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 utterly miserable, our smash-hit, go-for-broke, multi-hyphenate, merry-go-round training-class experience is back by popular demand.
About Op*erratic
Free-of-charge trial workshops 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 for one of the two workshops (see below). Registration closes at 5 pm CT on Fri Jan 16, 2026.
If you like what you see, you can enroll in the official Op*erratic course from Sun Jan 25, 2026 at 12 noon CT. 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 work trades are available.
The group meets weekly on Saturdays (beginning Sat Feb 7 2026) from 10 am to 1 pm, in person at North Park. Led by George Cederquist and Alex Salas these rehearsals build ensemble through the basics of 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 both playing short-form games, and 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? Answers!
Please reach out to Op*erratic’s creator, George, at gcederquist@chicagofringeopera.com.
Schedule
Free-to-all trial workshops (Registration required; choose one date)
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.
