This past October, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Joseph DeSota, director of education and outreach at the Virginia Opera. I got a firsthand look at the difference the VO makes in the lives of children and young adults, all across Virginia.

Indeed, even I didn't realize just how inclusive the opera really was. My time with the VO culminated with a complimentary viewing of their second production of the season, "Girl of The Golden West." I'll never forget my experience. Let me now tell you why you need to be a part of this too.

I'll be honest, I thought of opera as primarily something for the upper-class, the 1% if you will. For G-d's sake, I hear the Met Opera on NPR, something that only further cemented my belief, Well, I'm happy to say I was wrong.

When I sat down with Dr. DeSota, we immediately got into what their education program does, and through our time, I learned how the opera really does have something for everyone. We began by discussing Virginia Opera's In-School Touring program.

Visiting schools across the commonwealth, the program offers 40 minute, age-appropriate programs that are fully staged, complete with costumes, scenery, and props. Bringing opera to an audience that otherwise may not be able to see it, these programs offer an invaluable, enriching experience for students and teachers alike. Speaking of enriching experiences, as Dr. DeSota explained, the emerging artists program gives talented young Virginians a chance to thrive.

The program provides training, performance opportunities, as well as networking access to valuable connections in the industry. The commonwealth has talented, exceptional young artists throughout, but many times these kids don't have access to nurture and grow their gifts. This helps them do just that. Apparently, word has gotten out as the Herndon Foundation Emerging Artists Program receives over 650 applicants annually for an average of 12-20 artist contracts.

Dr. DeSota and I then discussed everything else the opera does to help reduce barriers keeping students from seeing the opera. Virginia Opera has a "Student Night/Afternoon program" that offers discounted tickets to students and their chaperones. Virginia Opera also has a program they call "Next Generation @ the Opera."

This program erases any cost barrier for students from having liaisons in the community help find schools and groups of students as designated recipients of free tickets, underwritten by patrons of the Virginia Opera. These programs are indispensable and help make the opera accessible to literally everyone. Dr. DeSota taught me one more thing about the opera; it can be a viable career for literally anyone too.

We discussed the artists program and the other ways VO finds talented young people to grow their skills and gifts. What the Dr. pointed out though was that singing was certainly not the only way someone could work in the opera.

Sure, there are actors in the opera. but they have a whole crew of folks behind the scenes getting leading the production to *get* to the point of curtains rising. The ornate sets we see? They don't get made by themselves. Carpenters, craftspeople, and set designers all play a part in bringing a production together.

The actors also need to wear something. Fashion designers are required to get just the right look for a show. I could continue, but I think my point is made. Dr. DeSota took me and my photojournalist (thanks, Mom) on a complete tour of the facilities to really get across what it takes to bring the opera to the stage.

The opera is not merely a one percenter's paradise.I used to feel that way, but it's really not true. It's truly something for everyone. I hope to see you there.