CoOPERAtive Program

About the CoOPERAtive

July 4 - 10, 2027

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.

In 2026, CoOPERAtive focused on Overheard by Michael Ching. Stage direction: Chad Sonka. Musical direction: Max Brey.

In 2027, we are pleased to announce that we will workshop Mariette in Ecstasy, Music by Henry Mollicone and A. Douglas Biggs, Libretto by Judith Fein (Based on the book by Ron Hansen).

Important Dates

Application Deadline: February 14, 2027

Invitations sent: March 1, 2027
Acceptances due: March 15, 2027

Program Dates: July 4 - 10, 2027

Check in and Opening Session: July 4, 2027
Final Concert: July 9, 2027

The CoOPERAtive Experience

2025 Participant Experience (Ronan Flynn)

2025 Participant Experience (Ally Christiansen)

2027 Focus: Mariette in Ecstasy

CoOPERAtive is thrilled to feature a collaboration with composer Doug Biggs and Librettist Judith Fein on their new opera, Mariette in Ecstasy. The creation of this opera is a bit unique. Henry Mollicone (composer of The Face on the Barroom Floor and Hotel Eden) was the original composer of the opera with Judith as his librettist. Sadly, Henry passed away with the work unfinished. Doug was engaged to complete the composition and orchestrate the work.

Several scenes will be chosen to present at CoOPERAtive 2027
All singers (including those in the ensemble) will have solo or unique lines in the workshop
Each role will be double cast, allowing the creative team the opportunity to experience the scenes with unique detail
The final performances 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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