Opera Kids Onstage

Bring the CCOC into your school!

Opera Kids Onstage (OKO) is a fully-subsidized 10-week program led by a teaching artist who engages students in the magic of opera, singing and storytelling. The program culminates in a final showcase, weaving the voices, staging and designs of the students into an original mini-opera.

OKO builds community within the classroom and provides an opportunity for young people to deepen their creative and collaborative skills through the arts. The Fall 2026 cohort will welcome three (3) classrooms thanks to the generous support of the Kiwanis Club of Toronto Foundation The Winter/Spring 2027 cohort will welcome four (4) classes thanks to the generous support of BMO Financial Group.

The CCOC is a TDSB approved partner.

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PROGRAM ACTIVITIES & OUTCOMES

Through the OKO program, students will:

Be introduced to the essential elements of opera
Explore music’s role in conveying emotion and action through opera
Build connections with one another by working towards a common purpose
Foster an appreciation for opera as an art form
Develop their language arts, social and emotional, and arts learning through creative group work
Learn the power of what we can achieve when we work as a team
Try something new and take risks!

Over the course of 10 weeks, students will:

Create an original story.
Choose emotionally appropriate songs, from traditional operatic repertoire, to enhance their story.
Write lyrics to tell their story within the songs they have chosen.
Be introduced to vocal production, (understanding physically how the sound is produced and then how to produce it properly themselves).
Learn to sing as an ensemble and solos.
Create design elements (costumes, props, set pieces) that express ideas from their story and help tell the narrative.
Explore opera as an interdisciplinary art-form.

If school protocols permit, the final performance can be shared as an assembly for the school community!

Who is eligible?

OKO is focusing on students, grades 4 to 7 in classes, within the Greater Toronto Area. This program is offered to 2 classrooms (one after the other during the same 10 week period) in the same school.

Priority will be given to schools/classes:

who do not have any current music education program in place and/or
are considered in a priority neighbourhood in the GTA and/or
can demonstrate need in their community.

Where is it held?

The program takes place in-person during school hours.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the program is $10,000 per class but thanks to the BMO Financial Group, Kiwanis Club of Toronto Foundation and other funders, the program is fully subsidized. Preference will be offered to classes in the GTA in schools located in designated priority neighbourhoods and/or classes/schools without current music education programs.

The CCOC is grateful to the BMO Financial Group for their ongoing support of Opera Kids Onstage (formerly OPERAtion Kids) over the past 15 years and to the Kiwanis Club of Toronto for providing their support in our 26-27 season.

Once the cohort spots have been filled, remaining qualified classes will be placed on a wait list and contacted should a space become available.

When does it start? How to apply?

Applications to join the Fall 2026 cohort will open September 15, 2026 and close October 2, 2026.

Applications to join the Winter/Spring cohort remain open until December 18, 2026.

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Teaching Artist and Program Coordinator

Adine is a conductor, educator, and arts leader with 30 years of experience creating engaging and inclusive musical experiences for young people and communities. She has been part of the Canadian Children’s Opera Company’s artistic team since 2014 and currently serves as Junior Division Coordinator as well as Opera Kids Onstage’s Coordinator and Teaching Artist.

Through OKO, she brings opera to school communities through interactive experiences combining music, storytelling, movement, ensemble creation, and social-emotional learning. She is passionate about helping young people discover their creativity, build confidence, collaborate, and develop an appreciation for opera and the performing arts. Her CCOC work also includes producing the Junior Division opera, coordinating young singers in mainstage productions, and previously conducting the Apprentice Chorus. She holds a Master’s in Conducting from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Music Education. Bilingual in English and French, she is committed to creating accessible and welcoming artistic experiences where every young person can participate, learn, and thrive.

Partnership Commitments

Participating Teachers and Schools

All classes are hosted by the classroom teacher in school during regular class time.
CCOC will not have any contact with students outside of their classroom.
Weekly sessions of 50-60 minutes occur during a regularly scheduled school day and time.
The designated time for the session will be determined by the classroom teacher and Teaching Artist (e.g., Tuesdays at 10:00, or Thursdays during 3rd period).
Teachers are required to participate in a one-hour planning meeting with the Teaching Artist before the program begins. The purpose of this meeting is to orient teachers to the program, discuss roles and responsibilities, learning objectives, and confirm session meeting schedules.
To help the CCOC understand students’ experiences in the program, and convey the impact of the program to our generous funders and supporters, teachers will support reflection on the students’ impact at the beginning, middle and end of the program, including written feedback.
Teachers are expected to approach sessions as an active, engaged participant and maintain classroom discipline of students.
Teachers are to distribute any necessary materials to the students and/or parents for the program as may be required.
Teachers assist students in completing any necessary activities between sessions (minimal time commitment).
Teachers communicate with the Teaching Artist consistently regarding lesson plans, student progress or challenges, and any changes to the determined schedule.

The CCOC is an approved partner with the TDSB.

Still have questions? Email Adine at adine@canadianchildrensopera.com