ONLINE RELEASE FROM SATURDAY, JUNE 21

MORE INFO COMING SOON

”Beautiful…a tribute to the five artists, to youth, to opera of course, and to dreams and the pursuit of joy.”

- documentarian Paul Wagner, on YAPs

YAPs

a new DOCUMENTARY FILM produced by VHO

in conjunction with SINGTANK and Defiant Encore Films

Directed by Miriam Gordon-Stewart

Widespread closures threaten the very existence of live theater in America. A traditional career as an opera singer seems less and less viable.

And yet: In spite of a system stacked against them, young singers continue to follow their calling, risking everything to gain entry into fiercely competitive apprenticeship programs.

In VHO’s searing, intimate new documentary film, 5 young opera singers across America share a year of their lives with unprecedented access. What is driving their ambition? Who will “make it”? And what does success even mean to the next generation?

Cast includes Ria Ipa (mezzo-soprano), Matteo Adams (tenor), Marissa Howard (soprano), Chuanyuan Liu (countertenor) and Amandalynne Perzyk (soprano), as well as interviews with opera field experts including Marc Scorca, President & CEO of OPERA America; Brian Zeger, Director of Vocal Arts, The Juilliard School; Ariana Wehr, soprano & consultant, fmr. Dir. of Operations, SINGTANK; Kathleen Kelly, pianist/ conductor/ writer (Baylor University et al.); Kerriann Otaño, VP of Engagement, Opera Delaware; Jason Ferrante, tenor/ vocal pedagogue and YAP Consultant (Banff, Brevard et al.); Alex Fletcher (Fletcher Artist Mgmt.) and many more.

YAPs is made possible in part by a grant from Virginia Humanities. Live Screening event is supported by Light House Studio and Vinegar Hill Theatre, and Artist Sponsor Market Street Wine.

YAPs Official Trailer, below