From start to finish, opera is kid-produced

The finished product is based on the children's life experiences.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- About three dozen young people are spending seven Saturdays in a row writing their version of an opera.
They're taking part in what was originally called Kids Club Opera Co. at Youngstown State University's SMARTS (Students Motivated by the Arts) Center, 258 Federal Plaza West.
It's a totally student-driven operation, said Rebecca Keck, SMARTS director.
"They're creating original opera," Keck said, noting that the participants do everything, from creating the opera's theme to writing dialogue and music, planning and building sets, performing and even learning the business end of the operation.
Their efforts will culminate in performances at 7 p.m. May 2 and 3 at Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St.
Focusing on the process
But the end product isn't the most important aspect of the program, Keck said.
"This is about the process, not the performance," she said, explaining that the goal isn't to train actors and singers, but to instill discipline, focus and commitment.
The effort isn't based on talent or auditions, said Kelly Bancroft, SMARTS program coordinator.
"It's about creating a company, not performers," she said, noting as few as three children may actually perform in each segment.
SMARTS began the program about five years ago, funded by the Metropolitan Opera, which offered teacher training.
The Met is no longer involved, but SMARTS is continuing the effort with funding from the William Swanston Charitable Trust and the Schwebel Family Foundation.
The participating children are divided into three age groups: grades one to three, four to six and seven to 12, and each group is writing its independent scene for the opera. All of them are using the central theme that they selected: "Sometimes people like you for what you have, not for who you are."
Drawing on their own lives
What they write is based on their lives, drawn from their own experiences. Although there are teachers (including three professional opera singers and former Miss Ohio 2004 Amanda Beagle) to help with the process, no adults are allowed to directly participate in the program or performance, Keck said.
Three of this year's participants have been involved every year since the program began.
"It takes a commitment to do this," Keck said, noting the children have to be willing to give up a part of their Saturday for seven straight weeks.
"It's about what the kids do, from the first day to the end," she said.
SMARTS charges $1 admission to the performances at Oakland, and the program participants run the box office.
Seating is limited and reservations aren't accepted. Refreshments will be served.