CoOPERAtive Program

About the CoOPERAtive

July 5 - 11, 2026

The CoOPERAtive program, established in 2006, has long been a trailblazer for crafting a unique program for the developing singer. In 2025, we once again forged a new path, creating a program that addresses skill sets that are not readily available to many singers for the WIN.

Workshop for new operas
Innovative opportunity to work with the creators
New skills acquired

CoOPERAtive 2025 was incredibly successful. Click to see the two different casts perform scenes 2, 5, and 6, from A Nearer Mother, by composer Evan Mack and librettist Josh McGuire. Stage direction: Copeland Woodruff. Music direction: Miriam Charney. Chorus Master: Max Brey.

When you join us in July 2026, you will learn from the experts (composer, librettist, music director, stage director) and grow your expertise so that you are work ready when offered your first opportunity to create a new role in a new opera.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: February 14, 2026 (via YAP Tracker)

Invitations sent: March 1, 2026
Acceptances due: March 15, 2026

Program Dates: July 5 - 11, 2026

Check in and Opening Session: July 5, 2026
Final Concert: July 10, 2026

Applications will be available on November 1, 2025.

The CoOPERAtive Experience

2026 Focus: Overheard

CoOPERAtive is thrilled to feature a collaboration with composer/librettist Michael Ching on his new opera, Overheard. Many of you know this famed composer for his innovative opera Speed Dating Tonight!, based on a concept by Dean Anthony, which has been performed over 150 times, making it one of the most popular operas of the 21st century.

14 – 20 NEW ARIAS/duets will be written and formatted in a style similar to Speed Dating Tonight!
Each singer in the program is guaranteed the chance to workshop a new aria, duet, or trio.
The final performance will be staged in an opera workshop format.
Auditors (including young composers and librettists) are encouraged to attend and observe the creative process.
Participants may opt to receive undergraduate or graduate college credit.

CoOPERAtive is committed to connecting young singers and musicians with industry professionals. In addition to singers, we extend this opportunity to young composers, librettists, pianists and educators. Learning to develop and perform new opera strengthens participants' artistic skills and prepares them for professional opportunities. Auditors attend all the activities of the participants.

Over the course of the one-week program, participants will receive nearly 40 hours of instruction, including music and staging rehearsals, as well as discussions and activities designed to enhance their learning. The program will culminate in a public workshop performance where the singers can show what they’ve learned.

Course information

Testimonials

"It was a week of pure magic! CoOPERAtive gave the space, freedom, talent, and structure to transform multiple scenes of my opera, A Nearer Mother. The ability to listen and watch the director Copeland Woodruff explore the piece within space and have that process push back on the ink on the page was invaluable. Librettist, Joshua McGuire and I were amazed at not only the way this week transformed the scenes we were there to work on, but how much it gave us to revise and tighten previous scenes, while also shaping how we finish the opera.

The group of young artists left as better actors, performers, and networkers. They got an advanced look and experience of what their professional world will look like when tasked to mount a new opera—something that is dominating our field right now. The skills they learned and what they experienced will benefit them for the rest of their musical careers—all thanks to CoOPERAtive."

— Evan Mack, composer

"What you’ve built here is the way of the future for leaving creators space to rewrite, and getting singers in on that process early in their careers. Thank you again for everything."

— Josh McGuire, librettist

"Thank you for organizing this wonderful week of workshopping and discovery! The pivot to make CoOPERAtive a program to stage new works was an incredible idea — the skills I have gained from this week were invaluable. This was my first time participating in a workshop, and the experience this week gave me I feel has set me up for success in the professional world after I graduate. My ability to think on my feet and adapt quickly was tested, and playing a character I disagree with on a subject that is close to home helped me uncover new parts of my acting abilities. Thank you again for an incredible week. I am grateful to have had the chance to meet you and participate in such an important production. I’m excited to officially be a part of the “DNA” of this extraordinary work!"

— Samantha Pape, singer (role of Carleen)

"We always take notice of an applicant with CoOPERAtive on their resume - it's a sign not only of talent but also that they have worked with some of the best in the business and they always have something to say as artists."
— Laura Canning, former director at Houston Grand Opera

"Knowing many of the teachers who work for the CoOPERAtive, I know that the participants will be getting information from some of the best trainers in the business. This isn't a recreational program...this is the real deal, where students will work hard and grow toward their goal, under the guidance of professionals who care."
— Sheri Greenawald, San Francisco Opera Merola Program

Learn more about the proud accomplishments of our CoOPERAtive alumni and view testimonials of their experiences in the program.

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