Show-Me Opera
Looking for real-world performance experience as a singer at Mizzou? Show-Me Opera gives undergraduate and graduate students the chance to take the stage in exciting opera and musical theatre productions—right from the start.
Open by audition, Show-Me Opera brings together motivated solo singers through the Opera Workshop course. Students work closely with faculty and professional collaborators to prepare and perform a wide range of repertoire, from classic opera to contemporary musical theatre.
Each fall, the troupe presents a dynamic scenes program, featuring highlights from operas and musicals. In the spring, students perform a fully staged opera in collaboration with the University Symphony Orchestra—plus a cabaret program that lets your personality and versatility shine.
Performances take place in the beautifully restored Missouri Theatre in downtown Columbia, giving students valuable experience in a professional setting. Show-Me Opera also supports new music by premiering operas composed by MU student composers, and engages with the community through outreach performances in local schools and organizations.
Show-Me Opera is led by Professors Christina Ray and Steven Tharp, who are passionate about helping young artists grow as performers and collaborators.
April 11 | 7 p.m.
Sheryl Crow Hall, Sinquefield Music Center
Show Me Opera presents a rich musical journey through the American folk tradition as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. Performed by students, the program explores themes of labor, justice, community, and democracy through iconic songs by artists such as Stephen Foster, Paul Simon, and Bonnie Raitt. Blending historical context with vibrant, personal performances, the production highlights folk music’s oral traditions, collaborative spirit, and continuing relevance.
Free and open to the community.
Past Productions:
- Hansel and Gretel, 2026
- The Yeomen of the Guard, 2025
- Ariodante, 2024
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2023
- Le nozze di Figaro, 2022
- Falstaff 2021
- The Pirates of Penzance 2020 (performances curtailed by Covid-19)
- The Magic Flute 2019
- A Certain Madness World Premiere 2018 By: Hans Bridger Heruth
- Alcina 2018
- Our Town 2017
- Le nozze di Figaro 2016
- Hatrack World Premiere 2016 By: Trey Makler
Top row: Left/Middle - Magic Flute 2019 | Right - Hatrack by Trey Makler - 2016 World Premiere
Middle Row: Left - Marriage of Figaro 2016 | Middle - Alcina 2018 | Right - Our Town 2017
Bottom Row: Left - Opera Scenes 2018 | Right - A Certain Madness by Hans Bridger Heruth - 2018 World Premiere
Show-Me Opera Faculty
