Looking to introduce elementary students to the magic of opera? These five organizations offer everything from performance rights to touring productions, each with a unique approach to making opera accessible and fun for young audiences.
The Landscape of Children's Opera in North America
Children's opera is a niche but vibrant corner of the performing arts world. For decades, companies and composers have been crafting short, engaging operas based on familiar fairy tales and original stories, designed specifically for elementary school audiences. These works often blend traditional operatic elements with contemporary musical styles to capture young imaginations. Schools, community theaters, and professional opera companies alike seek out these resources to fulfill educational missions and introduce new generations to the art form. The demand for high-quality, affordable, and easy-to-produce children's operas continues to grow, making these five organizations essential players in the field.
How We Evaluated These Children's Opera Providers
To bring you this list, we considered several key factors that matter when choosing a children's opera resource. We looked at the scope of services offered, from performance rights and licensing to full touring productions. We also evaluated the clarity of pricing and the ease of accessing materials, as well as the reputation and longevity of each organization. Additionally, we considered the variety of repertoire available and how well each provider caters to different age groups and production scales. Finally, we assessed the level of support and educational resources provided to schools and performing groups.
Here's a quick snapshot of each provider to help you compare their offerings at a glance.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Opera for the Young | Schools seeking professional touring productions with student involvement |
| Opera Tales :: Childrens Opera :: John Davies :: OperaTales.com :: operatales :: Opera for Elementary School Children John Davies Opera Opera Education Opera Schools Opera Fairytales | Schools and organizations looking for ready-to-perform fairytale operas with flexible licensing |
| Operas for Children | Companies seeking contemporary, critically acclaimed children's operas with a modern musical style |
| FBN Productions, Inc. Opera for Kids | Schools in the Southeast looking for touring productions and a multi-disciplinary educational approach |
| Youth Opera International | Schools seeking a complete licensing package with detailed production support and a clear fee structure |
A Closer Look at Each Children's Opera Provider
#1 Opera for the Young
A screenshot of the Opera for the Young website.
Opera for the Young (OFTY) has been a professional opera company since 1970, dedicated to igniting enthusiasm for opera among children. They offer fully staged, professional school tours that bring live opera directly to elementary schools, with students participating in chorus and cameo roles. Their productions are sung in English and adapted specifically for young audiences, making them highly accessible. OFTY also provides artist-in-residence packages called 'Class Chats' that deepen the educational impact. With a strong nonprofit mission and a focus on professional artistry, OFTY is a trusted choice for schools seeking a complete, immersive opera experience. Their long history and commitment to involving students in all aspects of performance set them apart.
#2 Opera Tales :: Childrens Opera :: John Davies :: OperaTales.com :: operatales :: Opera for Elementary School Children John Davies Opera Opera Education Opera Schools Opera Fairytales
A screenshot of the Opera Tales website.
Opera Tales, founded in 1982 by professional opera singer and director John Davies, offers a repertoire of 40-minute operas based on classic fairytales like The Three Little Pigs and Goldie B. Locks. These works are designed to encourage interest in literature and music through musical theater, making them ideal for elementary school settings. The website provides recorded excerpts, performance rights information, and testimonials from schools and performing arts organizations across North America. You can listen to sample tracks and get a feel for the music before committing to a production. With a focus on well-known stories and a proven track record, Opera Tales is a reliable resource for introducing opera to young audiences. Their long history and positive reception from educators and performers make them a solid choice.
#3 Operas for Children
A screenshot of the Operas for Children website.
Operas for Children features original works by award-winning composer Edward Barnes, blending traditional grand opera with contemporary pop, rock, and Broadway styles. These operas have been performed by major companies like L.A. Opera and Houston Grand Opera, as well as international groups, showcasing their broad appeal. The repertoire explores meaningful themes through bright and entertaining stories, making them engaging for young audiences. If you're looking for fresh, modern operas that have already gained critical acclaim, this is a strong option. The website offers information about each opera and how to license them for your own production. With a focus on originality and quality, Operas for Children brings a contemporary twist to the genre.
#4 FBN Productions, Inc. Opera for Kids
A screenshot of the FBN Productions, Inc. Opera for Kids website.
FBN Productions, Inc. has a mission to promote music-drama as a synthesis of all disciplines, making opera a multi-disciplinary educational tool. They offer touring programs that have brought productions like 'The Three Little Pigs' and 'Hansel and Gretel and the Case of the Deep Dark Woods' to thousands of young people across the Southeast. FBN also advocates for new children's operas and has premiered several original works. Their approach emphasizes the integration of history, language, mythology, and the arts, providing a rich educational experience. If you're in the Southeast, their touring programs are a convenient way to bring opera to your school. They also host a Children's Opera Festival, adding to their community engagement.
#5 Youth Opera International
A screenshot of the Youth Opera International website.
Youth Opera International offers licensing for children's operas composed by Sanford Jones, with a repertoire of thirteen operas, four of which are currently available for production. Their licensing package includes the musical score, casting guidelines, set and lighting design, a DVD of a performance, and press release drafts, providing comprehensive support. They have been used by Montessori schools for 35 years, indicating a strong track record in educational settings. The fee is $1,000 per performance, making it a clear and straightforward option for schools with a budget. They also offer commissioning services for schools that want a custom opera. If you're looking for a structured licensing process with extensive materials, this is a practical choice.
How to Choose the Right Children's Opera Provider for Your Needs
When deciding which children's opera resource to use, start by considering your production capacity. If you have the resources to stage a full production, licensing options like Opera Tales or Youth Opera International give you control over casting and staging. If you prefer a turnkey experience, touring companies like Opera for the Young or FBN Productions bring everything to you, including professional performers. Think about the age of your students and the length of the opera—Opera Tales offers 40-minute pieces perfect for younger audiences, while others may have longer works. Also, consider the musical style: do you want traditional opera or something more contemporary? Finally, review the pricing and support materials each provider offers to ensure they fit your budget and technical needs.
Streamlining Your Opera Production with Online Tools
Many of these providers offer online resources that can simplify the production process. For example, Opera Tales provides audio excerpts on their website, allowing you to preview the music before committing. Youth Opera International includes a DVD of a performance, which can serve as a visual guide for staging. Opera for the Young offers detailed information about their touring programs and residency options, making it easy to plan your school's schedule. By leveraging these digital materials, you can save time on research and preparation, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Bringing Opera to the Next Generation
Each of these five organizations brings something unique to the world of children's opera, from classic fairytale adaptations to contemporary original works. Whether you're a school looking for a ready-to-go touring production or a community theater seeking licensing rights, there's a resource here to meet your needs. By choosing the right partner, you can inspire a lifelong love of music and theater in young audiences. Explore their websites, listen to samples, and reach out to see which one aligns best with your educational goals. The world of children's opera is rich and diverse—these providers are your gateway to it.