The Opera Outreach Initiative was developed to make opera and the performing arts accessible to young people, and to stimulate their interest in, and understanding of, opera.

By taking opera into schools, and bringing schools to the opera, the aim is to provide new and interesting ways to present music, drama, dance and theatre.

The Outreach initiative is structured to involve students from as many subject disciplines and cultural backgrounds as possible. By exposing them to opera, the Company is widening the base of potential opera participants and audience, and ensuring that professional opera in NZ has a future.

The company's Outreach Initiative comprises:

Creative Workshops

• Giving students the chance to wholly create their own opera/ musical drama
• Giving students the chance to design their own set and costumes for an opera
• Providing students nationally with a 'mini' creative workshop over 2.5 hours (only available in alternate years when the company is touring)

Schools' Performances

An opportunity for school children to attend the final dress rehearsal (Wellington) or a matinee performance (Auckland) of the current opera.

Assistance for The NBR New Zealand Opera's Outreach Initiative is provided by Public Programmes at THE EDGE and the St James Theatre.