The Rake's Progress Teachers Guide - San Francisco Opera

Dear Educator:
Thank you for your participation in San Francisco Opera Guild’s 2007-2008 education
programs! The Opera Guild’s Teacher’s Guides for the 2007 Student Dress Rehearsals
are publications that you can use as a tool to assist you in preparing your students for their
exposure to opera.
Opera is a complete art form and expression of culture. It encompasses music, theatre,
dance, design, literature, history, and social movement in one sweep. This guide will
provide you with the background on the composer, the history of the source material for the
opera, a synopsis of the story, a bit about the political climate of the time, and extension
exercises that can be incorporated into your curriculum.
A table of contents in the front will guide you to the information on areas you wish to cover
with your students. In addition there is a guide for opera etiquette so your classes will be
familiar with the expectations of an audience member. You will find a collection of
assignments and activities that will engage your students in the world of the play and we
hope this involvement will excite them further about seeing Macbeth.
We are eager to hear your feedback on your opera experience with your students. Please
fill out the evaluation form in the back of this guide after your trip to the opera. Please feel
free to include suggestions for future guides, activities that were particularly successful, and
especially any student work you would like to share. If you have any questions please do
not hesitate to contact us. We hope you and your students enjoy your experiences at the
opera!
Caroline Altman Juanita Kizor
Director of Education Vice President, Education
Macbeth Teacher’s Resource Guide © 2007 San Francisco Opera Guild.
San Francisco Opera Guild
War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 565-3238 / (415) 861-0242 fax
education@sfopera.com www.sfopera.com/education
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