Education Programs
Bring the power of live performance into your classroom with The Dallas Opera's education programs. Designed for students from kindergarten through college, our offerings introduce young people to opera through engaging performances, interactive workshops, behind-the-scenes experiences, and educator resources. Whether you're looking to host a performance at your school, attend a production at the Winspear Opera House, or connect with us virtually, our programs make opera accessible, educational, and memorable.
With a variety of in-person, online, and hybrid opportunities available throughout the school year, educators can choose the experiences that best fit their students, curriculum, and schedule. Explore our programs below to find the right opportunity for your classroom or organization.
Opera Afterschool
Grades: K – 6th
In Person
Bring the excitement of live opera to your afterschool program with a family-friendly performance designed for young audiences. Each visit includes an engaging production followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, giving students the opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about opera.
Touring Opera
Grades: 3rd – 8th
In Person
The Dallas Opera brings a fully staged, abridged opera directly to your school. Complete with professional artists, costumes, scenery, and live piano accompaniment, this immersive performance introduces students to the magic of opera without leaving campus.
Student Matinees
Grades: 3rd – 8th
In Person
Experience opera live at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. Students attend a special daytime performance accompanied by The Dallas Opera Orchestra and enjoy a post-show discussion with members of the cast and production team.
Virtual Kids Opera Boot Camp
Grades: K – 6th
Online
Students and families can explore the world of opera from anywhere through interactive online episodes featuring music, storytelling, creative activities, and opportunities to learn from opera professionals.
TDO Career Days
Grades: K – 12th / College
Online / In Person
Opera is powered by artists, technicians, designers, administrators, and many other professionals. Career Days introduce students to the wide range of careers that bring opera to life and explore the many paths available in the performing arts.
Dress Rehearsals
Grades: 6th – 12th / College
In Person
Go behind the scenes and experience the final preparations before opening night. Students attend a working dress rehearsal and gain a unique perspective on the collaboration, artistry, and technical expertise involved in producing opera.
TDO Sightlines
Grades: 6th – 12th / College
In Person
Students experience live, world-class opera performances from designated partial-view seating at the Winspear Opera House. Lean forward (or to the side) and be captivated by the world of opera!
Special Concerts
Grades: 6th – 12th / College
In Person
Join us as we nurture and support artists throughout their careers! Student groups are invited to select concerts, showcases, and competitions that celebrate emerging artists and the future of opera.
Teacher Professional Development
For Educators
Online / In Person
Discover creative ways to integrate opera into your classroom. Professional development sessions provide educators with arts-integrated, cross-curricular lesson ideas and practical resources that connect opera with subjects across the curriculum.
Online Learning Materials
Explore our growing library of free educational resources designed to support classroom learning before and after a performance. Browse lesson plans, classroom activities, study guides, videos, and other materials inspired by past and current Dallas Opera productions.
The Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs are generously supported by the following partners.
Impresario ($50,000+)
The Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation, Inc.
The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture
Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund
VanSickle Family Foundation
Leadership Circle ($20,000+)
Ameriprise Financial
Houston J. and Florence A. Doswell Foundation
Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust
The Priddy Foundation
Rea Charitable Trust
The Rosewood Foundation
Stemmons Foundation
TACA
Gold Circle ($10,000+)
Ernst & Young, LLP
Harry S. Moss Foundation
H-E-B/Central Market
Texas Commission on the Arts
Silver Circle ($5,000+)
Mary Potishman Lard Trust