Opera Music Theatre Workshop
 
Kentucky State University Opera Music Theatre Workshop is a performing arts organization in which students can participate in a professional training program where emphasis is placed on music theatre as a dramatic singing art form. The OMTW had its genesis in the late 1970s under the direction and guidance of Dr. Carl H. Smith, the university’s choir director.  Since its inception, the workshop has rapidly progressed and grown to unexpected heights and has developed a unique program of performance based projects that cater to a wide cross section of the community.  The students in the workshop have the opportunity to study with nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are active performers, professional designers, and leading educators with a wide range of experiences. Small classes, suitable repertoire assignments and an intensive but limited production schedule provide a high level of faculty/student interaction.  The education by a dedicated faculty is complemented by the opportunity for students to participate in lectures and master classes offered by distinguished guest artists. Recent visits have been made by a number of these distinguished national and international artists such as Martina Arroyo, World renown Metropolitan Opera Star; Wilhelmenia Fernandez, International Opera and Concert Artist and star of the Jean Jacques Beineix French film "Diva"; Larry Marshall, Broadway and Musical Theatre star whose credits run from Sporting Life in "Porgy and Bess" to Simon Peter in the stage and film adaptation of "Jesus Christ Super Star", Maestro Byron Dean Ryan, prominent Conductor, Repetiteur and Accompanist and Gail Nelson, Opera and Music Theatre star.  The standards of the Opera/Music Theatre Workshop both professional and academic, are reflected in the high levels of competence and achievement of our students and graduates, some of which who have been awarded contracts with national and international touring companies. Others have received scholarships and assistantships to further their education and training on the graduate level. It is our belief that the Opera/Music Theatre workshop has become a vital part of the educational and cultural needs of, not only, the students at Kentucky State University but the community at large. Our mission is to educate and train young artists, scholars, and teachers, and to provide a foundation of professionalism and dedication to the arts within a climate of diversity and innovation.

Opera Music Information for Students