Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Series
Title
2026 Addition
Date(s)
- 1997-2005 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Administrative history
Established by Marla Forbes in 1996; the Highland Park Opera Studio brought classic opera to the North Shore suburbs at a modest price. The Opera Studio's articulated mission was "to produce high quality, creatively narrated and edited opera, in an intimate and convenient North Shore location." The organization produced a variety of programs in local theaters and school auditoriums, including Fra Noi, Madam Butterfly, Traviata, Die Fledermaus, The Magic Flute, La Bohème, the Barber of Seville, and the Marriage of Figaro. The organization's named evolved to Opera Theatre of Highland Park. The name changed to Opera Theatre North in 2004.
Originally described as an “upstart crow” in comparison to the other local opera houses in the area, the Highland Park Opera Studio partnered with the Lyric Opera House of Chicago, the Highland Park Cultural Arts Commission, schools, and other local businesses to champion the support and education of the fine arts in Highland Park and environs. The Highland Park Community House served as performance location for the first 5 years, later expanding to other venues such as the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie and schools.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
An addition to the Opera Theatre North records that was donated at a later date, and which describes the activities of the Opera Theatre North from 1997 to 2005. It contains newspaper clippings from local newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune and the Pioneer Press; publicity and media content; pamphlets and a poster; email correspondence; administrative records; a rehearsal and performance schedule; an Opera Theatre North Fact Sheet; and magazine entries.
System of arrangement
The files are arranged chronologically.
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Languages of the material
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Ticket sales and order confirmation receipts were weeded due to personally identifiable information and shredded.