An Opera Theatre (AOT) was founded in 2018 with a mission to produce socially relevant works to break down the barriers of the classical art form and bring communities together.
As the Twin Cities’ boldest opera company, guided by our core vision of Art To Action, we return opera to its original purpose: a platform for civic discourse that amplifies voices historically pushed to the margins. We honor the ancient, multicultural roots of the art form while boldly pushing it toward an intercultural, decolonized future, creating opera experiences that are urgent, inclusive, and deeply connected to today.
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AOT’s inaugural production. Gian Carlo Menotti’s masterpiece on immigration, presented in partnership with The Advocates for Human Rights
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A raw, community-driven celebration of Black joy and resilience
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A new commission created with Women’s Advocates; permanently archived in the Library of Congress (2021)
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“My spirit sings” in Dakota
Opera film honoring the life and legacy of Zitkála-Šá; currently on a regional screening tour
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Electrifying new production blending live opera with shadow puppetry
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DIVAS & DRAG (annually)- D&D showcases the art of Drag and the spectacle of Opera as local Drag and Opera artists forge their brilliance for unforgettable mashups celebrating self-expression through the most spectacular art forms ever to grace the stage.
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LANDMARK AOT PRODUCTIONS
BEYOND the stage
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BEYOND the stage 〰️
VOICE
LAB
A free, monthly singing workshop
A joyful, no-pressure peer-to-peer space for singers of every genre, background, and experience level. No auditions.
No barriers. Just voice, community, and growth.
OPERA IMMERSION
Year-round creative partnerships with Gordon Parks High School, South High School, and Lionsgate Academy.
We’ve replaced “opera history” lectures with hands-on training in storytelling, expression, collaborative leadership, and finding your personal voice. We’re not just teaching opera, we’re raising the next generation of artists and curious audiences in the Twin Cities!
Feeling inspired?
We truly cannot do what we do without support from people like you. Help us to continue to bring great and meaningful art to our community! Every gift makes a difference; we are grateful for whatever you can offer.
Your donations today go directly towards the following:
Education Immersion Programming
Teaching artists
Artist fees
Production Costs
Organizational Support
Want to designate your funds to a specific cause? Contact us to learn more about how a larger donation can be delegated towards what YOU want to help us with.
