During the school year you are constantly multitasking, working on classes, working a job, AND being in an opera. The joy of a summer program is that it is your only focus, you are just doing an opera so you can put all of your time and energy into it.
What was wonderful about HSOW was that from the very start everything was seen as a positive learning experience. Even though I was one of the youngest female voices at the program, I never felt unwelcome or like I wasn't as good as other people there. There was never an ounce of caddiness or malice within the casts or between anyone in the program (that I saw). There was also a sense that this was your show and your role, the two Antonia's were completely different, even though the blocking and costumes were the same, it was nice that the director did not have a vision for how everything had to be, you were allowed to be an artist and make your own choices.
If you asked me two weeks ago if I want to come back to HSOW, I would have said, "sure". But now after going through the entire program and seeing the final product (which is a wonderful show), I would not hesitate to come back. While I am looking at different programs for next year, if I ended up going back to HSOW it would be great and I would not have any regrets (plus the rep they are thinking about doing next year is pretty awesome).
The other great thing about HSOW is the price, it is by far one of the most affordable opera programs that I've come across. While there are companies that pay you (which is awesome) sometimes you aren't ready for those companies and need more experience. Out of all the programs I was accepted to, HSOW was the most affordable PLUS you get to spend the end of summer in Nova Scotia...which is absolutely beautiful and a LOT LOT LOT less hot than Ohio. The other costs you have to keep in mind are flying, housing, and buying food in canadian dollars with canadian sales tax. But in comparing prices, the difference really isn't much, and it probably is still a better deal to be here.
So between the casts, directors, costs, sets, lighting, costumes, artistry, and so much more I would recommend HSOW to anyone looking for a summer program.
Leaving this program is bittersweet, I'm excited to start rehearsals for Le Nozze di Figaro in a week, and to see my friends and family, but I will miss this.
.....this blog took less time than I thought....bleh, I'm ready to just get on my plane, I'm hungry.
Day 30: A picture of someone you miss.
I'm going to recycle a picture, because I still miss these same people!! (But I'm guessing while I'm on the flight I'm going to start missing people @ HSOW).
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