Creative OPERAtions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Monmouth County, NJ, dedicated to sharing the transformative power of opera, classical music, and the arts. We provide accessible performances for those with limited access to the arts, while also engaging the general public. Our past performances have reached audiences in collaboration with local food pantries, senior centers, and underserved communities, as well as partnerships with local businesses, where we blend connections, culture, and entertainment.
Our Mission
To reimagine opera and the arts as vibrant, inclusive experiences that break down barriers and build bridges. Creative OPERAtions strives to inspire connection, empathy, and joy through bold artistry and innovative programming. By championing accessibility and fostering a lifelong love for the arts, we aim to spark curiosity, cultivate creativity, and connect diverse communities through the transformative power of music and storytelling.
Leadership
Corinne Schaefer – Founder/Artistic Director – Creative OPERAtions
Soprano Corinne Schaefer is a dynamic performer and producer dedicated to expanding the reach of opera and classical music. After spending seven years performing in Germany—including in The Phantom of the Opera—she returned to Monmouth County, NJ, in 2020, bringing with her a wealth of stage experience in opera, musical theater, and concerts.
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She has performed leading and featured roles across a diverse operatic repertoire and appeared as a soloist with orchestras and ensembles in the U.S. and Europe. Passionate about making the arts more accessible, Corinne is the founder and artistic director of Creative OPERAtions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using the power of opera and classical music to build community, create meaningful connections, and make these art forms inclusive for all.
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A graduate of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music (BM, Vocal Performance), Corinne was also a Resident Artist at the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.
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For more information on Corinne click here.
Jeremiah Dixon – Communications & Development Intern – Creative OPERAtions
Jeremiah Dixon is a fifth-year senior at Monmouth University majoring in Communications. Born in Harlem, New York, he now lives in West Orange, New Jersey. He is excited to begin his professional journey, expand his skills, and contribute here at Creative OPERAtions while continuing to learn and grow.
Our History
Since its founding, Creative OPERAtions has been dedicated to making opera and classical music accessible, using the voice as a powerful tool for connection, nourishment, and well-being. Through Feed the Soul, our community performance initiative, we present free concerts paired with shared meals in partnership with organizations addressing food insecurity, including The Backpack Crew, Meal at Noon, Reformation Community Food Pantry, The Feast Heartwarming Center, JBJ Soul Kitchen, and the Count Basie Center Turner Academy of the Arts.
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Creative OPERAtions also develops immersive and engaging performances that bring music into dialogue with history, culture, and everyday life. Our Americana Concert Series, sponsored by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, blended music with local history, while productions such as Berlin to Broadway, A Night at the Opera, and Opera After Dark have invited audiences to experience opera and musical theater in innovative, intimate settings. We also present performances tailored to specific community needs, including American Classics: Weill, Gershwin, & Bernstein in Concert at Seabrook Senior Living Community for senior audiences, with an encore free public concert offered through the Monmouth County Parks System.
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Recognized with grants and awards from Monmouth Arts, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, and the Apgar Foundation, Creative OPERAtions continues to expand its reach, emphasizing accessibility, emotional engagement, and the power of shared musical experience. In our upcoming season, we remain committed to immersive performances, community partnerships, and the belief that opera and classical music foster connection, joy, and well-being for all.
How We Use Your Support
Creative OPERAtions is a project-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization where every dollar raised goes directly to our events, performances, and initiatives. We are dedicated to creating impactful artistic experiences and making classical music accessible to all. Our commitment is to use our resources efficiently, ensuring that our projects foster community engagement and artistic excellence.
