Wesley Balk Opera/Music-Theater Institute

Program Dates: June 21st - July 11th, 2026

The Wesley Balk Opera/Music-Theater Institute is unlike any other professional development program in the country. Now in its 48th year, the Institute builds upon the basic skills of singing, acting, and moving, and unifies these essential musical and theatrical components into integrated performance for all styles of musical storytelling.

The Institute is dedicated to developing radiant performers — those singer-actors who, regardless of genre, communicate a strong sense of vulnerability and performance by taking risks that express emotional depth, breadth, and nuance as they respond to intuitive impulses with spontaneity and freedom. Radiant performers demonstrate a balance of skills and confidence in their musical, emotional, and physical expression; commit to the disciplines of the craft and lifelong learning; and communicate an individual artistic voice of unique and creative expression.

This intensive three-week session features an outstanding staff of instructors who create a stimulating and challenging environment, providing respectful observation, support, and instruction by focusing on individual growth instead of competition or comparison. Special attention is given to ways in which a radiant performer interacts with their material, their artform, their colleagues, and their community.

Since its inception, the Institute has had a profound impact upon hundreds of participants who have found its concepts applicable to all styles of performance, ranging from traditional opera to Broadway musicals to new and experimental music-theater.