The Opera School Wales

TOSW - Aims

To provide further training and practical experience to promising Post-Graduate singers, enabling them to 'bridge the gap' between college and a professional career;
To assist singers previously working in Chorus of Opera Houses to make the transition to a solo career;
To run a series of high-profile Masterclasses presented by opera professionals from the main opera houses, and by well known singers;
To encourage students to take on lead roles with confidence and assurance, without losing sight of the need to perform equally well in supporting roles and Chorus;
To select challenging and unusual repertoire to enable students to explore their strengths and identify and improve areas of weakness;
To provide a high standard of tuition in all aspects of stage craft, from the basics through to period dancing, stage fighting, use of make up;
To provide a high standard of vocal tuition, with an experienced Vocal Coach, working with students on a one to one basis;
To provide opportunities in Masterclasses, for students to work with high profile members of the profession (as Musical Director; Repetiteur; Accompanist; Animateur etc.);
Where appropriate, to provide Specialist Tutors to meet any specific demands of the opera in repertoire;
To work with students on audition pieces, looking at audition techniques, improving their presentation and performance skills, and helping them to identify roles they are most suited to;
To provide valuable additional skills, and the opportunity to make informed career choices, by offering training and practical experience in 'Arts in Education' activities. These activities include planning and presenting Workshops at local Schools, assisted by an experienced Animateur. Please click here to see letters from pupils at a School visited during the in 2005 Course. And here to see photos from Workshops conducted with the clients of Dragon Arts, a Swansea-based organisation that provides free arts and training classes and opportunities to anyone who has experienced homelessness or social exclusion and who may have difficulty accessing mainstream education.
Using a constructive and encouraging approach, every effort will be made to heighten students' self-awareness and improve any weaknesses over the three week course
We also aim to keep in touch with students after our Courses, and assist them into the next stage of their careers. This could include providing opportunities for paid employment at fund-raising events at the Patti Theatre or with TOSW's associate professional company Swansea City Opera in Chorus and Understudy work, potentially leading to principal roles

A Company Limited by Guarantee. Registration Number: 3260797. Registered Charity Number: 1067651.
TRUSTEES: Michael Stock (Chair), Terry Watson (Treasurer), Jonathon Morgan, Stephen Tommey, Philippa Herbert, Julian Williams

The Opera School Wales is a Registered Charity No : 1067651