Under the guidance of Elaine Cinnamon, Education Outreach

Coordinator, OPAS’s education and outreach programs have become

an integral component of OPAS's programming.


OPAS brought the magic of the performing arts to local students, who

were thrilled with their first introductions to Broadway stars, concert

pianists, opera singers, dancers, orchestras, composers, arrangers,

and music from a wide variety of cultures and styles.  The dress

rehearsals of Amahl and the Night Visitors and The 5 Browns were

opened to wide-eyed schoolchildren, many with little exposure to

opera or classical music.  Those who witnessed the reaction and

responses of the students became firm believers in the importance of

the presence of the arts in the lives of our children.

Several OPAS artists have visited and performed in our local

schools and classrooms.  Fifth-grader Stevonna Greene, further

inspired by the visit of opera singer Monica Murphy, was awarded an

OPAS scholarship to attend Summer Music Camp at UGA - an

exciting opportunity for her to pursue her passion for a musical

education. 



Following a cabaret performance by Broadway Star Penny Fuller,

Greene County High senior Akia Terrell shared her dream of working in

theater arts and is now an OPAS intern.  Not every student dreams

of being onstage, as evidenced by the success of the “Behind the

Curtain” program.  During all OPAS presentations since May 2008,

students from the Entertainment Technology program at the Putnam

County High School have assisted OPAS Technical Director Mikel

Gambuto with lighting, sound, and staging, both during load in/load

out and learning the hands on skills required during the show itself.