In January 2012, Pensacola Opera will present the classic opera, Madama Butterfly, as part of its mainstage season at the Saenger Theatre.  Pensacola Opera will offer an opportunity for middle school students to explore the opera in an academic setting before seeing the fully-staged production at the Saenger Theatre on January 18, 2012 at 7:00pm.

Students will explore the libretto, composition, cultural and historical aspects of Puccini's classic "Madama Butterfly." Through this process participants will gain insight into the opera - its many artistic, technical, historical and cultural aspects - and specifically, the music and subject matter found in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly."

Pensacola Opera will provide a teacher packet to assist teachers with lesson plans and activities. Pensacola Opera will also partner with the Japanese Center at University of West Florida to develop programs through which students may learn more about Japanese culture through hands on activities like origami making, traditional tea ceremonies, Japanese dance, and other similar aspects of the culture. This may be accomplished through class-visits or through field trips to the Japan House on the campus of University of West Florida. Lastly, the Opera will sponsor an Essay Contest for all participants, giving them an opportunity to develop writing skills using the topic of opera, Japanese Culture or specifically "Madama Butterfly."

"Madama Butterfly" Cultural Project Timeline:
September 1, 2011 - Final registration deadline
October 1, 2011 - Project Start Date (librettos and teacher packets available)
December 2011 -- In-School Visits will be scheduled throughout the month
Saturday, January 7, 2012 -Japan House Activities (Origami making, Japanese dance exhibits, tea ceremonies, etc.)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 -- "Madama Butterfly" Student Performance, 6:30 p.m. -- Ceremony Recognizing Participating Groups and Contest Winners, 7:00 p.m. -- Performance

All participating schools and groups are strongly encouraged to utilize pre-performance learning tools, including activities and resources in the Madama Butterfly Teacher Packet available on the Pensacola Opera website (www.pensacolaopera.com) coming  soon. Other activities will include an optional Class/Organizational Visit from an Opera Teaching Artist, Essay Contest and activities with the UWF Japanese Center.    

Cost for participation is $5 per participant which includes free admission to the final dress rehearsal at the Saenger Theatre on January 18, 2012.  All official participants will also receive a 20% discount on tickets for final performances on January 20 & 22, 2012.  Space is limited, so register your group today!
*Some Financial assistance is available upon request
**Schedule subject to additions and change

For more information, visit www.penscaolaopera.com or contact Chandra Egger McKern, Director of Education & Community Outreach at Pensacola Opera at 433.6737 or by email at chandra@pensacolaopera.com.