Manitoba Opera

May 7, 2021

Manitoba Opera Announces Second Digital Emerging Artists Program To Be Held This August

Applications are now being accepted for Manitoba Opera’s second Digital Emerging Artists Program (DEAP) which will be held August 3-27, 2021. This four-week intensive online professional development program is open to emerging operatic artists between the ages of 18 to 35. Four participants will be selected to hone their artistic skills while developing the tools necessary to create online content.

“The past year has shown that artists who are equipped to collaborate and perform in digital spaces or for distanced audiences are increasingly better positioned for success,” says Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO.

“We are grateful to RBC Foundation and The Gail Asper Family Foundation for their support of the Digital Emerging Artists Program, which not only helps to ensure that the rising stars of Canada’s opera scene are prepared for a rapidly changing industry, but also provides earning opportunities for Canadian artists and arts professionals at a time when traditional revenue streams have all but evaporated.”

The core faculty from last year’s first DEAP are returning for this year’s program. They are four widely acclaimed professional singers/instructors: sopranos Tracy Dahl and Monica Huisman; mezzo-soprano Marion Newman; and tenor John Tessier. These artists will be joined by a stellar roster of coaches and guest teaching artists including directors Ann Hodges and Katherine Twaddle; pianist and vocal coach Michael McMahon; life coach Rebecca Hass; and web designer/videographer Stephen Bell.

The core faculty will be curating four weeks’ worth of daily educational and professional development activities for participants. These activities will include masterclasses and workshops on topics such as diction, audio and video production, acting for the camera, and career development. Additionally, each participant will leave the program with a professionally recorded video to be used to help launch the next phase of their careers.

“I have never been part of a program where the range of topics covered was so wide. Living in our digital age, and especially with current gathering restrictions, having the skills to create digital content is vital to maintaining artistic outlets for both artists and companies. Having the chance to explore some of those possibilities through this program was very valuable,” commented Lizzy Hoyt, 2020 DEAP participant.

To apply and for more information, go to https://mbopera.ca/deap

Supported by
RBC Foundation and
The Gail Asper Family Foundation

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