Illinois Opera Theatre Enthusiasts (1990-2015) | University of Illinois Archives

Name: Illinois Opera Theatre Enthusiasts (1990-2015)

Historical Note: The Illinois Opera Theatre Enthusiasts (IOTE) were founded during the fall 1990 semester when a community of local opera enthusiasts formed a support group to aid the faculty, staff, and students of the University of Illinois' School of Music opera division which was renamed the Illinois Opera Theatre that year. With the School of Music' encouragement, the IOTE solicited additional members from the local community and began planning activities that would support the productions of the Illinois Opera Theatre. The organzation funded its first Award for Excellence for the amount of $150 in 1994, which was awarded to an exemplary student. The award amount increased for each subsequent year until it reached $1,000 for two students annually. IOTE also created the Encouragement Award, which is a $500 award that is recieved by two students annually. Since 1997, IOTE contributes an amount of $2,000 to fund one opera production each season. In 1998, this amount was increased to $2,500, and it was raised to $5,000 in 2007. IOTE also supports student access to dress rehearsals of the Lyric Theatre of Chicago.