Applications are now open for the 2026 Libretto Labs. APPLY NOW.
We’ll explore script and song writing through the lens of opera, giving you the opportunity to
develop new writing tools and approaches
gain experience in writing for the voice
learn how to create characters
and explore a variety of storytelling forms.
Writers (ages 18+) of all levels of experience are welcome.
Application Opens: NOW
Deadline to apply: May 3, 2026
Notification: May 8, 2026
Participant Fee: $269.00
Session 1: Intro to Libretto-Writing
A focus on the fundamentals of writing text to be sung.
Learn the necessary vocabulary for writing text to be sung
Get a thorough grounding in how the creation, development, and production process work in opera, musicals, and song
Experiment with different narrative modes
Explore resources for researching topics you want to write about
Practice writing and editing your own work; and engage in group feedback using Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process.
We’ll also talk about the industry and the issues it faces, and what it means to be an activist artist. Session 1 participants should expect to spend 3-5 hours a week on reading and writing assignments.
Dates/Times:
Tuesday Cohort: June 9, 16, 23, 30 8-10pm ET
Thursday Cohort: June 11, 18, 25, July 2 3-5pm ET
Session 2: Writing the Libretto Scene
You’ve learned the basics, put your knowledge to practice by creating and developing a complete scene — or scenes!
Learn techniques for outlining and scaffolding a narrative and methods of assessing the success of your goals in arias, songs, and other segments of your scene and the scene overall
Learn how to build and resolve narrative tension
Create and develop characters and contexts and express emotions; and take vocalists and vocality into consideration as you write.
Learn approaches to editing and revising your work; working with composers and performers; and identifying and developing your personal aesthetic as an activist artist writing for the voice.
We’ll study a number of recent libretti; engage in critique using Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process; and discuss current issues in the industry in-depth. Session 2 participants should expect to spend 5-7 hours a week on reading and writing assignments.
Dates/Times:
Tuesday Cohort: July 7, 14, 21, 28 8-10pm ET
Thursday Cohort: July 9, 16, 23, 30 3-5pm ET
About our facilitator
Kendra Preston Leonard is a lyricist and librettist who tells stories about empowerment, resilience, and compassion. Inspired by history, language, nature, and myth, Leonard has worked with numerous composers to create new opera and art song. Current opera projects include Protectress, with composer Jessica Rudman; This is Jane with composer Angela Elizabeth Slater; and she who will trouble you all night with Rosśa Crean. Recently premiered works include Sense of Self, created with composer Lisa Neher and premiered by Opera Elect in 2021; Waters Rising, with composer Tim Hick, commissioned by Arts Capacity and Walker State Faith and Character Based Prison; Marie Curie Learns to Swim, with music by Jessica Rudman, performed by Hartford Opera Theater in 2018; and The Harbingers, with music by Rosśa Crean, premiered in 2019. In 2021, she and Neher created a series of micro-operas for Neher’s One Voice Micro-Opera Project, featuring singers Zach Finkelstein in Now Available; Margaret O’Connell in Woman Waits with Sword; Hugo Vera in Wide Awake in the New City; and Audrey Yoder in Par for the Course. You can follow her at https://kendraprestonleonard.hcommons.org/.