Americolor Opera Alliance: A Journey of Artistic Discovery and Community by Leslee Christopher

For over two decades, Americolor Opera Alliance (AOA) has been a beacon of artistic excellence and community spirit in Atlanta. Dr. Sharon J. Willis founded AOA in 2001, to celebrate American and Afrocentric culture, through opera, which provides a platform for professional and amateur artists, exploring their talents and passion. AOA’s mission is to present operas and stage plays about American and Afrocentric experiences. Through performances, internships, and educational initiatives, the company seeks to enrich the cultural landscape of Atlanta and beyond.

My journey encapsulates the essence of AOA’s mission and impact. I joined the company in 2003. My apprehension about auditioning for an opera company transformed into a profound sense of belonging. I was raised in the theater in Bermuda and was prepared for the stage, but opera was uncharted territory. Although I had 20 years of classical vocal training, I never imagined performing in an opera.

When I was accepted into the company, I was dumbfounded. There was a week and a half, until opening night. I went to Dr. Willis’ office to go over the music. I thought I would be in the chorus, since they were so close to opening. Dr. Willis had other plans. She asked me to play Mrs. Beasley, a first class passenger on the Titanic, and a second character, a passenger who went down with the ship.

In less than a week, I had to learn those parts. My first rehearsal with the cast terrified me. After all, I was well aware of the reputation of opera singers, divas, and stand-off types. But this group was not full of self-absorbed performers. It was family, a community of amazing artists who knew their craft.

There were no divas with attitudes. They were performers who supported, respected, and encouraged each other. When I took my place on stage, one of the members said to everyone, “Here’s Leontyne right here. You remind me of Leontyne Price when you sing.” I was humbled.

With the support of cast members, less than a week of rehearsals, and music partially memorized, I was ready when I took to the stage on opening night. I knew how to act, it was in my blood, and I was back on stage. But, what meant the most to me was that I had found my tribe. Americolor Opera Alliance was home.

Of 16 operas and nine plays written by Dr. Willis, I played Ma Belle in The Great Divide; a Spirit Muse in The Candlers of Callan; the Blues Singer and Midnight Street Hostess The Herndon Story; Angel Chorus in Three Kings and a Prince; Gladdy Mae in Madame C. J. Walker; Julia Mae Thomas in The Pink Lady; Makeda, The Queen of Sheba in The Seduction of King Solomon; Dr. Dorothy Brantley in Reverend Sister; Vashti, Queen of Persia in Three Dream Portrait; Dominique Devereaux in The Bridge; Nurse Corley in Connect 3: Alzheimer’s, Autism and Apathy; Chorus Member in Sing Marion Sing; Carmen J in Carmen J; and Bess in Porgy and Bess.

It is an honor to be part of this amazing community of actors, dancers, vocalists. We perform new works and I stretched my wings as Artistic Director of three plays by Dr. Willis, This Flag, Victorian Secrets, and Three Dream Portraits. The AOA story continues to unfold, weaving threads of culture, creativity and camaraderie into a tapestry to celebrate the richness of American and Afrocentric experiences.

Discover more about AOA and Dr. Sharon J Willis at www.americoloropera.org See Americolor Opera Alliance on YouTube