Learning to write and sing opera as part of your regular high-school curriculum? Why not?

Vancouver Opera has just teamed up with the Delta School District to launch the region's first Opera and Performance Academy.

The new program will offer kids in grades 8 to 12 at Delta Secondary School the opportunity to work with professionals from Vancouver Opera and with educators specializing in music and theatre.  

For two blocks every second afternoon, students who will be able to study voice, acting, script and score writing, and to attend master classes with professionals. Students in the academy will also attend Vancouver Opera dress rehearsals, go backstage, have opportunities to participate in apprenticeship programs, and take part in the new Vancouver Opera Festival that takes the place of the company's regular season starting in 2017.

Registration opens February 1st for the September 2016 program. 

The opera collaboration joins Delta School District's other unique collection of Academy Programs, including ones in everything from soccer and hockey to dance and film.

Vancouver Opera already holds education programs throughout the province, such as Project Opera! for grades 4 to 7 and work experiences for older secondary students, as well as an opera summer camp. Shows like Stickboy also tour to schools around B.C.