Opera at Your School - Phoenix
Arlyn M. Brewster OperaTunity Program
Performances are designed to be all-school assemblies and performed in your gym, cafeteria, performing arts center, or other venue at your school.
- To perform Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf, we must have a space at least 20 ft wide, 20 ft deep, and 10 ft tall.
- You may reserve up to two performances per day (exceptions can be made).
- Both shows run 40-minutes with an optional 5-10 minute Q&A.
- Performances are schedule on a first-come-first-serve-basis.
Hansel & Gretel vs. The Witch
Music by Engelbert Humperdinck
Written and adapted by Joshua Borths
This new adaptation of Humperdinck’s classic opera turns the famous story of the witch and those crafty kids on its head. Narrated by Hansel—all grown up—he explains what actually went on in that fantastical gingerbread house. This fun, fast-paced show is sure to delight audiences of all ages, while using familiar characters to shed light on relevant themes. Did Hansel and Gretel learn to find their own way out of the woods? Did they grow from their experience? Did the Witch become a force for good instead of evil? You will have to wait and see…
Joshua Borths, Writer (operaclassroom.com)
Joshua Borths is a stage director, writer, educator, and administrator with over a decade of experience in the opera industry.
Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Borths currently works with Des Moines Metro Opera and Virginia opera after having served as the Director of Opera & Musical Theater and Professor of Music History at Capital University in Columbus, OH and as Director of Education at Arizona Opera. His children's opera adaptations have been seen by hundreds of thousands of students across the country, and he is a frequent guest lecturer.
At Capital University, Borths produced and managed all of the opera and musical theatre programming while also serving as the Professor of Music History. Additionally, he created a joint Resident Artist Program with Opera Columbus creating innovative programming for both institutions. With Arizona Opera, Borths more than doubled the reach and scope of the department through innovative programming and cultural engagement.
As an educator, Borths has taught at Shenandoah University, been a Visiting Professor at the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam), directed Maryland Opera Studio, and been guest panelist at the Opera America Conference. He collaborated with TED Ed on their first opera resources and was featured in Opera News for his innovative approach to opera education.
