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Schools and colleges

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Transforming the lives of young people, exploring the life changing potential of opera and classical music.

Young people play a central part in Wexford Festival Opera's purpose and ambitions are to illustrate that opera and theatre is for everyone. We are committed to transforming the lives of these young people by giving them access and exposure to high quality performance music and educational opportunities.

Through our partnerships with organisations such as Maynooth University, Music Generation and other Specialist Educators, we aspire to create rich and diverse ways for people of all ages to engage in entertaining, creative and educational way through workshops or learning programmes.

It's about having fun while learning ! As our work with schools, college and the community sit at the heart of our learning and engagement philosophy, we are continually creating activities, projects and events designed specifically for the community, across county Wexford and at a National level.

Once Upon a Time

5 – 18 years

We offer a variety of workshops and training resources to schools.

Check out our Learning Resources section, where we have developed an interactive educational resource for primary schools and families which captures the magic and fun of the Wexford Opera Festival.

Check out Once upon a time

Maynooth University Young Critic programme

In collaboration with Maynooth University, the Wexford Festival Operas educational project introduces third-level students to the world of opera.

After the successful collaboration between the Maynooth Music Department and Wexford Festival Opera over the last number of years, the Young Critics Project continues to play a vital part in the education of young students in the college.

Read more about Young critics
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School and College Group Visits & Performances

(8 – 21 years +)

Each Festival season, the School and College Group Performance Programme allows educators and students the opportunity to avail of discounted tickets for academic and school groups on selective mid-week dates to Wexford Festival Opera dress-rehearsal or main events performances (subject to availability and dependent on the production) and experience for themselves, an opera in a full theatre setting. A small number of pre-performance in-school workshops also introduce students to the specific opera and prepare them for their visit to the theatre.

Learn more about what to expect in our 'New to Opera?' section. For younger audiences, visit our Once Upon a Time interactive material, which explains various aspects of opera and the Wexford Festival experience.

For more information on how to apply for school and college group tickets, please contact Box Office on boxoffice@wexfordopera.com

Wexford Youth Opera Project

(10 – 18 years) For people who love to sing and perform

Wexford Festival Opera join forces with Music Generation to facilitate the creation of an opera based on environmental themes. Young people explore composition, writing, movement, singing, and environmental awareness in a workshop series allowing them to express their musical tastes and creativity, share their unique insights with the team, and develop their creative skills as a team.

The songs written in the workshops will help to inform the creative process, led by director Elizabeth Drwal and composer Andrew Synnott, will culminate in a production of the Wexford Youth Opera. which will be produced as part of the Wexford Festival Opera in 2023.

For more information check out the Music Generation Wexford facebook page, contact Music Generation Development Officer: Katherine Atkinson or contact Elizabeth on education@wexfordopera.com

Learn more about the process
Pop up event

Families

At Wexford Festival Opera we want to inspire the next generation by giving children and families their first taste of opera.  Our family friendly Pop Up events is a perfect way to introduce all ages to opera, singing, music or other types of interdisciplinary arts performances.

You can find details of our forthcoming family friendly events on our Festival programme and Other events page, or join our mailing list to receive details of future opportunities.