After hard days at the Opera House of practicing and preparing for the show, I was very excited to finally preform the show. We worked very hard, and learned a great amount about rests, music, and French. I think everybody was thrilled to be able to put it all to use.
Our bus ride was long and fun at the same time, I got to talk to friends and catch up on how everything was going. We were able to watch movies, and I even beat my high score on Temple Run. But the fun had yet to begin.
Sarasota Youth Opera on the road to Naples
We arrived at the theatre, unpacked our stuff, took a tour of the theatre, and ate our packed dinners. There was still time to kill before the show, so we took a trip to the mall across the street. I never saw a mall like this, it was out doors, and you walked into the shops. It was like a little town, but as I had said before, the fun had yet to begin.
Wig times were coming up soon, so we made our way back to our dressing rooms, put on our makeup, and went to get our wigs on. Maestro Jesse warmed us up, then came the highlight of my night. I waited backstage for my entrance and kept going through my words, and tapped the rhythm into my head so I would not forget it. Said a silent prayer and hopped on stage.
Members of the Youth Opera Chorus getting ready to go on stage for a production of CARMEN
It felt amazing to actually be able to perform my favorite Opera for a large crowd. The orchestra was great, Maestro DeRenzi was very helpful when it came to rhythm (A place we struggled before) and most of all, us, we did great and wowed the crowd. We exited the stage and went back to our dressing rooms. After we dressed in our own clothes, we waited for our next entrance in Act four, so there was about a two hour wait. During this time I worked on some school work, read a book, played on ipod’s and ipads, and hung out with some friends. Two hours went by quickly, I was dressed, had my wig changed and backstage in no time. After the act everyone got on stage for the bow.
The fun had ended faster than I thought, and I was sad to leave and have to go home. Naples was so much fun. I have to say though; our Opera house is way more fun.
-Skyler Stahlmann, Youth Opera Chorus Member
For more information on the Sarasota Youth Opera Program and Summer Camp 2012, contact Ben Plocher, Youth Opera Coordinator, at (941) 366-8450, ext. 249
