Opera Scenes November 15th 7:30pm Kaeuper Hall (PMC) 7:30pm Free
Millikin Opera Workshop students perform operatic scenes from the vast operatic repertoire. Join the students as they showcase their studies of works by Mozart, Donizetti, Bernstein and more. Presented with costumes, props and set pieces, in various languages with supertitles.
SPRING 2026
MAINSTAGE OPERA Cinderella Composed by: Pauline Viardot English Translation Libretto by: Rachel M. Harris Directed by: Aubrey Hawkinson Guest Conductor: John Massaro Virginia Rogers Theatre (CTD)
Tickets $25
May 1 7:30pm May 2 7:30pm May 3 2:00pm
This charming French salon opera from 1904 originally boasted prolific operatic mezzo-soprano Pauline Viardot as both its composer and librettist. Experience a Cinderella tale like you’ve never seen before with the revitalized English translation by Rachel M. Harris. You won't want to miss this once intimately set tale in a grand interpretation sure to appeal to a wide audience of musical theatre and opera lovers alike. Co-produced by the School of Theatre & Dance, School of Music, and Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra.
Millikin Opera Theatre prepares students for professional success through practical experience both onstage and in the classroom. Performance Learning is emphasized in every aspect of the program.
The Opera Workshop course is structured for a hands-on experience in acquiring both acting and singing skills for the stage. Students learn movement for the operatic stage, English and foreign language text preparation and interpretation, and character development study in both intimate (duets, trios, etc.) and large ensemble scenes. Each Fall semester culminates in a scenes program or 1-act opera performance. Repertoire for these programs is selected in consultation with, and the consent of, each student’s voice teacher. Every other Spring semester, the opera program joins Millikin’s School of Theatre and Dance to produce a fully staged opera production in Albert Taylor Theatre or The Virginia Rogers Theatre, with a live orchestra. Experience in the Opera Theatre productions will give the student an understanding of what it means to work as a professional with regards to preparation, discipline, artistry and collaboration. Repertoire for these operas is chosen appropriate to the age and experience level of the undergraduate student, with an eye to building a resume for entry into graduate level study or opera apprenticeships.
In lieu of a fully-staged production in alternating Spring semesters, Millikin Opera Theatre brings in an esteemed alumna/alumnus to perform with current Millikin students in a grand Opera Gala in Albert Taylor Theatre. These gala programs highlight the featured guest artist soloistically, as well as collaboratively with the students, presenting operatic favorites and time-honored classics of musical theatre. Gala performances feature formal attire, minimal sets and props, and dazzling projection backdrops to set each scene. Previous guest artists include Zachary Devon ('08) and the 2023-24 Millikin University Young Alumnus of the Year and Metropolitan Opera Competition finalist Phillip Lopez.
In an effort to connect our students with the performing arts world, the Department of Vocal Studies invites guest artists to our campus as regularly as possible. They offer voice and/or collaborative voice and piano master classes to our students who receive invaluable feedback from the artists themselves. Former guests include Yvonne Gonzalez Redman, Brian Downen, Karen Ferguson, Lorraine Yaros, Shawn Roy, Janice Chandler-Eteme, Leon Williams, Nathan Gunn, Christine Brewer, and School of Music alumnus Alan Held.
Audition Information
Questions? Contact Professor Aubrey Hawkinson, Opera Coordinator, at ahawkinson@millikin.edu.
