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.
Our History
Since its founding, Creative OPERAtions has been dedicated to bringing transformative performances to the community. Through Feed the Soul, our community performance initiative, we provide free concerts and meals in partnership with organizations addressing food insecurity. This initiative has grown to include partnerships with organizations such as 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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In addition to Feed the Soul, we launched the Americana Concert Series, sponsored by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, which blends music and local history in collaboration with libraries and historical societies. Our immersive performances, such as Berlin to Broadway and A Night at the Opera, produced in partnership with 3BR Distillery, have engaged audiences and raised vital support for our mission.
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Creative OPERAtions has been recognized with grants and awards from Monmouth Arts, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, and the Apgar Foundation, reflecting our ongoing impact. We continue to expand our reach, including presenting American Classics: Weill, Gershwin, Bernstein in Concert at Seabrook Senior Living Community, an accessible performance designed for audiences with memory care needs and mobility challenges. This production will also be offered as a free public concert through a collaboration with the Monmouth County Parks System.
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Looking ahead, we remain committed to innovative programming, including future collaborations, immersive performances, and our 4th annual Feed the Soul event on October 23, 2025. With each season, Creative OPERAtions strives to make opera and classical music more accessible while using the power of performance to foster connection and community.
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.
