25 Oct Rehearsal Week: 15 Teaching Artists Get School-Ready
Before Rusalka: A Mermaid’s Tale hit the road, our teaching artists spent a week learning the show’s blocking and practicing how to lead ‘kid prep’ – the essential hour spent with the student choristers before every show. Artists learn to balance their performance routines with being encouraging mentors to their young onstage colleagues, an OFTY operastar skill.
Artist Spotlight – Vincent Fuh
TEACHING ARTIST / RESIDENT PIANIST
Madison, WI
“It’s been a privilege to be a part of OFTY’s mission for most of my professional life. It’s the closest to a calling I’ve ever known.”
Vince began working with Opera for the Young in 1997. His patient, zen-like teaching style and long tenure combine to make his one of the most recognizeable faces of OFTY on the road. Our tour of Rusalka: A Mermaid’s Tale marks Vince’s 30th season with OFTY.
WHERE ARE WE THIS MONTH?
On tour with Rusalka: A Mermaid’s Tale
WEEK OF…
OCT 12 Dane, McHenry, Winnebago, Jo Daviess (IL), Boone (IL)
OCT 19 DuPage County (IL)
OCT 26 La Crosse, Hennepin (MN), Dakota (MN), Sauk
NOV 2 Dane, Grant, Iowa, Outagamie, Shawano
NOV 9 Sauk, Dane, Cook (IL), Milwaukee
VISIT US ON THE ROAD
See a tour week in your county? Contact info@ofty.org to attend a school performance!
FEEDBACK FROM THE ROAD
“The students loved the opera, it was delightful! Keep making great productions.”
Dee Dee Calow, Principal at Warren Elementary (WI)
[Fav part of the opera?] “The Sea Urchins and the on stage choir!”
Arya, Grade 4 at Oak School (IL)
“When I was a kid, if I’d gotten to participate in something like this, I never would have forgotten it.”
Lydia Bangura, Rusalka: A Mermaid’s Tale 2026-2027 Touring Cast
SHARE YOUR STORY
Has OFTY made a difference to you? Send us a note or a photo to share your experience. Your story might appear in a future OFTY FYI! Email info@ofty.org.