FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - AUGUST 5, 2022

 

OPERADELAWARE EXPANDS POP-UP OPERA & DEBUTS NEW MOBILE OUTDOOR STAGE

 

Company celebrated success of outdoor programming and unveiled new mobile stage at Pop-Up Opera Fundraiser on July 23

WILMINGTON, Del. — OperaDelaware is expanding its popular Pop-Up Opera programming, offering more outdoor performances across Delaware on a new, state-of-the-art mobile stage. 

The custom-built Pop-Up Opera trailer features a 14-foot stage, lighting, ample storage, and a climate-controlled “green room.” Opera fans got a sneak peek of the new mobile stage at the company’s recent Pop-Up Opera Fundraiser on July 23 at its Riverfront Studios (4 S. Poplar St. in Wilmington). The event featured live performances, dinner by Mojo Loco food truck, libations from SWIGG, silent auctions, and more. Proceeds from the event will support Pop-Up Opera and other outreach and audience development initiatives. 

“The pandemic taught us many lessons,” said OperaDelaware’s General Director, Brendan Cooke. “When we couldn’t gather indoors, we offered performances on a borrowed construction trailer to stay in touch with patrons and spread a little beauty and joy, making new friends at each stop. Our new mobile stage will allow us to expand our outdoor programming and reinvest in our community.”

OperaDelaware has hosted over 100 outdoor events since the start of the pandemic, including outreach performances at healthcare facilities and free concerts at local parks. The al fresco concerts star local and national talent, and even feature real-time supertitle translations accessible on any web-enabled mobile device through the LiveNote™ platform. And while the company has successfully returned to indoor programming, Cooke says the overwhelming success of its open-air shows prompted the investment in the new trailer. “The custom stage will create efficiencies that will allow us to offer more outdoor community performances while also fulfilling our mission of presenting fully staged productions at The Grand.” 

A full schedule of events plus information on how to book your own Pop-Up Opera is available now at operade.org.

 

Photo by Sam Wilson / Moonloop Photography

 

About OperaDelaware: OperaDelaware, now in its 78th season, is a professional non-profit opera company with a reputation for excellence in both opera and arts education. OperaDelaware opens the door to bold, vibrant and creative operatic programming that enriches the community, transforms audiences, and encourages dialogue.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Press contact: For interview requests, please email Kerriann Otaño at kotano@operade.org or call 302-442-7812.

Organizational images: Available for download here.

Advertising inquiries: For advertising and sponsorship information, please contact Jordan Barrett at jbarrett@operade.org.