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Access All Areas 2027

About the program

Open young minds to a new experience

Every year, Victorian Opera delivers an education-focused performance for its Access All Areas program. It offers a chance for primary school students to not only watch a performance, but also to understand how it was made, who made it, and ask questions.

We are proud to present original Australian opera, The Selfish Giant, in Term 2 2027. 

Since its publication in 1888, Wilde’s timeless tale has captivated young readers with the story of a cantankerous giant who discovers the joy and beauty that come from opening one’s heart. After banishing children from his garden, the Giant is plunged into an endless Winter until the children’s secret return brings the warmth and colour of Spring, teaching him the true richness of generosity.

Premiered in 2019, this award‑winning adaptation was created by two of Victorian Opera’s former Developing Artists: composer Simon Bruckard and librettist Emma Muir‑Smith. Their 60‑minute production blends playful, eclectic music with heartfelt storytelling, performed in English and perfect for young audiences.

In-theatre & Online combined

Open the doorway to opera and musical theatre

Take advantage of this four-week program that features interactive workshops and a performance of The Selfish Giant live on stage at one of three venues (Nunawading, Preston and Narre Warren).

What's involved

Four interactive workshops are live-streamed direct to classrooms across Victoria, allowing students to:

  • Explore the world
  • Learn about the process of designing and creating the world of the production through costumes, sets and lighting,
  • Meet and hear the opera singers starring in the production
  • Discover how the director shapes the action on stage
  • Observe an orchestral rehearsal.

The four-week program concludes with a performance of The Selfish Giant live on stage, or available to stream live and on-demand.

How to view

All content is easily accessed online via the Access All Areas viewing portal and available on demand for six months, to better suit individual school timetabling.

Workshop Dates & Times

Workshops will be streamed to schools weekly in the lead up to performances of The Selfish Giant.

Each workshop runs for approximately 25 minutes.

  • Workshop 1: What is opera?
  • Workshop 2: The Magic Pudding: The Opera
  • Workshop 3: Creating the world
  • Workshop 4: The orchestra

Performance details

  • The Round, Nunawading – Friday 7 May 2026, 10:30am and 1:00pm (relaxed performance)
  • Darebin Arts Centre – Friday 14 May 2026 ,  10:30am
  • Bunjil Place – Friday 21 May 2026, 10:30am and 1:00pm (relaxed performance)

 

In-theatre pricing

  • $16 per student with 1 teacher free for every 10 students
  • $16 per additional teacher

How to book

Register your interest

  • Register now to receive booking details and early access to school performance dates.

Book by phone:

  • Direct bookings via venue not currently available.

 

Online Only

Not located within traveling distance to one of the venues?

All Victorian schools with primary aged students can take part in Access All Areas, regardless of location.

Schools outside of Victoria can still take part at only $1.00 per student.

All four interactive workshops and the performance are live-streamed direct to classrooms to suit your timetable.

 

What's involved

Every year, Victorian Opera delivers an education-focused performance for its Access All Areas program. It offers a chance for students to not only watch a performance, but also to understand how it was made, who made it, and ask questions.

Four interactive workshops are live-streamed direct to classrooms, allowing students to:

  • Explore the story
  • Learn about the process of designing and creating the world of the production through costumes, sets and lighting,
  • Meet and hear the opera singers starring in the production
  • Discover how the director shapes the action on stage
  • Observe an orchestral rehearsal.

The four-week program concludes with a performance of The Magic Pudding streamed live from the theatre and available on-demand.

How to view

All content is easily accessed online via the Access All Areas viewing portal and available on demand for six months, to better suit individual school timetabling.

Workshop dates & times

Workshops will be streamed to schools weekly from April 2027 in the lead up to performances of The Selfish Giant.

Each workshop runs for approximately 25 minutes.

  • Workshop 1: What is opera?
  • Workshop 2: The Selfish Giant
  • Workshop 3: Creating the world
  • Workshop 4: The orchestra

Performance details

  • Streamed live from Bunjil Place on Friday 21 May 2027, 10:30 am and available on-demand.

Online pricing

Sponsored by the Victorian Government, free for all schools located within Victoria.

$1.00 per student for any school outside Victoria.

How to book

Book by phone:

Contact

For further enquiries or assistance, contact our Education Team via email or phone (03) 9012 6659 (Monday to Friday, 10:00am – 4:00 pm).

Sponsors

Behind The Scenes

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The Round, Nunawading

379-399 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading 3131

Darebin Arts Centre

401 Bell St, Preston 3072

Bunjil Place

2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren, Victoria, 3805