April 4, 2022
Chris Cox, Director of Marketing and Communications
412-281-0912 ext. 217
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Pittsburgh Opera is having its first-ever Family Day on Saturday, May 7th. The free event will take place from 10:00-noon at the Bitz Opera Factory, Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters in the Strip District.

Family Day consists of four different activities designed to expose children, teens, and their families to some of the many different components that make up opera:

  • A musical instrument “petting zoo”, where volunteers from the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) will show, discuss, and demonstrate the wide range of musical instruments often found in an opera’s orchestra.
  • A voice lesson led by a member of Pittsburgh Opera. Children will learn about different voice types, how to use proper breath support, how to project their voices, and more.
  • Dance/Movement/Choreography – the experts from Attack Theatre will explain and demonstrate different kinds of dancing and creative movement, as well as discuss the art of choreography
  • Prop making – Opera productions use a wide range of props, which are generally small items carried or used by performers on stage. Children will learn what goes into making common opera props, and will even make their own.

Participants will be split into four groups, which will rotate throughout the four activities. Each participant and group will participate in all four activities. There is no minimum age to attend. Parents/guardians must accompany children younger than high school age, so they can enjoy the activities with their children. Each family will receive a free goody bag at the end of the event.

Family Day activities will be from 10:00AM-noon, culminating with Pittsburgh Opera’s free Brown Bag Concert from noon-1:00PM. The concert, which is also open to members of the public who are not attending the Family Day activities, will feature performances by Pittsburgh Opera’s award-winning Resident Artists.

“We are thrilled to have our inaugural Family Day,” says Pittsburgh Opera’s Director of Community Engagement and IDEA Initiatives Rebekah Diaz. “It’s a great way to give access to the performing arts, in a safe environment to welcome new audiences to this great artform. Whether you’re young or young at heart, this promises to be a fantastic experience. We look forward to making this an annual tradition.”

Pittsburgh Opera’s Family Day is a “mask-friendly” event. Attendees over age 5 must show proof of COVID vaccination. Full COVID protocols are available at pittsburghopera.org/covid.

Family Day registration is limited to 100 participants, including parents. People can register online.