Background Statement
Opera Steamboat was founded in 2002 to bring world-class operatic artists to Steamboat Springs. It was, and currently is, the only opera company serving the rural communities of Northwest Colorado. We are currently opening up our programmatic activities to a year round format and are seeking to partner with many local organizations to produce a variety of opera and vocal theater works.
In 2024 we are producing the World Premier of Welcome to the Madness, a story about celebrated local figures Charlotte Perry and Portia Mansfield and their decision to found the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp. As a company we are committed to the future of opera and the stories of our community.
Education is a critical part of our efforts, and Opera in the Schools was started in 2004. This program brings a fully produced opera into the gymnasiums and auditoriums of Northwest Colorado Schools. We also teach in-school music workshops at North Routt Community Charter School, a school which has no music teacher on staff. In 2023 Opera in the Schools programming has served 2,792 young people mostly K-8th grade. 2023 also marked the first time Opera in the Schools performed at North Park Schools in Walden, CO.
In 2016, Opera Steamboat added a series of vocal workshops for people living with disability. In collaboration with Horizons, the Yampa Valley Autism Program, and the Parkinson's Support Group these workshops create a higher sense of self-esteem and self-confidence among participants throughout Routt and Moffat Counties. In 2023 Opera Steamboat has served 116 people in 11 vocal workshops.