The Empowered Opera Artist
A workshop focused on portfolio artistry, community engagement, and professional practices, designed to equip young artists with the skills and knowledge for a thriving career in today's industry.
Developed by Andrew Adridge, Jaclyn Grossman, & Daevyd Pepper
Building as sustainable future!
Building as sustainable future!
Workshop Goal
Participants will hone the skills and knowledge needed to build and maintain a thriving career in today's industry. We'll delve into portfolio artistry, community engagement, professional practices, and other essential topics to propel their artistic journeys forward.
Cost: $2000.00
Length: 4 sessions; 2 hours each
Delivery: Online or In-Person (based on location)
Capacity: 5-30 participants
Ideal Participants: Undergraduates and Master’s students or emerging-career performing artists.
What is it?
This intensive 4-part series equips emerging opera artists with the holistic skillset needed to thrive in the 21st-century Canadian landscape. Each two-hour session combines information sharing, exercises, discussions, and Q&A periods to foster a collaborative learning environment.
The Empowered Opera Artist workshop series, developed by Andrew Adridge, Daevyd Pepper, and Jaclyn Grossman over the past four years, began at the University of Toronto Opera School and has since been adapted for institutions like Western University and the Association for Opera in Canada.
Inspired by the evolving role of opera singers in the 21st century, this series equips participants with diverse skills, from project development to community engagement. It aims to help each artist develop a unique artistic lens and professional portfolio by providing essential knowledge and practical skills.
Objectives
Embrace the multifaceted nature of a modern opera artist's work.
Feel confident in creating outside the traditional opera world.
Recognize and identify the diverse skills and abilities that can sustain their careers.
Celebrate the many paths to a fulfilling career in opera.
Encourage participants to explore their unique potential.
Session Details
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Developed by OIR mentor Jaclyn Grossman with support from Daevyd Pepper, these sessions offer insights into the multifaceted nature of a modern opera career.
Expectations and best practices for professional environments.
Identifying and leveraging diverse skills to support artistic practice.
Creating a personalized "one-pager" to guide career navigation.
Exploring equity, diversity, inclusion, access, and justice (EDIAJ) in the opera world.
Addressing challenging material and controversial productions with professionalism and respect.
Participants leave with a clear understanding of how to excel as both artists and colleagues, prepared to navigate a complex industry.
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Developed by Daevyd Pepper, these sessions delve into the potential of opera as a social-impact art form.
Practical tools and mindsets for incorporating social justice into artistic practice.
Exploring different avenues for social impact art: teaching artistry, community engagement, outreach, etc.
Identifying themes and issues for meaningful engagement.
Developing social impact project ideas.
Building partnerships and exploring diverse avenues for social impact art.
Applying skills from previous sessions to cultivate project ideas.
Optional: Collaborative social impact engagement piece related to an upcoming performance.
By the end, participants will possess the knowledge and tools to create impactful art that extends beyond the stage.
A little background
This program began development in 2020 when Opera InReach was approached by Sandra Horst and Michael Albano to create programming for the University of Toronto Opera School, with a focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Initially launched as an introductory workshop series to help students navigate the rapidly changing political and social climate of the opera sector, it has since evolved into a holistic and deeply impactful program. This initiative aims to empower artists to diversify their skill sets and create their own artistic “manifesto,” which not only sustains their practice but also helps them develop a unique and influential artistic identity within the Canadian opera landscape.
This workshop series is an ever-evolving project of artist empowerment. Developed over the last four years in response to the needs of student groups and communities, it stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to succeed as a performing artist in the opera world.
Meet the Workshop Facilitators
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Jaclyn Grossman (She/Her)
Hailed as an “exciting dramatic soprano” (Opera Canada) and for her “command over a powerful range of expressive emotion” (The Whole Note), Jaclyn Grossman is a soprano, curator, and administrator from Toronto, Canada.
A proud co-founder of Likht Ensemble, Jaclyn is passionate about sharing music by Jewish composers from the Holocaust.
Committed to her work with nonprofits, Jaclyn created and facilitated the Association for Opera in Canada’s LINK Artist Workshop Series and RBC Fellowship/Mentorship Program. Jaclyn believes in fostering community and empowering artists to take control of their careers.
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Daevyd Pepper (They/Them)
Daevyd Pepper (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist based in T'karonto (Toronto), whose work explores themes of Self, gender, and spirituality through storytelling and music.
While primarily known for their operatic performances, Daevyd pushes boundaries as an opera singer, performing artist, writer, actor, and content creator. They are passionate about reducing gatekeeping and sharing knowledge, inspiring other creatives to discover their unique artistic paths.
Daevyd's work is fueled by a desire to inspire and heal. Through music and performance, they have built a career focused on activism, identity, religious support, education, and creative development.
The Powerhouse Producer
Opera InReach is a collective of opera artists, administrators, and advocates that are dedicated to inspiring the next generation to see themselves in opera. Opera InReach develops educational programs that expand the civic impact of opera and that are instilled with values that support equity, inclusivity, diversity, accessibility, reconciliation, and justice.
Heartfelt praise from workshop participant.
Spencer Kryzanowski, University of Toronto Opera Student
"The OIR sessions showed me how I can contribute to a greater opera future and encouraged me to be more involved in my community."
Sandra Horst & Michael Albano, University of Toronto
“Opera InReach continues to educate and inspire our students in their understanding of the potential of the art form. Opera is currently undergoing a profound change and through their interactive workshops, Opera InReach empowers our students to think of themselves not only as interpretive artists but as agents of that change. Their knowledge of the history of the form informs their philosophy that opera can retain its vibrancy while reinventing itself to be reflective of our evolving, diverse society.”
Let's bring this program to your community!
We envision a future where artists collaborate fearlessly, inspiring each other to reach new heights of artistic excellence. Together, we can create a dynamic and vibrant arts community that will be the driving force behind cultural enrichment and societal change.
We eagerly await the opportunity to collaborate with your community; if you have any questions, contact us for a free consultation by clicking the button below or sending an email to programs@operainreach.com
If you feel ready to bring this program to your group, fill out our booking form (linked below) and a member of Opera InReach will reach out to begin the process.