The Lyric's "Opera in the Neighborhoods" program brings live performances to third through sixth graders in neighborhood venues throughout the Chicago area.
"It's just an opportunity to introduce people to opera in a more palatable way versus the experience that they would have in an opera house," said Sheran Goodspeed Keaton, Director of Engagement Program at the Lyric Opera.
The 45-minute performances feature topics relevant to young people. This season's show is titled "Earth to Kenzie." It follows fifth-grade Kenzie who finds refuge in the world of video games.
Keaton said all the "Opera in the Neighborhoods" shows are free and located in venues easily accessible to many families, removing common barriers to arts access.
"Being able to be in their neighborhoods where it's easier for them to get there on public transportation. Free tickets, being able to come and experience opera for free. It being shorter, it being in English and it being something that's a story that they can relate to because it's modern opera," Keaton said.
She said she hopes the performance inspires students and brings them to future Lyric Opera shows.
"I hope they grow to love it, and they want to hear more," she said. "And this becomes just a stepping stone for them to get from this small family-friendly opera to maybe coming to Lyric Opera of Chicago and seeing a main stage opera and being able to fully understand and enjoy the experience."
