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From the Stage to the Green Screen: Walnut Hill's First Virtual Opera

May 25, 2021

Walnut Hill’s Voice Department presented an original film adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved classic The Little Prince on May 22 via YouTube. The Little Prince: A Magical Opera showcased all fourteen voice majors, recorded independently on-campus and around the globe.

Knowing how quickly and openly our students adapt to new learning techniques and ways of presenting their art, Head of Voice Teresa Winner Blume and Voice Faculty Elaine Smith-Purcell, leaned into this incredible technological opportunity to explore a variety of modes of vocal storytelling. Rather than fighting against the reality of being on-screen throughout the year, they chose to highlight technology as a central theme in this year’s opera.

Unlike any opera performed on-campus, this performance was designed specifically for the big screen. It was reduced in time from two hours to just 45 minutes and conveys the Prince's entire journey along with the lessons he encounters in life and love. Students brought this tale to life in a musical, fantastical world, created through the magic of green screens, animations, and film effects editing.

Ms. Blume and student director, Writing, Film, and Media Arts (WFMA) major Lisa Krestianinova '23, managed on-campus actors in front of green screens, while remote students filmed in their homes with direction over Zoom. The production created opportune moments for collaboration across arts departments with Visual Art major Simone Gardner '21 contributing a fully animated scene, and WFMA major Kiha Ahn '23 assisting with film editing and the creation of artistic 3D backgrounds.

All Voice majors rehearsed and recorded individually along with a customized piano track, and the final compilation was edited together digitally. Using GarageBand, Ms. Smith-Purcell tweaked each recording for tempo and key, ensuring that the final tracks sound as if everyone was recording together, in the same room.

Take a "behind-the-scenes" look at The Litte Prince's production process as featured in our Spring Crush Arts Celebration Series. Students discuss filming in their homes, with their parents behind the cameras!

Congratulations to all of the faculty, staff, students, and actors (and helpers at home) who made this virtual opera a success.

Vocal Student Performers: Katherine Clifford '22, Sam D'Amico '22, Shuyi (Sophia) Fang '22, Yuhe (Olivia) Gan '22, Kate Li '23, Marley Matejka '24, Riley Musi '23, Ravi Nguyen '23, Ava Paul '21, Alexandra Poliakoff '21,  Marian Rookey '21, Fangzhen (Angelina) Wang '22, Clark Xiong '23,  Eddie Zhou '24

Director: Teresa Winner Blume, Head of Voice

Music Director: Elaine Smith-Purcell

 

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