by Carole Langley

In 2018, Opera in the Ozarks was approached by a philanthropist about the possibility of building new facilities for the IPFAC campus. Improved facilities would dramatically raise the profile of the eight-week summer program, allowing for new artistic possibilities and strengthening the program’s attraction among young performers and audiences alike. These facilities would also open up opportunities for new activities to take place at IPFAC year-round, including partnerships with other organizations.

To assist in exploring the opportunities and implications new facilities could bring, Opera in the Ozarks hired WolfBrown, a nationally recognized consulting practice. WolfBrown spoke to a variety of stakeholders, ranging from potential users of the new facilities to peer vocal training programs, in order to understand the regional needs that new facilities could fulfill and the ways in which new facilities could enhance the core summer training program. While Opera in the Ozarks is still early in conversations about this potential transformation, WolfBrown will be working in close collaboration with staff to develop a plan for the utilization of new facilities.

After their discussions with Mr. Brown, the Governing Board voted unanimously to continue with this project and to begin preparations needed to meet the challenges of growth needed as we undertake this exciting new opportunity.