Opera audiences have increased about 30% since 1980 and opera is the only performing art form to register attendance gains among the population segment 18 to 24. However, less than 4% of Americans annually attend opera performances. Opera's unique multi-media aesthetic should appeal to many more. There are ample educational opportunities for increasing opera awareness.

Opera Fort Collins is committed to appealing to youthful audiences through making its productions accessible and by creating performances for schools, in the belief that opera is a time-tested and enriching experience that will enhance their lives. In 1999 Opera Fort Collins added a production, especially for young people, and launched a schools program in its local district. The staging and performance of Menotti's The Telephone marked the start of Opera Fort Collins'schools program.

In 2000 Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel was the centerpiece for the schools program, with performances given in five elementary schools for a total audience of over 2,000 students, and then given a public performance. The schools program continues with great success, with the following productions having been performed: The Magic Love Potion in 2001, Little Red Riding Hood in 2002, Rumplestiltskin a la Mozart in 2003, Jack and the Beanstalk in 2004, and Sleeping Beauty in 2005 and 2006. The produtions were created by Elizabeth Elliott. The more recent four productions, based on fairy tales are set in iambic pentameter. There are two casts ready to go in order to accommodate everyone's schedules. The singers are a combination of high school students, college students and community members. The current production includes four singers, a narrator and an accompanist. Other shows have varying casts. The performances, free of charge for schools, thanks to generous donations to the program, are available for elementary school children in the Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington, Stove Prairie, and Windsor area. Those interested in booking a show may contact us at 970.482-0220. The only requirements are an audience of elementary age children and a piano.