About this event
About the Show
The Musical Voices Carmen combines fresh new arrangements of George Bizet’s Opera Carmen plus original songs, from Pop to Rap, Opera and R&B, written and arranged by CJay and Winston Philip. Voices of Carmen brings a contemporary spin to this iconic story.
About the Program
Camp Carmen is a five-week on-the-job training program in the performing arts where youth 14-21years collaborate with teaching artists to create a musical adaptation of the opera Carmen called Voices of Carmen. Participants are hired to work as either the performing cast or production crew. Each week campers participate in professional development workshops in creative, resume and bio writing. They also practice public speaking to hone new skills in a supportive environment. In addition to career and creative workshops, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven into the program with a focus on emotional intelligence and nonviolent communication. Restorative Response Baltimore leads sessions on conflict resolution and the House of Ruth Maryland leads a teen workshop on healthy relationships.
What is Voices of Carmen
- A creative collaboration between youth and adults
- An original musical theater production
- A community conversation focused on emotional health and deescalating conflict
- An on the job training and mentorship program for adolescents
Synopsis
Ms. Schuler’s High School literature class reads Carmen, a novella by Prosper Merimee while music students in Mr. Gary’s class play the opera Carmen by George Bizet across the hall. To bring the text to life, students take turns acting out the story. We follow along as multiple students play Don Jose who intends to marry his hometown sweetheart Micaela until his plans are interrupted by unexpected chemistry with Carmen. Their relationship is short-lived amid conflict, jealousy, and a lovers triangle. The classroom storytelling takes a surprising turn that propels this lovers’ tragedy to a contemporary time and place.
