Award-Winning Youth in Arts Initiative Takes Center Stage in Columbia

USC Grads to Launch Project Opera Camp in Summer 2015

COLUMBIA, SC  –  What is the impact of music on one’s ability to learn discipline?  Can one foster leadership skills through collaborating with other singers, actors, pianists, directors, and designers? Is it possible that a person can understand determination by memorizing lines for a theatrical production?

Project Opera Camp co-founders Brenton O’Hara and Kate McKinney seem to think so.  As the masterminds behind an award-winning local initiative to promote social change through the fine art of opera, O’Hara and McKinney are firsthand witnesses of the powerful influence of the creative process on youth. The melodic duo met while working with children performers to produce Aaron Copland’s The Second Hurricane.  From the first rehearsal through the final performance, O’Hara and McKinney realized that the combination of music, dance, and moving plot twists comprise a recipe for success. Now, Project Opera Camp is here to deliver.

O’Hara and McKinney’s innovative approach to foster life skills, leadership, and overall character development through opera allowed them to shine amongst competitors in The Proving Ground challenge – the University of South Carolina’s annual entrepreneurial competition.  Last fall, they were honored to receive the 2014 Maxient Social Impact Award, which allowed them funding for implementation of their dream: to provide a tuition-free opportunity for underserved students to expand their horizons and enhance their quality of life.

 Brenton O’Hara, Kate McKinney, Candice Hark, and Aaron Hark

Through Project Opera Camp, Columbia high school students will interact with each other and area professionals to address issues affecting social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth, while also preparing for a final complete opera performance at the end of the two-week day camp.

The 2015 installment of this epic undertaking will take place July 20th- July 31st right here in the Capital City.  Teachers, school officials, and teen-focused community organization leaders are invited to recommend students to participate in this year’s array of personal enrichment activities, including classes on team building, leadership, financial literacy, yoga, entrepreneurship, nutrition, and college preparedness. The camp will also feature voice and acting lessons, music and staging rehearsals, as well as improvisation. All camp activities will be facilitated by professionals in their respective fields.  The final opera performance will take place at the Columbia Music Festival Association, 914 Pulaski Street, on Friday, July 31, 2015, at 7:00 PM.

Project Opera Camp’s application process is uniquely tailored to target participants who might otherwise not have the financial means to attend a similar extracurricular enrichment program.  Every participant will be awarded a full scholarship.

For more information on how to apply, volunteer, or become a community partner or sponsor, please visit www.projectoperacamp.org or contact [email protected].