When most people think of opera, they imagine grand stages and evening gowns—but for many North Texas students, their first introduction to opera looks more like a school cafeteria, a few rolling set pieces, and four energetic performers dressed as pigs and a wolf.
That’s exactly the point.
“Our production of The Three Little Pigs is the easiest and earliest point of connection with students and the community,” says Anthony Pound, Fort Worth Opera’s Director of Education and Community Engagement. “We think of education in three buckets: access, engage, and create. This show sits in that first bucket—access. It’s all about making opera approachable, joyful, and easy to experience.”
A Mobile Opera Experience That Comes to You
Designed primarily for kindergarten through third grade (though upper elementary and even middle school audiences have enjoyed it, too), The Three Little Pigs is a fully-staged, 35-minute opera performed by Fort Worth Opera’s Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists. The performance is followed by a 10-minute Q&A, where students get to ask the artists and pianist questions—extending the learning and interaction even further.
Best of all? The whole experience comes to your school. “We roll up in a truck, unload the full set—which includes colorful doors, benches, and costumes—and we make opera come alive right there on your campus,” Pound explains. “We’ll perform in cafeterias, gymnasiums, auditoriums—wherever there’s space for a little magic.”
More Than a Fairytale
This isn’t just a retelling of the classic story—it’s a clever, musical twist on the tale with characters like Despina, the studious sister who builds her house from bricks thanks to her love of research and library visits. Her less-focused brothers, Don Giovanni and Giuseppe, provide comic relief as they bicker and fall for the Big Bad Wolf’s tricks.
“The story is silly and interactive—Despina breaks the fourth wall and talks to the audience, asking questions and bringing them into the story,” Pound says. “It’s fun, but also educational. The message is about preparation, research, and thinking before you act.”
Another fun aspect of this performance? The entire opera is set to the music of Mozart.
“All the music is Mozart, with a libretto by Jonathan Davies,” Pound adds. “Some of it is incredibly familiar, and we just haven’t figured out how to shout that part from the rooftops yet. It makes the show feel both timeless and exciting.”
A Favorite Among Schools
Schools across the region—whether in Fort Worth, Dallas, Frisco, or beyond—have raved about the program.
“Every single school we’ve visited this year has told us this is the best children’s opera they’ve seen,” Pound notes. “The students are engaged, the teachers are laughing, and they always ask us to come back.”
Affordable and Accessible
At just $3.50 per student (with a minimum of $795 per performance), The Three Little Pigs is an accessible arts opportunity for schools across Dallas-Fort Worth. Each performance includes:
A 35-minute opera and talkback
Four professional opera singers and one pianist
Vibrant full sets and playful costumes
On-campus delivery—you just provide the space!
Additional mileage costs may apply based on location, and Fort Worth Opera is happy to work with schools to tailor a program that fits their budget or space, from masterclasses to solo performances.