Be part of an award-winning and innovative tradition. Lawrence students, faculty, and productions are consistently recognized with prestigious awards.

The award-winning opera curriculum is an important element of singer training at Lawrence and is uniquely designed with the specific needs of the undergraduate singer in mind. The curriculum is divided into technique-building classes and performance experiences using the techniques garnered in those classes, selections of which are outlined below. The classes and productions establish an environment for the student to incrementally build and hone the craft of a skilled singing actor.

Recently, Lawrence students have received recognition for:

Alcina (2023)

  • Finalist, The American Prize, Opera Production, college/university division

The Nefarious, Immoral, but Highly Profitable Enterprise of Mr. Burke and Mr. Hare (2022)

  • 2nd place, The American Prize, Virtual Performance, college/university division

Suor Angelica/Curlew River (2022)

  • 3rd prize, National Opera Association - Best Opera Production, Division 4
  • Finalist, The American Prize, Opera Production, college/university division

The Marriage of Figaro (2021)

  • 3rd place, The American Prize, Opera Production, college/university division

I pagliacci (Nedda/Silvio duet) (2020)

  • 1st place, National Opera Association - Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition, Division 1

Mass (Bernstein) (2020)

  • 3rd prize, National Opera Association - Best Opera Production, Division 4
  • 3rd prize, The American Prize, Opera Production, college/university division

Gianni Schicchi (2019)

  • 2nd place, National Opera Association - Best Opera Production, Division 2

Opera Scenes: Spring Awakening, "Word of Your Body (Reprise)" (2019)

  • 2nd prize, National Opera Association - Collegiate Opera Scenes competition, musical theatre division

Le comte Ory (Count Ory) (2019)

  • 1st prize, National Opera Association - Best Opera Production, Division 4
  • Judges' Citation, The American Prize, Opera Production, college/university division

Hydrogen Jukebox (2017)

  • 1st prize (tied with The Beggar's Opera below), The American Prize - Best Opera Production, college/university division
  • 3rd prize, National Opera Association - Best Opera Production, Division 4

Straight from the Hip: An Evening of Improvised Micro-Operas on Gun Presence in Our Community (2017)

  • 3rd prize, National Opera Association - Best Opera Production, Division 1

The Beggar's Opera (2016)

  • 1st prize (tied with Hydrogen Jukebox above), The American Prize - Best Opera Production, college/university division
  • 1st prize, National Opera Association - Best Opera Production, Division 6
  • 1st place, Best of Local Productions, Warren Gerds, critic for Channel 5 WFRV (164 total productions in both local and professional categories)

Expressions of Acceptance: An Evening of Improvised Micro-Operas (2016)

  • 3rd prize (tie), National Opera Association - Best Opera Production, Division 1

Opera Scenes: Le nozze di Figaro, Act 3 Sextet (2016)

  • 1st prize, National Opera Association - Collegiate Opera Scenes competition, Division 1

The Tender Land (2015)

  • 2nd prize, National Opera Association - Best Opera Production, Division 2

Highlights & Features
Music & Arts

"Breathe" - a multidisciplinary water opera

Breathe: a multi-disciplinary water opera, is an ethereal production that utilizes the Lawrence University Buchanan Kiewit Wellness Center as the performance space.