Opera at Your School - Phoenix 2026
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 Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid, we must have a space at least 20 ft wide, 20 ft deep, and 9 ft tall.
- You may reserve up to two performances per day (exceptions can be made).
- Both shows run 45-minutes with an optional 10-minute Q&A.
- Performances are schedule on a first-come, first-serve basis.
HOW TO REGISTER
- Find your schools zip code and corresponding color on the map.
- Click your color below to schedule.
- If your zip code is in blue, green, or white email kzeimet@azopera.org to schedule.
If you encounter any issues accessing the links above due to school filters, please use the corresponding registration links below or contact Kayla Zeimet, Education and External Affairs Coordinator, at kzeimet@azopera.org.
Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid
Music by Antonín Dvořák
Adapted by Joshua Borths
Based on Han Christian Anderson's classic fairytale The Little Mermaid and composer Antonín Dvořák’s masterpiece, Rusalka
Take your students on an unforgettable underwater adventure! Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid is a magical, student-friendly opera about courage, transformation, and following your dreams. With a happy ending and timeless message, this enchanting performance is perfect for sparking young imaginations and inspiring classroom conversations.
Length: 45 minutes including a 10-minute Q&A session with the performers
Language: English
Rating: G
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.
