Cimarron Opera Theater Camp 2026

Presenting: Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience

Opera Theater Camp is known as one of the best intensive arts experiences in the state. Cimarron Opera offers the opportunity for youth aged 8-18 to take part in this 3-week camp that provides vocal instruction, dance and acting basics, audition preparation, plus a lot of friendship, teamwork and fun! The camp then concludes with fully staged performances of an operetta for family and friends to enjoy.

Summer 2026 Camp Dates:

June 1st-June 20th, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Performances will be June 19th and 20th at 2pm and 7pm

Week 1 and 2 Location: St. John’s Episcopal Church – 235 W Duffy St, Norman, OK 73069

Week 3 Location: Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts – 2600 Van Buren St #2635, Norman, OK 73072

Auditions: Sunday, April 12 from 1-3pm at First Presbyterian Church Norman – 555 S University Blvd, Norman, OK 73069

Alternate audition dates can be scheduled.

Common Questions about Opera Camp:

Is Cimarron Opera Camp right for me/my child?

Yes! Every year we have campers of a variety of experience levels and comfort with music, dancing and acting. Our campers range from students who have years of experience performing and are considering a career in theater and/or music and we have students who have no previous experience onstage. Our focus is meeting each student where they are and helping them improve. If you or your child are between the ages of 8-18 and interested in camp, we would be happy to have you. Please contact us if you would like to discuss opera camp in more detail.

Is Cimarron Opera Camp worth it if my child isn’t interested in pursuing a career in the arts?

Yes! While Cimarron has alumni that have worked onstage and behind the scenes in opera companies, broadway tours, and theaters across the USA and the world, we have even more alumni working outside of the arts. The skills learned at opera camp are useful in a variety of career paths. Public speaking, teamwork, quick memorization, working hard and thinking on your feet are all valuable life lessons learned at Opera Camp.

How much does it cost to attend Cimarron Opera Camp?

Tuition for Opera Camp is $500. If multiple siblings are being enrolled, every camper after the first receives a discounted tuition rate of $400. If money is an obstacle in sending your child to camp, we provide partial and full need-based scholarships. Contact alex@cimarronopera.org for details.

When does enrollment open?

Enrollment is now open for Summer 2026!

What happens during the 3 week opera camp?

During the first week students will audition for roles in the show. This audition process includes an audition workshop to help improve students audition skills. Once roles are assigned students learn all the dialogue, music, staging and choreography for the show. While learning the show students receive instruction in reading music, memorizing dialogue and music, characterization, singing, history, dancing, stage make-up and more. At the conclusion of camp students perform a fully staged operetta with costumes, sets and props. Each year Cimarron selects additional activities and workshops outside of the process of rehearsing a show for added fun and educational value.

What is the age range of Cimarron Opera Campers?

Cimarron Opera accepts campers between the ages of 8 and 18.

Does Cimarron have accessibility measures in place for children with disabilities?

Cimarron Opera Camp is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. Rehearsal and performance spaces used by Cimarron Opera Camp are accessible, and we work with families to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Camp activities including choreography, staging, costuming, and rehearsal processes can be adapted to support a wide range of abilities and access needs. We encourage families to reach out in advance so we can discuss individual needs and plan appropriate accommodations. For specific accessibility or accommodation questions, please contact Alex Johnson at alex@cimarronopera.org.

What are Cimarron Opera’s health and illness mitigation policies?

Cimarron Opera prioritizes the health and well-being of all camp participants, staff, and families. To reduce the spread of illness, Cimarron Opera requires all camp staff and participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Cimarron Opera staff monitors public health conditions and illness trends and may implement additional precautions such as masking, distancing, or testing when appropriate. Air filters are used in indoor rehearsal spaces, and masks are always available for anyone who chooses to use one. Participants and staff are encouraged to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness and to communicate promptly with Cimarron Opera staff so we can support the health of the full camp community.

Does Cimarron require an audition to enroll in Camp?

Cimarron encourages all students to take part in our auditions during the spring semester before enrolling in camp. This audition allows for staff to have a better idea of where a student’s starting place is for the summer. Students are still able to enroll if they do not take part in auditions, but will not be considered for a lead role. Auditions will be Sunday, April 12 from 3-5pm at First Presbyterian Church Norman (555 S University Blvd, Norman, OK 73069).

What if my child has a conflict and can’t attend auditions?

We can schedule an alternate audition date if it is not possible for a student to attend the scheduled audition date on Sunday, April 12.

Do you have further questions?

Contact Alex Johnson : alex@cimarronopera.org

Cimarron Opera Theatre Camp is made possible by the Ad Astra Foundation, Allied Arts, Norman Arts Council, Walden Cleaners, First Presbyterian Church - Norman, and St. John's Episcopal Church -Norman. This project was made possible by Oklahoma Arts Sector ARPA Grants, an investment made by leaders of the State of Oklahoma, led by the Oklahoma Arts Council in partnership with Allied Arts OKC and Arts Alliance Tulsa.