About Opera at USC
Opera at USC offers a truly comprehensive program for both graduate and undergraduate
students. It covers every facet of opera production, both on stage and behind the
scenes. Singers, directors, pianists, conductors, marketing and public relations students,
and theatrical technicians get expert teaching and intensive hands-on experience in
their respective crafts.
Opera at USC is one of only a handful of colleges and universities nationwide that
offers special training and practice for aspiring opera stage directors. You can gain
abundant practical stage experience by participating in the operas onstage or off.
Opera at USC presents two fully staged operas with orchestra each year and a one-act
opera, often with a graduate stage director. Roles are open to undergraduates and
graduates.
Master classes conducted by international opera singers, conductors, coaches and directors are held
each semester.
Voice faculty and the choral department work closely together with Opera at USC on
many projects. Learn more about the choral ensembles and the vocal studies area.
2024-25 Season
Comedy Tonight (with a little mystery on the side)
November 8–10, 2024*
Ruddigore by Gilbert and Sullivan
A comic opera in two acts, Ruddigore has a delightfully absurd plot and a twist of the supernatural. Its music is by Arthur
Sullivan, and the libretto is by W. S. Gilbert.
Friday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 10 at 3 p.m.
Drayton Hall Theatre (1214 College St., Columbia, SC)
February 28–March 2, 2025*
Puccini PLUS featuring Gianni Schicchi
Opera at USC spotlights the Italian composer Puccini. His passionate opera Gianni Schicchi depicts the life of a scheming yet ingenious peasant who tries to cash in on an old
man changing his will and securing a payoff for his daughter’s wedding.
Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 2 at 3 p.m.
Drayton Hall Theatre (1214 College St., Columbia, SC)
TBA: The first-ever USC System Regional Campuses tour
April 12-13, 2025
Opera at USC presents The Lanny and Sidney Palmer One-Act Opera Series
This year the series features “The Beautiful Bridegroom,” directed by Masters student,
Madison Supino and Les Malheurs d’Orphée, directed by Doctoral student, Veronica Page.
Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m., USC School of Music Recital Hall. Free.
Sunday, April 13 at 3 p.m., USC School of Music Recital Hall. Free.
Adults: $25
Seniors, USC Faculty & Staff, Military: $20
Students with ID: $10
You can purchase tickets online or at the door. Please note that online sales end
at 3:00 p.m. on opening day. After that, you may purchase at the door one hour before
the show. There are no refunds.
Opera Faculty