A new opera

Composer Laura Kaminsky / Librettist Crystal Manich

Time to Act focuses on a group of adolescents preparing a production of Sophocles’ Antigone. A new student holds a dark secret that unifies the group and inspires a rewrite of the play, using their voices to address mental health and the impact of gun violence in American schools. Composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist Crystal Manich explore the long-term emotional impact of these intersecting crises on American youth. Pittsburgh Opera’s world premiere occurred in February 2026. Subsequent productions include Boston Conservatory, Opera Santa Barbara, and Opera Montana.

Synopsis

Scene 1: Eremos

Present day. A group of high school drama students, the Playmakers, prepares a production of Sophocles’ Antigone at the urging of their teacher, Robin Grace. José and Bailey are the leaders of the group while injured football quarterback Tyson is comfortable with his role as the class clown. As the Playmakers grapple with the ancient story of love, loyalty and loss, a new student, Alona, joins the group, sparking discomfort and discord, especially with Tyson. José and Alona have an instant connection. An unexpected school lockdown triggers Alona, who becomes extremely anxious . After the rudimentary safety drill, the Playmakers recall an actual event of gun violence one year prior that occurred at another school. Bailey comforts Alona as she recovers from the drill, but Alona is wary of trusting Bailey.

Scene 2: Alethia

As the Playmakers collaborate on Antigone, they discover how the ancient story is parallel to experiences in their own lives. A conversation about violence and the effectiveness of safety drills spurs Alona to reveal her dark secret: her brother was the shooter at the other school. The group becomes divided. A violent confrontation eruptsbetween Tyson and José over Tyson’s admonishment of Alona. Robin returns to the class and urges the Playmakers to unite as a team. Inspired by their discoveries after Alona’s revelation, they decide to perform the ancient play Antigone using their own words as a rite of healing and change. Tyson has no empathy towards Alona. When pressed by Bailey, he confesses his own traumatic connection to gun violence and leaves. 

Scene 3: Catharsis

In the final scene, the Playmakers, having found inspiration in Antigone, prepare to mount their own production. They want their show to spur change for the promise of a better future as they come together to support Alona. Tyson returns to the group, with an understanding of Alona’s wounds, ready to confront his own inquietude, and prepared to play the role of King Creon to her Antigone.

We made a documentary. By witnessing the creative process of the stage show Time to Act from workshop to world premiere, audiences will be inspired to see how art, empathy, and collaboration help society to process gun violence, work for change, and amplify youth voices at a time of crisis in America's schools. Stay tuned for information about where to see it! Check out our pitch video below.

Pittsburgh Opera received an OPERA America grant to support the commission as part of OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Women Composers program and a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. Commissioned by Pittsburgh Opera, Boston Conservatory, Opera Montana, Opera Santa Barbara. Published by Bill Holab Music.