Converse Opera Theatre

Since 1952 Converse Opera Theatre has been a jewel in the crown of the Petrie School of Music.  Under the direction of Rebecca Turner and the musical direction of Keith Jones, today’s Converse Opera Theatre continues the tradition of excellence by offering professional-quality, fully-staged productions with orchestral accompaniment and beautiful sets and costumes. Main-stage performances take place in Converse's Twichell Auditorium, a historic 1500-seat hall renowned for its wonderful acoustics and exceptional performance facilities.

Recent main-stage productions include Suor Angelica, Little Red Riding Hood, Die Fledermaus, The Marriage of Figaro, La Bohème, The Magic Flute, Gianni Schicchi, and Hänsel und Gretel.

Converse Opera Workshop

A comprehensive opera training program encompassing:

  • Studio opera workshop
  • Individual attention and personalized career guidance
  • Role preparation and character analysis training
  • Aria/audition class
  • Improvisation and movement training
  • Training in makeup for the stage
  • Collaborations with guest artists, including stage directors, conductors, and professional performers

Converse Opera Theatre alumni can be heard performing across the United States. Representative companies include Santa Fe Opera, Portland Opera, Colorado Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Carolina, Des Moines Opera, Juilliard Opera Center, and Toronto Opera.  They have also been featured on Broadway and in touring companies of Phantom of the Opera and Titanic.