Opera Saratoga – classes and digital content
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » It’s being called “zoom fatigue.” It you have it, you know the symptoms. One sign is rerun overload. It’s a lack of desire to watch past productions that were more fun live.
Closely related are events that try to force an experience on a format to which it barely works. It’s a rare opera, play or ballet that is satisfying as a digital presentation.
Most damning is that no matter how well meaning, there is a plethora of awkward, amateur performances on streaming channels masquerading as entertainment.
Inside the industry there are other concerns. Of course, a primary concern is lack of revenue with which an organization needs to survive. Rather interestingly, while the survival of the institution is an essential concern, about equal in the eyes of administrators is the economic plight of actors, directors, backstage personnel and loyal staff members.
Lawrence Edelson, the Artistic and General Director of Opera Saratoga, points out that currently they offer material daily and for free under the umbrella title, “Opera Saratoga: Connect!” They are feel good events that consist of some vocal performances of special musical pieces, interactive trivia games, and short video presentations.
However, he is quick to point out, “The reality is we have to pay for the creation of the content. Artists need to be paid. Video and audio engineers need to be paid. Guest teachers need to be paid.”
Opera Saratoga seems to have discovered a revenue stream that is not directly related to performance. Last week was the start of the first online digital class offered by the organization. It is an eight-week course titled, “Opera is a Laughing Matter.” Because the course was designed with the online audience being able to interact with the teachers, it was limited to 40 spaces.
Edelson says it sold out almost immediately.
The second session, “Great Singers on Singing” runs on Wednesdays, August 1 to September 30. Each class runs from 7:30-8:30. Edelson, who is teaching the course, says some spaces are still left, but he expects it to sell out quickly. Tuition is $95, $70 for Guild Members and limited number of scholarships are available for those in financial distress.
However, what Edelson is mostly interested in is developing new material that is designed to be seen on digital platforms, not a typical staged opera shown digitally.
To that end, he is working with American Lyric Theater in NewYork City on a work that “is being written specifically for digital engagement.” He says it is too early to discuss details except to say it is a holiday opera that will premiere this December.
“It will provide new work for many artists at a time when so many companies continue to cancel fall performances.” He adds, “That gives me, and our audiences, something very exciting to look forward to.”
For information on “Great Singers on Singing,” “Opera Saratoga: Connect”, or general information on Opera Saratoga, go to operasaratoga.org