Playground Opera Summer Camp is Here!

An Interactive Virtual Arts Camp


“It was a lot of work, but I still loved it.  That was amazing. I want to do it all the time.  That was the best time of my life. I love it, and if you don’t, I don’t care.” Khimani Christian, 3rd Grader, PS 129/ West Harlem

“For the past few years, Opera on Tap has joined students and teachers at PS 129 to create works of art and share the joy of opera. The arts are such a critical part of a child’s education, and I thank the entire PS 129 community and Opera on Tap for your commitment to enriching your students through the arts”Kirsten Gillibrand, United States Senator, New York


With COVID-19 rapidly winding down and the sun’s rays shining through our various quarantine dwellings, we know that you and your child are excited for the change to come!

That’s why we are so proud to announce our new and innovative program! We are sure it will bring more freedoms, within the four walls of your home, or anywhere, that you feel comfortable participating!

Because we value having an immersive and interpersonal experience, we will keep these sessions at no more than 15 children per class, with access to our Teaching Artist and Materials for whatever needs outside of our class setting. 

VIRTUAL PLAYGROUND OPERA:

Playground Opera has led the Operatic world in new and experimental ways since 2015.

This year, we are offering a similar experience, albeit without our beloved playground. Students will use technology, imagination, and everyday items to bring to life one of the world’s most famous stories, Cinderella! This class, which lasts for about two hours, will teach the basics of music-making, set designing, dancing, marketing, and costume making, all within the confines of your home! Our wonderful Teaching Artists (TA’s) will align without pre-recorded episodes, and assist your children with making an Opera come to life! By the time they have finished with our seven-session program, your child will have learned the many facets it takes to bring an opera to life!

*AND at the end of each session their art work will be integrated into a customized opera film production alongside our professional performers for you and your family and friends to enjoy! What an amazing achievement!

What kids are saying (click on the image!):

What teachers are saying:

During their time with us, your children will learn:

  • An overview of the history of Opera
  • How to sing in another language 
  • Two pieces of music from this famous Opera
  • How to create a set in an online setting.
  • How to create a costume from everyday items in the home
  • How technology and production plays a part in bringing a performance to life 
  • A waltz (how cool is that?)

And more!

Our Teaching Artists

Joy Jan Jones

Joy Jan Jones is a versatile artist in high demand. She is an independent, multi-genre singer, instrumentalist, writer, producer, and model based in NYC. She has a Bachelor of Music from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Music from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Jones is curator, teaching artist, educational advisory board member, curriculum developer, director of social media and a veteran singer for the founding NYC chapter of Opera On Tap; an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting opera as a viable, living and progressive art form, supporting developing artists who continue to keep it alive. As a writing member of ASCAP, Joy is also Director of Music & Guitar at Camp Junior Feliz and Camp Mariah Carey, Head Candor and Associate Music Director at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in East Hampton, and modeling through her platform joymodeling.com. You can also find her at joyjanjones.com. FB @joyjanjones IG @joyjanjones.

Victoria Davis

Victoria Davis, Soprano, is a recent graduate of Mannes College of Music. She has been a featured soloist in many concerts and events including the Welcoming of the First lady of Russia with Michelle and Barack Obama and the Kennedy Center’s Young Artist in America presentation. She had also participated in the Washington National Opera’s Juneteenth celebration as a soloist. Recently, Ms. Davis has been seen in the role of First Lady with Opera On Tap’s Playground Opera Program. She was also awarded fifth place in Opera Ebony’s Benjamin Matthew Competition and a two prize winner for the Premiere Opera Foundation competition. Aside from her work as an artist, Victoria has also worked in the capacity of a teacher. Starting in the Lorain County community while at Oberlin, she was honored to teach students of all ages, from 7-54 years of age voice. Once she graduated, she took her skill to the Washington, DC area as a private teacher, and finally the NYC area as a Teaching Artist. sopranovictoriadavis.com

Samantha Nahra

Samantha Nahra, is an opera singer, originally from Iowa. She holds degrees in voice and opera theater from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, University of South Carolina and Mannes, The New School. Samantha started her teaching career at the age of 14 by teaching baton twirling. When she went to college, she pivoted to teaching voice and beginner piano, and has now been teaching music for 12 years. She runs a private voice studio and has worked for various music schools, where her duties not only included private lessons, but also teaching preschool and elementary music classes.

AGE RANGE: 5- 11 years of age

Project: La Cenerentola 

Cost: $399 per child

*Need-based scholarships are available. Please email victoria@operaontap.com to learn more.

Materials needed: Internet, Computer or Tablet, Color Pens and Pencils, and Paper 

Dates: June 21- August 16

Camps: Each camp lasts one week with daily two-hour sessions Monday-Friday