A group of very excited local students will have the opportunity to take to the stage and sing in a professional opera production, when they join the cast of Opera Australia's La Bohème.

Ten choir members from years 5/6 at St Patrick's Primary School will play a role in the production when it comes to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC) on Saturday, 6 September.

The students are currently in rehearsal with guidance from teacher Brigid Malcolm, who had approached WPACC to see if the opportunity for student participation in Opera Australia productions had returned, after it had been postponed during the COVID years.

Ms Malcolm said the school was pleased to find out they could indeed get involved, and with their large school choir numbering over 35, students in year 5/6 were invited to take part.

"It has worked out beautifully as the opera this year is in Italian and this ties in perfectly for our students, as they are learning Italian as part of their curriculum at school," she said.

"Rehearsals are going well - we have been meeting at lunchtimes once a week - and we will be commencing auditions for the solo next week.

"Students are extremely excited about the incredible opportunity, not only learning a new genre to sing, as well as singing in Italian.

"They are also incredibly excited about the opportunity to be working with such a high calibre of professionals in the industry."

Ms Malcolm said Opera Australia provided a wide selection of resources to prepare the students and they have been thrilled to see the props, costuming and staging involved in the show.

They will be heading to WPACC soon to prepare the students for what is expected backstage and their staging positions.

The student choir has three excerpts of music to learn and will take to the stage in full costume in Act 2, playing children who are excited to see Parpignol (a man selling toys) - following him in and out of scenes before returning to the stage for the finale.

WPACC venue manager Tanya Camplin said it was a fantastic opportunity for WPACC and Opera Australia to collaborate with local students; rehearsing onstage with a professional cast and orchestra, then performing in costume that night, side by side with some of Opera Australia’s finest singers.

"We are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to local students as part of our ongoing partnership with Opera Australia and commitment to bringing high quality theatre to the venue and Wangaratta audiences," she said.

Tickets for the performance are available at wpacc.com.au/Whats-On/La-Boheme-Opera-Australia.