The Metropolitan Opera Guild Unveils New Program for Arts Administration Students

Enhancing its mission to provide opera-based education for the wider community, the Metropolitan Opera Guild unveils DaCapo (Developing Artistic and Creative Administrative Professionals) to educate the arts administration students, who will be the next generation of performing arts directors, managers, and stewards.

Registration opens today, August 29, for the new two-day intensive arts education program, which will take place October 14th and 15th at the Opera Learning Center. Session topics include: Advanced Planning & Production; Crisis Management; Artist & Personnel Management; Community Outreach & Education; Development in Action; and Building a Career in the Arts.

"Using students' classroom-based knowledge in conjunction with opera production as a lens to learn new skills that translate across art forms, we'll expand students' knowledge and fully prepare them for a career in arts administration," said Sarah Rotker, Senior Associate for Community Engagement at The Metropolitan Opera Guild. "While the arts world has a wealth of educational programs for the performers what happens off-stage is equally essential for a successful production."

Students will engage in panel discussions with current arts managers and test their skills in group workshop settings. They'll break into teams to create their own production plans and present their work to the class and the experts for feedback. A backstage tour of the Metropolitan Opera, and a performance of La Boheme is also part of the program.

Among the educators who will teach the workshops:

· Martin Platt, General Partner, Perry Street Theatricals

· Bernard Uzan, Director, Uzan Artists Talent Management

· Stuart Holt, Director of School Programs and Community Engagement, Met Opera Guild

· Shirley Taylor, Director of Education, Apollo Theater

· Steve Greer, Company Manager, The Phantom of the Opera

· Katherine Delaney, Director of Development, Metropolitan Opera Guild

· Devin Day, Assistant Stage Manager, 1984

· Leah Barto, independent arts & philanthropy consultant

"At the Guild, we are always looking for new ways to encourage the study of the arts," said Stuart Holt, Director of School Programs and Community Engagement, Metropolitan Opera Guild. "Our DaCapo program sets itself apart from all others because the students learn to apply their knowledge in a real world, hands-on setting, rather than just absorb the knowledge. While still in school, the program will give undergraduates and graduate arts administration students a place for professional development outside of regular course work or an internship."

Registration is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost for the two-day session, including backstage tour and orchestra seat for the performance, is $175; without the performance of La Boheme; cost is $135. For inquiries/information, email Sarah Rotker srotker@metguild.org or call 212-769-7055.

The Metropolitan Opera Guild is the world's premier arts education organization dedicated to enriching people's lives through the magic and artistry of opera. The Guild fosters personal expression, confidence, literacy and collaboration in children with customized education programs integrated into the curriculum of their schools, and builds a deeper appreciation of opera in adults through workshops and community programs, and by publishing Opera News, the world's leading opera magazine. Through its unique relationship with the Metropolitan Opera, the Guild offers all audiences unique access to the artists, performances and majesty of one of the world's most renowned performing arts companies. For more information about The Metropolitan Opera Guild and its programs, visit metguild.org.