Real Life. Real Opera. Real Loud.

Rehearse and Perform Operas That Matter in a Setting Based on Real-Life Performing.

Ball State Opera Theatre students perform operas that are relevant to their future as singers in a rehearsal environment that works as much like the professional world as possible.

Real Life

You will work alongside faculty who are currently active as singers, directors, conductors, and producers of professional opera in a rehearsal process modeled on professional life.

Real Opera

  • You will have the opportunity to perform in two fully staged productions of traditional operatic repertoire per year as well as in the Opera Gala and Opera Workshop.
  • Productions are presented in the original language with orchestra or chamber ensemble.
  • Undergraduates and graduate students regularly perform more than one role while in residence.
  • You will be singing mainstream repertoire that prepares you for a career.

Real Loud

You will be a part of an exciting environment of students and faculty that are passionate about opera and its performance.

Fall Chamber Opera

Our fall chamber production is presented in Sursa Performance Hall with full sets, costumes, and lights, accompanied by a chamber ensemble. Recent productions include Britten's Albert Herring, Offenbach's  Orpheus in the Underworld, Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict, Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore, and Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel.

students perform an opera on stage

The annual Opera Gala is in Sursa Performance Hall in the early spring. Students perform duets, trios, and other ensembles from the opera and musical theatre repertoire alongside our talented faculty.

students perform an opera on stage

Our spring mainstage production is a large scale work presented in Sursa Performance Hall and accompanied by the Ball State Symphony Orchestra. Students perform fully staged productions in the original language with lights, sets, and costumes. Recent productions include La Bohème, Die Fledermaus, Le nozze di Figaro, Il trittico, Don Giovanni, Don Pasquale, and The Magic Flute.

Auditions

Auditions for all productions in the academic year are held the first Monday and Tuesday of the Fall semester.

For these auditions, students should bring two selections in contrasting styles and languages. An accompanist is provided.

We prefer that you select arias, but art songs are also acceptable if you are a younger student who does not have that much aria repertoire prepared.

Email opera@bsu.edu for sign up information.

Courses

  • MUSC 356 Ball State Opera Theatre Chorus
  • MUSC 357 Ball State Opera Theatre Role
  • MUSC 370 Opera Tech Elective (allows music media production or other students interested in opera technical skills—such as lighting, set construction, etc.—to get credit for behind-the-scenes work)
  • MUSC 550 Role in Opera for Graduate Students
  • MUSP 348 Opera Workshop (training class geared toward younger undergraduates and offered every fall)
  • MUSP 548 Opera Chorus or Significant Technical Role for Graduate Students