How can students learn away from the regular curriculum and have their own experiences that ideally also have added value for an audience?

This question drove a group of dedicated students as early as two years ago: To convey their own passion for opera to children and young people, to get to know all the details and challenges of an opera production themselves, and to actively involve young audiences, most of whom have probably never come into contact with opera before, crystallized as a goal. After a first production in the fall of 2021 with a shortened version of "The Abduction from the Seraglio," the lessons learned have now been incorporated into a second project: "Die Schauspieldirektorin" is an adaptation of Mozart's "Der Schauspieldirektor" and transposes the plot into a classroom setting for elementary school students.

Students developed all aspects of the production - textbook, arrangements, new compositions in Mozart's style, stage design, costumes, participation formats, materials for preparation and follow-up at the schools - and also took care of all organizational requirements. In this way, they also came into contact for the first time with areas of the practical music business that are normally less of a focus in their own studies. A small team of teachers from opera directing, music pedagogy and music theory was on hand to give them tips and advice. During the last week of the lecture-free period (mid-March 2023), the intensive rehearsal phase will run before approximately 1,000 elementary school students* see the production the following week from Monday to Friday. The energy and enthusiasm of the students is immediately palpable and captivating for the audience, and the budding professionals are also musically convincing at the highest level.

A public, free performance for all interested parties will take place on Wed, March 22 at 4:30 p.m. in the university's theater. Reservations are requested in advance.