Op*erratic: The Training Course
Chicago Fringe Opera apologizes in advance for the return of Op*erratic. Despite our best intentions to combine the world’s two most hated art forms (opera and improv) into something totally underwhelming and miserable, our smash-hit, go-for-broke, multi-hyphenate, merry-go-round training-class experience is back by popular demand.
Hey, you asked for it.
About Op*erratic
Two free-of-charge, open-enrollment, 3-hour classes will be offered on:
Sat Jan 24, 2026, 10 am-1 pm and Sat Jan 31, 2026, 10 am-1 pm on the North Park University campus (on Kedzie at Foster.) Please register in advance (see below). Registration closes at 5 pm CT on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Attendees can enroll in the official Op*erratic course beginning Friday, October 3, 2025 at 12 noon. Space is limited, and places are given on a first-come basis. Tuition is $300 for all participants, with a $150 deposit due at enrollment, and the balance due by the first class meeting. Need-based scholarships are available.
The ensemble meets weekly on Saturdays (beginning Sat Feb 7) from 10 am to 1 pm, at North Park. These rehearsals build on improv techniques and integrate singing into the improv form. Select classes will feature guest instructors from Chicago’s improv scene.
The ensemble will work toward creating a 25-minute improvised opera in the style of Mozart, based on audience suggestion, complete with recitatives, arias, and ensembles, accompanied by harpsichord and piano.
The ensemble’s work will be shared with the public over a series of showcases at Borelli’s Pizza (on Lawrence at Damen) in April and May 2026.
Questions?
Please reach out to Op*erratic’s creator, George, at gcederquist@chicagofringeopera.com.
Schedule
Open-to-all improv classes (Registration required)
Sat Jan 24, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Sat Jan 31, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Course dates (Paid enrollment required)
Sat Feb 7, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Sat Feb 14, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Sat Feb 21, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Sat Feb 28, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Sat Mar 7, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Sat Mar 14, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Sat Mar 21, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Sat Mar 28, 2026, 10 am-1 pm
Sat Apr 4, 2026, NO CLASS
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 10 am-1 pm, BONUS CLASS
Showcase Performances
Public presentations of the ensemble’s work begin Wed Apr 15 at 7.30 pm and continue for the following five Wednesdays through Wed May 20, 2026.
