Young Artist Development Program

This program is one of the most rewarding for us. Finding and developing talent right here at home is a passion of the staff and board of Island Opera. Our Young Artists receive special attention; role coaching, tickets to various vocal events, opportunities to perform and develop their craft, and special consideration for participation in the different programs we present.


Lina Robles has appeared in practically every Island Opera production since its inception in 2001. This fall, Lina began her professional musical theatre studies at the University of Florida. She was one of only four applicants accepted into the program out of over 500 who applied. Here is what Lina had to say about Island Opera Theatre's Young Artist Training Program: "Island Opera has been the biggest influence in my musical theatre career. By being a part of its Young Artist Program I gained so much experience and was able to meet so many amazing performers. I learned the many disciplines of theatre which have prepared me for my studies at the University of Florida in their musical theatre program. I feel that I am well prepared for this degree program in my many experiences gained from the productions I was able to participate in with Island Opera. I had experience with learning complicated music both in solo and choral work, movement and dance, and acting. The Vocal Skillbuilders Camp was a wonderful learning tool. We took instruction from many talented teachers in the fields of acting, theatre history, auditions, and music. The things I have learned from Island Opera will stay with me forever and I am very grateful to have experienced Island Opera Theatre."

Stephanie Leone is beginning her fourth year as a Young Artist. Although just a junior at Key West High School, she has a great deal of performing experience, including the role of 'Chava' in Island Opera's 2004 production of Fiddler on the Roof. She has performed in several Key West Symphony/Keys Kids productions, including the role of 'Sandy' in their 2005 production of Grease. This season, Stephanie will be appearing as 'Liat' in South Pacific.

Ralph Garcia is beginning his second year at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana as a music education major, on a full vocal scholarship. He appeared in countless Island Opera Theatre productions including Die Fledermaus, Fiddler on the Roof, La Traviata, Gilbert & Sullivan Sampler, and Can't Help Lovin' that Man. Ralph was recently cast as 'Alfred' in DePauw's upcoming production of Die Fledermaus.

Musical Imagination

Damage from hurricanes, and the subsequent scheduling changes in the schools interrupted their educational outreach during the fall and rebuilding and the FCAT's made spring scheduling a challenge. But with the help of grants by First State Bank, and the Florida Keys Council on the Arts, Island Opera was able to begin rescheduling in-school performances which will continue into the fall semester. Our Musical Imagination program was performed to the delight of students at Sigsbee and Glynn Archer elementary schools, by Performing Teaching Artists Earl Halbe, Elizabeth Halbe, Cathy Sembert and Dean Walters, accompanied by Jim Cutty. These programs will continue throughout the current school year.