In response to the music education funding cuts in Oregon, Rogue Opera donates 250 tickets a year to disadvantaged children and their families to attend main stage productions during the 2010-2011 Season. Tickets are given away to a boy student and parent and a girl student and parent selected by the School Administration at each school visited by the Opera in the Schools outreach program. For those middle or high schools unable to participate in the Opera in the Schools program, each school will receive a total of two tickets to be distributed by the school's choral director. Community organizations such as United Way, Community Works and others that serve families in need will also receive free tickets to distribute to disadvantaged children and their families who are interested in music but are unable to afford tickets in Medford and Grants Pass. The total number of donated tickets for the 2010-2011 will exceed 250 for a value of $7,500.00.

Program Goals and Objectives

• Provide disadvantaged students and families the opportunity to attend fully staged opera productions
• Enrich the lives of every ticket recipient
• Develop new audiences amongst recipients
• Develop appreciation for opera amongst recipients

Within one year of receipt of grant monies Rogue Opera will donate 250 main stage tickets to disadvantaged children and their families.

The Tickets for Youth Program is partially funded with generous grants from the Juan Young Trust Foundation, the City of Ashland, the Carpenter Foundation and our sponsors; Charter Communications, KMED 1440, KOOL 103.5, Irelock Imaging, Harry and David, SOPTV, Lithia Motors Inc., Burrill Real Estate LLC, Noevir, Medford One Hour Martinizing, Emmaus Computing and Ashland Springs Hotel.