Our Vision
Freeze Frame Opera creates bold, world-class productions that reimagine opera for today. We champion Western Australian talent, pairing emerging artists with seasoned professionals to nurture the next generation. Through inventive staging, intimate performances, and community outreach, we make opera accessible, relevant, and inspiring for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Our work celebrates the power of live performance to move hearts, challenge minds, and bring people together.
Our Story
Freeze Frame Opera has become a cornerstone of Perth’s cultural life, producing critically acclaimed productions that breathe new life into the operatic tradition. We’ve built a growing audience of opera lovers, ensuring the future of the art form in WA. Our shows have been praised for their artistic merit and unique ability to make opera exciting and relatable.
We’re proud to have established a creative infrastructure that supports career development for WA-based talent—singers, instrumentalists, designers, and directors alike. In 2019, our impact was acknowledged in a letter of commendation from John and Elizabeth Picton-Warlow, who wrote:
"FFO have had a huge impact on Perth’s operatic life. You’ve opened up opportunities for many artists and introduced a large number of people to opera—people who never imagined they would enjoy it.”
We have received multiple PAWA awards in 2022, 2024 and 2025 including winner of Best Production twice — affirming our commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to developing exciting new productions, engaging regional communities, and inspiring the next generation through touring performances in primary schools. Freeze Frame Opera is committed to keeping opera alive, vibrant, and joyfully unexpected.
Our Journey
Freeze Frame Opera has consistently demonstrated its dedication to making opera accessible, relevant, and engaging for modern audiences, while providing valuable opportunities for local artists and creatives.
1
2016 - Founding and Inaugural Production
Freeze Frame Opera was established in Perth by Harriet Marshall as a not-for-profit incorporated association and registered charity with DGR1 status.
The company launched with Opera at the Movies, a sold-out gala concert at PSAS, Fremantle, spotlighting young opera talent.
2
2017 - 2020 - Expanding Repertoire and Community Engagement
Introduces Truck Opera, taking live opera directly to communities across Perth and breaking down barriers to access to music during Covid.
2021 Schools Tours commence with The Little Mermaid going on the road to perform at 10 schools.
3
2021 - Recognition and Acclaim
August 2021: Angels & Devils received critical acclaim for its innovative approach, with reviews from Limelight Magazine and The West Australian and received three WA Performing Arts Awards: Best Production, Best Direction, and Best Performer in a Leading Role
4
2022 - Continued Excellence and Recognition
May 2022: Continued expansion of the schools touring opera with the production of Hansel and Gretel with a three year sponsorship from The Stan Perron Foundation. Seventeen schools were visited entertaining over 3000 children with a very special visit to Banksia Hill Detention centre for two shows.
5
2023 - Innovation and Outreach
August 2023: FFO continued to innovate with productions like The Princess and the Showgirl, which received multiple WA Performing Arts Awards, including Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Direction.
6
2024 - Industry Affirmation
August 2024: Winning the Arts Impact Award enabled FFO to produce The Little Prince receiving Best Production, Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Musical Direction at the 2024 PAWA awards. 66 artists were engaged for this production delighting audiences young and old.
6
2025
FFO has presented Goldilocks to over 8,000 school children. Dead Man Walking will be produced at Fremantle Prison in September, showcasing its commitment to community engagement and artistic excellence.
