiled and knew that I had a great set of tools that would never fail me."

Since this past January 60 singers have been personally selected by Ms. Flanigan (pictured) and AOP to study for 2 six week sessions learning how to build their own individual vocabulary for creating an operatic character.

The first half of each class will be acting exercises from the Viewpoints Training Program led by Lauren Flanigan and a member of the SITI Company. The second half of the class will incorporate research and the Viewpoints training into the interpretation of arias and songs. Singers will work individually in front of the class in the course of the series.

The Viewpoints Training allows actors to function together spontaneously and intuitively and to generate bold, theatrical work. It helps singers, actors and directors develop a theatrical vocabulary they can immediately articulate in preparation and performance and which contributes to increased confidence and ingenuity.

CREATING THE DRAMATIC CHARACTER FOR OPERA
Lauren Flanigan, instructor
Shetler Studios, 244 West 54th Street 12th Floor, New York NY
COST: $420 for each 7-class session (plus extra 5 hour "Jam" session)

To apply for LEVEL I: please email a cover letter with a current resume/bio to echabert@operaprojects.org. Vocal samples will also be accepted through weblinks to downloadable material, mp3s emailed to echabert@operaprojects.org (maximum 9MB) or CDs mailed to American Opera Projects. Lauren Flanigan will interview all applicants. AOP and Lauren Flanigan will select all participants.
Applicants for Level I must be received by: November 14th

To apply for LEVEL II: Level II is only for those students who have completed at least one full 8 week session of Level I classes. For applicants who have completed Level I and would like to continue with the Level II classes, please email echabert@operaprojects.org with your request to continue to the advanced level and indicate the dates you attended any previous classes of Creating the Dramatic Character.
Applicants for Level II must be received by: October 3rd

Payments for the workshop may be made to AOP by check or credit card.
Classes must be paid in full in advance of the first class.

Matthew Gray
Company Manager
American Opera Projects
138 S. Oxford St.
Brooklyn, NY 11217

For more information, contact AOP Administrative Apprentice, Emilie Chabert at American Opera Projects: 718-398-4024 or echabert@operaprojects.org.

ABOUT LAUREN FLANIGAN

Called "the thinking man's diva" by TIME magazine and with a repertoire that extends from the bel canto to Berio, soprano Lauren Flanigan has been lavishly praised for the dynamism and unique approach she brings to a variety of operatic repertoire. "She turns any kind of note spinning into the highest of art" said the San Francisco Chronicle of her performances of the final scene of Salome and Luciano Berio's Epiphanies. Companies she has appeared with include: La Scala, The Metropolitan, Bayerische Staatsoper, Glyndebourne, San Francisco, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Teatro San Carlo, New York City, Santa Fe and Glimmerglass. She has collaborated with Michael Tilson Thomas on projects including Philomel, The Mouse's Tail, Epiphanies, Cantata para America Magica, Time Cycle, and Mahler's Eighth Symphony and has been associated with more than 7 world premieres including Esther, The Ghosts of Versailles, Central Park, A Wedding, Frau Margot, and Marina: A Captive Spirit, produced by American Opera Projects in 2003.

Most recently, Flanigan sang the title role in the 2007 production of Samuel Barber's Vanessa at New York City Opera in a performance that was met with universal acclaim:

The New York Times: "Flanigan... gives a smoldering portrayal of the title role... her singing was vibrant, alluring and powerful. Through sheer vocal and dramatic determination she convinces you that this Vanessa is still a striking, impulsive and sometimes girlish beauty."

Variety: "Lauren Flanigan, widely considered one of the best singing actresses in the business, gives a poignant performance in the title role as a self-deluded, faded beauty whose last chance at happiness promises to be short-lived. Her voice has recently grown in size and thrust, yet she has the rare ability to draw an audience close with the intimacy and naturalness of her portrayals."