David DiChiera, General Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dave Blackburn

(313) 237-3403

dblackburn@motopera.org

MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE’S

LEARNING AT THE OPERA HOUSE

TO INCLUDE NEW COURSE,

MOT KIDZ TV,

A FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCTION TRAINING PROGRAM

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DETROIT, Michigan, May 5, 2006…Michigan Opera Theatre’s Department of Community Programs is pleased to announce the addition of a new course to their award winning Learning at the Opera House series—MOT Kidz TV. In cooperation with Brian Heath, and Splash Media Group, the Department of Community Programs will offer this new two-week pilot program July 31 through August 11, 2006.

MOT Kidz TV is open to students ages 14 to 18, for a fee of $300. The course will take place Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the new Ford Center for Arts and Learning at the Detroit Opera House (1526 Broadway, Detroit, 48226).

MOT Kidz TV will give students hands-on experience in the art of filmmaking. In addition to guided instruction and theory, students will learn concept development, writing, screen-writing, story board development, directing, lighting, camera operation, editing, titling, special effects and post-production. At the courses conclusion, a public screening of completed projects will be given.

MOT Kidz TV is based on Splash Media Group’s “Youth In Focus” program, which was designed to enrich the lives of young people through video and filmmaking. Led by Director and Videographer Brian Heath, Splash Media Group’s non-profit educational arm Bridge to the Future created “Youth In Focus” to introduce young people to the exhilarating and fulfilling experiences and career opportunities in film and television, by giving them a hands-on creative outlet. Mr. Heath will facilitate MOT Kidz TV.

For more information, or to register, please contact Project Leader, De’a Day 313-522-0901 or

dday@motopera.org. Registration can also be done online at www.michiganopera.org/cp/latoh.html.

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Michigan Opera Theatre, a non-profit organization, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and provides programs and services without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or handicap. Michigan Opera Theatre is supported by private donations, foundation and corporate grants, the State of Michigan through the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal Agency