Taking It to the Next Level: The Barber of Seville

Taking It to the Next Level

Ways to Enhance the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’s FREE digital production of The Barber of Seville

By Kevin Nicoletti, sponsored by NAfME Corporate Member Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) has once again released a FREE digital production available to teachers and students worldwide. This year we are featuring Rossini’s comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville, which is available now through June 2025. Originally produced during the pandemic in 2021, this 45-minute abridged production is sung in English and was a huge hit reaching audiences all over the world. OTSL’s version of The Barber of Seville is a perfect introduction to opera for students of all ages. This blog post will focus on how to make the viewing experience more special for your students.

First Things First

The first step is simply requesting our Digital Opera on the Go! program which you can do here. Answer a few basic questions, and a link will show up in your inbox. It’s that easy. Did I mention it’s free? Along with access to the performance, you also get several great resources such as a robust study guide and digital lessons designed to complement the production. These resources can be a great appetizer in preparing your students to watch the opera. Now that you’ve got the goods, let’s talk about what to do with them.

Setting the Stage

Long gone are the days where students celebrate a movie day. As a teacher you can elevate the movie-watching experience with a few simple gestures that will make this a special experience for your students. Start by transforming your classroom into a theater. Hang some inexpensive red tablecloths from the dollar store along the sides of your screen to mimic stage curtains. Next, arrange your chairs like theatre seating if they’re not already in that configuration and put numbers on them. As an incentive prior to the opera, consider allowing students to have the opportunity to choose their seats, and even give them a ticket for the day of the performance so they know where to find their seat. You can also encourage them to dress up in formal attire for the day of the performance. It would also be a good idea to go over good audience etiquette and expectations.

It’s Go Time

On the day you plan to view the performance, join in on the fun and dress in all black so you can be the usher as students arrive to the classroom. Take their tickets and help them find their seats. You could even hand out programs as you do this. If you’re up for it, consider offering students popcorn or some other treat to enjoy during the performance. You could also set up a concession stand and sell other treats as well. As they settle in, flash the lights to indicate that performance is about to begin. Don’t forget to make a pre-show announcement welcoming everyone to the theater and reminding them to silence all electronic devices. As the performance unfolds, encourage them to clap at the appropriate times and say “Bravo!” or “Brava!” as appropriate.

Post Performance

One tradition many guests at OTSL enjoy is gathering just outside the theater in our garden to converse about the opera they just saw. If the weather is favorable, consider bringing your students outside to share their thoughts on The Barber of Seville. You can help drive the discussion by asking about their favorite characters or funny moments they enjoyed. Also challenge them to reflect on how they might change the production if they were in charge. They’ll likely have Rossini’s tunes stuck in their head and may even break into song. You can culminate the experience with a sparkling cider toast and thank them for coming to see the opera.

About the author:  

Kevin Nicoletti has taught vocal music for 11 years in the St. Louis area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Washington University in St. Louis and Master of Music Education from Central Methodist University. Kevin is also a published composer and has been a guest conductor for multiple local honor choirs. He now works full-time with the education department at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis where his primary focus is teaching students to imagine, write, produce, and perform their own original musical works.

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