Community programs

There's no better time to instill a love of music and opera in young people than during their childhood. Designed to educate, encourage discussions and discovery, and entertain, we hope you enjoy this content, and invite you to share it with your friends! 

Enjoy this annual activity-filled day and share your love for opera with family members of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the orchestra pit or the stage, or enjoying hands-on demonstrations of operatic stagecraft and costume try-ons, there’s something for everyone. 

Through digital initiatives geared towards keeping children engaged, operas created for young audiences, and our annual Family Day at Lyric, Lyric is committed to offering gateways to storytelling for the whole family. 

Lyric offers free dress rehearsal passes for Chicago Public School students in grades 6-12. Passes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

This program brings live performances of youth-focused operas in neighborhood venues throughout the Chicago area. Programmed for grades 3-6, Opera in the Neighborhoods is free to schools with a suggested donation, and bus scholarships are available for qualifying Chicago Public schools. 

Lyric serves elementary through high school students and teachers with school residency programs, teacher workshops, backstage tours, and special performances.

EmpowerYouth!: Igniting Creativity through the Arts is a groundbreaking partnership with the Chicago Urban League that immerses teenagers in the creation of an original performance. Participants work with professional artistic staff and program facilitators in learning how principles of performance, the written word, music, and dance can translate to their everyday lives.

Lyric is proud to offer opportunities for teenagers to engage with other art-loving young people in Chicago.

Join us in the Ardis Krainik Theater one hour before your opera performance begins for a free, 30-minute preview talk. Hosted by an opera expert, our pre-opera lectures allow you the unique opportunity to learn about the historical context of the opera, the music that makes it classic, and the creators behind each masterpiece.

Whether you're a life-long aficionado or a first-time opera goer, Lyric offers a growing number of introduction and enrichment experiences. These unique initiatives enable Lyric to more deeply engage its patrons while providing new audiences an opportunity to explore the world of opera.