AATE 2025 National Conference

Dr. Morgan Soja and Dr. Evan Mack present a dynamic session on Dragon’s Breath, an award-winning children’s opera by composer Evan Mack and librettist Joshua McGuire. Winner of the American Prize, this charming and impactful show explores themes of coping with anger and the emotional challenges young people face. The story follows Alan, a young boy who learns to navigate his emotions and discover healthy ways to respond to life’s difficulties. Rooted in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Dragon’s Breath is designed to not only entertain but also to serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions about emotions. The presentation will delve into how the opera fosters emotional intelligence through interactive audience engagement. Participants will experience exercises used in the performance, such as acting out emotions and guided meditative breathing, which allow young audiences to explore emotional self-regulation in an accessible and creative way. Additionally, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the world premiere of Dragon’s Breath through clips from the production, showcasing the opera’s engaging storytelling, music, and interactive elements in action. Dr. Soja and Dr. Mack will also discuss the power of art as a conversation piece, emphasizing how Dragon’s Breath bridges performance and education to spark important discussions about emotional growth. They will outline plans to bring this production to wider audiences through touring, aiming to reach schools, community centers, and theaters nationwide. This session invites educators, theater practitioners, and advocates for SEL to discover how Dragon’s Breath can inspire creativity, foster emotional awareness, and build connections with young audiences and their families. Join us to explore how this work transforms art into an interactive tool for growth and understanding.