Comic Artists' Nite at the Opera

a co-sponsored event by GPS, Black Hat Collective, and the MN Opera House.

As you might know, last year, the Black Hat Collective got themselves some invites to be present at two of last season's operas at the final dress/press preview night. The MN Opera enjoyed it so much, they've invited us back for the full 2011/2012 season!

Silent Night (the world premiere commission) on 11/10/2011

Werther, by Massenet, on 1/26/2012.

Lucia di Lammermoor, by Donizetti, on 3/1/2012.

Madame Butterfly, by Puccini, on 4/12/2012.

The aim of the event is to bring local comic drawing talent into the opera house for a special look at the final full dress rehearsal of each of 5 shows throughout the opera season. Participating artists are invited to the final full dress rehearsal, a pre-show bloggers reception at a local restaurant (which changes each time) and a backstage tour during intermission.

The reason we are specifically seeking comic artists is that during the rehearsal the artists get to sketch! This is a wonderful opportunity to sit down with a book, light, and your art material of choice in front of dramatic acting, elaborate costumes, and amazing sets to do what artists like best: make art.

Within a week of the show, those artists are asked to email at least one of their sketches, and a brief description of their experience to a specified person at the MN Opera. Also, they are asked to put one or more of these sketches on their own web comic page or art blog. The MN opera posts the pictures on their blog, along with the descriptions, and links to the artists other page. It's a pretty fun cross-promotional opportunity. For this reason, all participants must be a comic artist (no need to be a pro!) with a regularly updated web comic or blog.

To participate, artists must register with their name, web link, and a list of which operas, in order of preference, they wish to attend. Those who have seen fewer (or no) operas will get first claim over those who don't, but hopefully we will be able to accommodate all requests.

More Info is at our Blogspot page.