2022 Libretto Writing Course
Explore script writing through the lens of opera and develop new tools and approaches to creating a libretto that brings your new work to the next level. Join Guerilla Opera in this exciting 6-week beginner-friendly dive into libretto writing!
Through exploratory writing exercises, group discussion, and feedback sessions, participants will each begin to write their own libretto and develop their writing skills. This class also features guest speakers from throughout the opera industry, a variety of “Open Mic Nights” to share your work, and opportunities to meet 1:1 with one of our resident librettists for personalized suggestions and feedback.
While this Lab will focus on libretto creation specific to opera, you don’t have to be an “opera librettist” to apply. All artists seeking inspiration in setting text to music are encouraged to participate including librettists, poets, playwrights, filmmakers, composers, stage directors, dramaturgs, vocalists, instrumentalists, designers, etc.
No previous writing experience is required, as activities and discussions will be designed to meet the inclusive needs of every participant based on their expressed interests and experience level (ages 18+). This course has no prerequisites, and we encourage all who are interested to apply! We especially encourage female-identifying, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC writers to apply and offer need-based subsidies to these groups as available.
You are not required to “pitch” a concept or project to participate. You’re encouraged to bring ideas and specific concepts to discussions and exercises, but it’s not required. The Guerilla Lab is intended to be a space where ideas are conceived and encouraged to grow with the aid of discovery and experimentation.
Multi-lingual participants are encouraged to apply, but sessions will be facilitated in English.
Important Information
Sessions & Duration: Six (6) weekly, 2-hr online sessions
Days & Times: Thurs (7PM EST ) | Sats (1PM EST)
Thursday Cohort: July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 4 & 11
Saturday Cohort: July 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug 6, & 15
Deadline to apply: Friday, July 1, 2022, 11:59PM EST
Notification: Saturday, July 2, 2022, 11:59PM EST
Participant Fee: $630/$530 alumni discount
Payment Due: Tuesday, July 5, 2022
This is a popular workshop, so we need payment either in full or in part to secure your spot in the workshop.
Additional Course Dates
In addition to the weekly meetings, we will also offer several Open Mic Nights throughout the summer session! This is an opportunity for participants in both sections to come together and share their work and celebrate our community! The Open Mic Nights are scheduled for the following dates and will take place over zoom:
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 | 7-8:30 pm EST
Friday, August 5, 2022 | 7-8:30 pm EST (BIPOC ONLY OPEN MIC NIGHT)
Saturday, August 13, 2022 | 4 -5:30 pm EST
Subsidies/Scholarships: We offer subsidy to any culturally or socially underrepresented participant based on expressed need and as funds are available.
With respect to our extraordinary teaching artists we cannot offer these classes for free.
What to expect:
We build a safe and vital space for creative ideas to be nurtured as part of a creative community. The Lab allows for peer-learning, valuable critical response and feedback, and hands-on group exercises, discussions, and process-driven activities where each participant will grow and evolve their own individual practice.
Estimated weekly time commitment
Co-Learning – 2 hours
Independent Study – 3 to 5 hours
1:1 Consultation with Guest Librettist - 0.5+ hours
Total = 5 to 7 hours weekly
Each participant will:
Develop an outline for a new short form opera work
Develop text for at least one arias
Develop text for at least one duet and/or ensemble
Explore character development work
Have temporary access to Guerilla Opera’s full video archive
Additional discussion topics include:
Approaches to creating:
Original libretti
Libretti from adapted literature
Libretti from auto-biography or historical events
Discussions with composers and librettists from Guerilla Opera’s exciting repertoire.
Methods for critical response
Writing for the voice
Story telling aesthetics for the stage
Technical Requirements:
Access to a computer, laptop or smartphone with video, and a reliable internet connection are the technical requirements for the program.
Format:
Guerilla Lab Creatives will meet in video conferences via Zoom. We will use break out rooms to share and practice with each other. Program materials will come from your instructor and be shared using google docs and other online resource sharing programs.
Guerilla Lab Creatives will be expected to complete writing, research, and other activities as assigned by the instructor between sessions so co-learning time can be used for new topics, discussions, and sharing.
Curriculum:
Week 1: Storytelling Basic Structure and Artistic Frame
Week 2: Writing Process & The Role of the Dramaturg
Week 3: Archetypes: Plot & Character
Week 4: Wordsmithing & The Editing Process
Week 5: Considerations for the Singer
Week 6: From the Page to the Stage
About Guerilla Labs:
We want to amplify your unique perspective in our community and give you the ability to share the artforms you love with your community. Our vision is to examine the world through culturally focused and contemporarily lenses. We especially encourage female-identifying artists, LGBTQ+ artists, and BIPOC artists to apply and offer need based subsidies to these groups as available!
Guerilla Opera is the premiere ensemble for new opera in the Boston area and one of the first in the country to exclusively commission new works. For us, art-making is a collaborative process. Our Guerilla Lab extracts the words from the music in order to isolate and explore this aspect of opera development more fully.
Questions? Email programs@guerillaopera.org.
Course Instructor
COURSE GUESTS
Keep checking the website to meet more of our incredible summer guest lecturers!