Voices For Change

Pensacola Opera’s Voices for Change provides unique opportunities for at-risk and disadvantaged children to experience the professional performing arts firsthand. The arts can play a crucial role for at-risk youth, especially in addressing healing and trauma. The arts provide an outlet to process their emotions so they can begin the healing process and build resiliency. Additionally, the arts develop individual creativity and self- expression, improve academic achievement, and enhance their social, cognitive, and critical thinking skills.

Each season we partner with select non-profit organizations to provide personalized opera education and exposure to the students they serve through special performances and Q&A sessions. The program culminates in the spring with a select group of students receiving a VIP experience complete with new outfits, photo shoot opportunity, and reception–before attending the Sunday matinee of one of Pensacola Opera’s mainstage productions.

As the program has grown, and in an effort to serve even more students in our community, we open the final dress rehearsal of a Pensacola Opera production to all local non- profits that serve at-risk and disadvantaged children. All children in attendance are invited to a pre-show reception and have the chance to meet and mingle with opera staff and artists.