STUDENT DRESS REHEARSALS
About the Program
Student Dress Rehearsals are an immersive way for students to go beyond an ordinary field trip to get an intimate experience with the Opera. This FREE program offers a rare opportunity for students to see the show before the public and without a large crowd for a more personal and meaningful experience.
Opera Omaha offers FREE tickets to students and chaperones our upcoming productions. Study guides and other resources are made available to help prepare students for their visit, and Opera Omaha provides Prelude Talk Speakers well versed in the themes and history of the opera to speak with students in advance of the rehearsal, so they have a richer understanding of the production and performance experience. Students get to see the elements of opera come together from the Director, Conductor, Singers, Symphony, Costume Designers, Stage Managers and all other technicians that make show go-on.
These experiences serve as an on-ramp for new opera fans being welcomed into the art form by caring professionals looking to be as inviting as possible to help dissolve the barriers that many perceive when thinking about these performances.
About the Operas
Don Giovanni
Student Dress Rehearsal Wednesday, October 16
Mozart’s masterpiece, Don Giovanni explores the dynamics of class and power as the famous libertine leaves lovers, friends, and enemies in his wake with no regard for the consequences. When Don Giovanni sets his sights on a young bride, the daughter of a murdered father, his wife, and Hell itself conspire to bring the cunning nobleman to justice.
Set in the world of film-noir, this 1930s inspired production brings a stylish perspective and fresh agency to ageless characters.
Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Recommended for students in high school and older
Content warning: This opera includes the depiction of violence, including sexual violence.
The Rake’s Progress
Student Dress Rehearsal Wednesday, February 5, 2025
This satirical opera depicts the rise and fall of Tom Rakewell, a young man lured to destruction by the promises of wealth and pleasure. When the mysterious Nick Shadow informs him of an unexpected inheritance, Tom abandons his true love, Anne Trulove, for the city and immediately falls prey to its temptations and schemes. But just how much is Tom willing to gamble to regain the life he knew?
This lavish production, designed by artist David Hockney, with Stravinsky’s genius score at the forefront, delivers a feast for the eyes, ears, and heart.
Sung in English with English supertitles
Recommended for students in high school and older
Content note: This opera contains scenes of a sexual nature.
Giulio Cesare
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Travel through ancient Egypt with Handel’s Giulio Cesare. The English Concert, the world’s preeminent Baroque orchestra, visits Omaha for one night only to present the tale of Julius Caesar, the infamous Roman general and Cleopatra, the infamous Egyptian queen, as they navigate the uneasy waters of power, love, and politics.
The English Concert will be seated onstage, and you will see the interchange between the orchestra of unique baroque instruments and the singers.
This is a one-night only performance, so there will not be a Wednesday night dress rehearsal, but we are creating opportunities for students and teachers to experience the opera. More information to come!
Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Recommended for students in middle school and older
Due to timing and performance location, we will not have open registration for a Dress Rehearsal of Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Reservations
Reservation requests can be made online through the form below. Reservations must be made by teachers or program staff who will be accompanying students.
Reservations for each opera will open no less than two months in advance. You must request a reservation for each opera separately.
Prior to submitting your request, please review the frequently asked questions below.
Registration for The Rake's Progress Open Now
Frequently Asked Questions
WHO CAN ATTEND STUDENT DRESS REHEARSALS?
This program is open to public or private schools, homeschools, or nonprofit organizations serving K-12 and university students.
We recommend the student dress rehearsal experience for students in middle school and above. This season Don Giovanni and The Rake’s Progress are recommended for students in high school and older, and Giulio Cesare is recommended for students in middle school and older. Please contact Opera Omaha if you have specific questions about content or appropriateness.
HOW MANY CHAPERONES NEED TO ATTEND?
All student groups must be accompanied by a teacher and/or chaperone. One adult chaperone per every 10 students in attendance is required, regardless of the age/grade of students. We ask that chaperones accompany their student groups in all areas of the theater during their visit, including the lobby.
WHO CAN REGISTER?
Reservations must be made by teachers or program staff who will be accompanying students.
We are not able to accept individual registrations for Student Dress Rehearsals.
HOW MANY CHAPERONES NEED TO ATTEND?
All student groups must be accompanied by a teacher and/or chaperone. One adult chaperone per every 10 students in attendance is required, regardless of the age/grade of students.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Register your group online. Please use the link above to register. You must register for each opera separately, and registration will open no less than 2 months in advance of each opera. Filling out an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Please be realistic in your registration numbers and let Opera Omaha know if you have significant changes to your numbers.
WHEN DOES REGISTRATION CLOSE?
Registration closes 1 week prior to each dress rehearsal date, or when capacity is reached. Registration Deadlines:
Don Giovanni- October 9, 2024
The Rake’s Progress - Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Giulio Cesare – Thursday, April 24, 2025
WHERE IS THE OPERA?
Dress rehearsals take place at the Orpheum Theatre, 409 S 16th St, Omaha, NE 68102.
WHAT TIME IS THE OPERA?
Don Giovanni
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Arrival 6pm-6:30pm
Prelude Talk 6:30pm
Dress Rehearsal 7 – 10pm
Includes one 15 minute intermission at approximately 8:30pm
The Rake’s Progress
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Arrival 6-6:30pm
Prelude Talk 6:30pm
Dress Rehearsal 7 – 10:00pm
Includes one 15 minute intermission at approximately 8:30pm
Giulio Cesare
Thursday, May 1, 2024
Information about student dress rehearsal or tickets will be announced soon.
In scheduling transportation back to your school, allow at least 15 minutes leeway in the length of the performance. As these are rehearsals, the conductor and/or stage manager may pause or stop to make adjustments during or after the performance.
Leaving at intermission is fine, but please make sure to let us know your plans so we can seat your group accordingly.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
You can dress up or down, but make sure you wear something that makes YOU feel comfortable. Some people like to dress up to come to the opera, and some come in jeans.
WHAT IF WE NEED TO CANCEL?
Any changes in a school’s attendance status should be communicated to Opera Omaha. In the event Opera Omaha needs to make a change to a Student Dress Rehearsal due to weather or other circumstances you will be notified by email as soon as possible.
Resources for students and teachers
STUDY GUIDE
Opera Omaha prepares a study guide for each Student Dress Rehearsal, which includes information about attending an opera and the production, discussion questions, and a list of additional resources. The study guide is sent to teachers approximately two weeks in advance of the Student Dress Rehearsal.
View Study Guides
ARTIST VISITS
Opera Omaha will offer a limited number of artist visits to those attending Don Giovanni Student Dress Rehearsals. Artist visits will take place the week following the performances, October 21-25.
Artists visits can include musical performances, masterclasses, Q&A sessions, or discussion of life as an opera artist. If you are interested in an artist from the production visiting with your students, indicate that on your reservation and you will be contacted by a member of the Opera Omaha staff. Spaces are limited and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis.
PRELUDE TALKS
Prior to each Student Dress Rehearsal there is a Prelude talk in the balcony led by an artist connected to the opera giving student audiences extra insight into the opera they are about to experience with behind the scenes highlights as well as history and context.
Opera Omaha study guides and resources help align the Dress Rehearsal Experience with Nebraska’s Fine Arts Standards in Music and Theatre.
Contact
Opera Omaha is dedicated to empowering school communities to provide arts learning opportunities for all students. If you have questions or suggestions about how we could make the Student Dress Rehearsals or opera more engaging for your students, please let us know! For more information please contact:
Lauren Medici, Director of Engagement Programs
lmedici@operaomaha.org
(402) 346-7372