The Workers' Opera
The Workers’ Opera is not a traditional opera, but its origins are in the Labor Arts Movement–it’s a live performance written and performed by workers, for workers. A combination of theater sketches, music, storytelling and humor, the Workers’ Opera is about the economic and social justice issues that impact working class people, in their own words.
Since originally conceived for Bread and Roses Missouri in 2015 by the late Agnes Wilcox and poet Freeman Word, the Workers’ Opera has become an almost-annual event that has featured over 30 workers-turned-actors.
Workers’ Opera topics have included the harmful and hidden history of Right To Work, and the effect it has on workers; why Medicaid Expansion is vital to Missouri’s working poor; why Amazon warehouse workers are fighting for safer working conditions; and why raising the minimum wage is critical for working families.
The Workers’ Opera has been performed in theatres, churches, union halls, at house parties and at the Grand Center Theater Crawl. It’s even gone on the road to Columbia to Springfield to Kansas City.
This year, we are thrilled to bringing back the Workers' Opera for 2026! Learn more about the Workers' Opera below with our FAQs. If you are interested, a conversation with our producer, Emily Kohring, is a first step. Please email her at director@breadandrosesmo.org or by clicking the button below!
Learn more about the Workers' Opera Process!
FAQs
Who Performs in the Workers' Opera?
Our actors are union members, organizers, fast-food workers, retail employees, Amazon warehouse workers and other working class people who use their creativity to lift up the voices of workers and the economic and social justice issues that concern them.
No previous performing experience is required to participate in a Workers’ Opera! We will help you build your performing skills and get you ready for an audience.
What is the time commitment?
Rehearsals begin the week of July 6 for the Workers’ Opera. Initially, the cast will meet twice per week through July and August to brainstorm and write material, and to build performing skills.
Starting in mid-September, rehearsals will increase to 4 times per week with a finished script, leading up to our “tech and dress rehearsal week” that will culminate in a weekend of performances October 9-11. There may be a few scattered performances after that, as well, through the first week of November. All rehearsals and performances of the Workers’ Opera happen in the evenings and on weekends.
I'd be getting paid, right?
YES. One of our core values is that art is labor and deserves fair compensation. All participants in the Workers’ Opera are compensated for their time in rehearsal and paid for performances. We want to honor the time you spend with us above and beyond your regular work day.
I want to participate–but I don’t want to be on stage. Is that possible?
Yes! We have had members of our cast who only wanted to be writers, or help behind the scenes. We welcome whatever level of participation feels comfortable for cast members.
Who is in charge of the Workers' Opera?
Emily Kohring, Executive Artistic Director of Bread & Roses, is the producer of the Workers’ Opera. This year’s Workers’ Opera cast is led by professional director Carl Overly, Jr., and two writing facilitators, playwrights Deanna Jent and Lize Lewy. Together, they will lead rehearsals and help the cast write and create the production. The Workers’ Opera operates as a collective–decisions are made as a group about the content of each Workers’ Opera, and each cast member has a voice in decision-making.
Will the Workers' Opera perform this year?
The Workers’ Opera will perform the weekend of October 9 - 11, 2026 for a public audience. Additional performances of all or parts of the Workers’ Opera may be scheduled after that, as requested, based on the availability of the cast members.
Alright. I'm ready to get involved! How do I sign up?
If you are interested, a conversation with our producer, Emily Kohring, is a first step. Please email her at director@breadandrosesmo.org