La Traviata Study Guide - Manitoba Opera

Workshop 1: Write a New Opera
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
1. You have been asked to create and produce a new opera. Think of stories you know – from
books, plays, movies – that you think would make a good opera and write down the names of
one or two:
Name of book/play/movie________________________________________________
2. Think of the people you will need to help you complete your opera. Name the different tasks
you will need to include.
3. Take the role of the composer and write the type of music you think will work best to tell the
story; for example, plenty of bass or soprano voices to help express certain characters and
their emotions.
4. Take the role of the librettist and write the words for one song for your opera; work with the
composer to think about the character and how the character fits into the story.
5. Write down the historical setting for your opera and find out what kind of costumes you think
you will need for your singers to match the time period.
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