Improv Opera
Chicago Fringe Opera invites our city’s opera singers to jam at a free improv class!
Watch the announcement video:
About the Improv Opera project
Led by Producing Artistic Director George Cederquist, two open enrollment 2-hour classes will be offered on:
Sat Jan 25, 2025, 10 am-12 noon and Sat Feb 8, 2025, 10 am-12 noon on the North Park University campus (on Kedzie at Foster.) Please register in advance (see below).
Attendees will then be invited to join Fringe’s improv ensemble, with places going to those singers who are most available to rehearse (see dates below). The goal is to promote inclusivity and invite as many singers as possible.
The ensemble will continue to meet weekly on Saturdays (beginning Sat Feb 22) from 10 am to 12 noon, at North Park. These rehearsals build on improv techniques (led by George) and integrate singing into the improv form (led by Music Director Brian Rasmussen). Sessions in March and April will feature guest instructors from Chicago’s improv scene.
The ensemble will work toward creating a 50-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 May and June 2025. Performing improv ensemble members will receive a small stipend.
Rehearsal and Performance Schedule
Open-to-all improv classes (Registration required)
Sat Jan 25, 2025, 10 am-12 noon
Sat Feb 8, 2025, 10 am-12 noon
Beginning of Ensemble Work (or an additional open improv class if demand necessitates)
Sat Feb 22, 2025, 10 am-12 noon
Rehearsals
Sat Mar 1, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – rehearsal
Sat Mar 8, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – rehearsal
Sat Mar 15, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – masterclass with guest
Sat Mar 22, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – rehearsal
Sat Mar 29, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – rehearsal
Sat Apr 5, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – masterclass with guest
Sat Apr 12, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – rehearsal
Sat Apr 19, 2025, OFF (Holy Saturday)
Sat Apr 26, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – masterclass with guest
Sat May 3, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – rehearsal
Sat May 10, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – rehearsal
Sat May 17, 2025, 10 am-12 noon – rehearsal
Showcase Performances
Public presentations of the ensemble’s work begin Wed May 21 at 7 pm and continue for the following six (6) Wednesdays.
