CoOPERAtive 2025
June 30 – July 5
Check in and Opening Master Class: June 30, 2025
Final Concert: July 5, 2025
We look forward to receiving your applications beginning on November 1, 2024 for CoOPERAtive 2025. You may apply through YAP Tracker. YAP Tracker will close on 2/14/2025.
About the program
The CoOPERAtive program, established in 2006, has long been a trailblazer for crafting a unique program for the developing singer. In 2025 we will, once again, forge a NEW PATH, crafting a program that addresses skill sets that are not readily available to many singers for the WIN.
- Workshop for new operas
- Innovative opportunity to work with the creators
- New skills acquired
When you join us in July 2025, you will learn from the experts (composer, librettist, music director, stage director) and grow your expertise so that you are work ready when offered your first opportunity to create a new role in a new opera.
The program will run from June 30 through July 5.
The application for CoOPERAtive is on YAP Tracker and will open on November 1, 2024. The application will close on February 14, 2025. Invitations will be made by March 1, 2025. Acceptances must be received by March 15, 2025.
Our first composer/librettist team is Evan Mack and Joshua McGuire. We will work on three scenes from their new opera, A Nearer Mother. There will be at least five main roles as well as a choral ensemble. The main roles will be triple cast. Additionally, auditors will be welcome to attend. We especially encourage young composers and librettists so that they can experience how to take new opera from “page to stage.”
Our commitment to bringing professionals in the field to help young singers, musicians and, this year for the first time, composers and librettists, continues to be one of our guiding principles. How to learn and work on new opera helps the young musicians strengthen their artistic toolbox. The participants will receive 39 hours of instruction during the one-week program. In addition to music and staging rehearsals, there will be conversations and activities to support the learning. On the final evening of the program all three casts will offer the three scenes in a public performance.
And this year, for the first time, CoOPERAtive will be offered for college credit (undergraduate or graduate) should the participant desire.
Susan Shiplett Ashbaker, Director
The CoOPERAtive Experience
CoOPERAtive singers are typically Juniors in College through young professional singers.
Principal singers: CoOPERAtive Principal Singers will be triple cast in three scenes from the featured new opera. There will be six hours of rehearsal each day. Additionally, there will be conversations and master classes with the creative team in the evening. The final night will feature the workshop performances of the scenes (estimated at 30 – 45 minutes) by each of the three casts. These workshop performances will be open to the public.
Ensemble singers: CoOPERAtive Ensemble Singers will sing in the scene(s) that call for chorus/ensemble. When not rehearsing they will be attending rehearsals and observing the process of the principal singers. They will also participate in the evening activities and final three workshop performances.
Auditors: Auditors will be in attendance for all the rehearsals and activities. This is a wonderful opportunity for young composers, librettists, stage directors, music directors, pianists, and singers to observe the intensity and rigor of working on three scenes of a new opera. There will be many opportunities for interaction with the creative team.
A typical day in the CoOPERAtive Program:
- 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Music and staging rehearsals
- 1 - 2:30 p.m. Break
- 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. Music and staging rehearsals
- 5:30 - 7 p.m. Break
- 7 - 8:30 p.m. Evening Content and Activities
- Possible topics could include
- Discussions with the composer and librettist
- Conversations with the music and stage directors
- Zoom presentation with the person who inspired the opera A Nearer Mother
- Integrating words and music
- Writing for the voice
- Master class of other music by the composer/librettist team
- Conversations with professional singers who have “lived the dream” of creating a new work and singing a world premiere performance
- Possible topics could include
"We always take notice of an applicant with CoOPERAtive on their resume - it's a sign not only of talent but also that they have worked with some of the best in the business and they always have something to say as artists."
Laura Canning
Former Director at Houston Grand Opera
"Knowing many of the teachers who work for the CoOPERAtive, I know that the participants will be getting information from some of the best trainers in the business. This isn't a recreational program...this is the real deal, where students will work hard and grow toward their goal, under the guidance of professionals who care."
Sheri Greenawald
San Francisco Opera Merola Program
