While opera often gets little attention in San Diego, its fans are no less fervent than those found at a Casbah indie-rock show. Take, for example, the Point Loma Opera Theatre (PLOT) at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU). Founded by students in 2009 when the university was unable to financially maintain its opera program, students mounted an operation using a combination of letter writing and concerts at venues — ranging from retirement centers to churches — to spread the word about their organization. By November 2009, enough funds had been raised to stage dual productions of Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas” and Giaccomo Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi.” This year, the Point Loma Opera Theatre will stage Jules Massenet’s 1894 adaptation of the classic “Cinderella” story “Cendrillon” at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 18 at PLNU’s Crill Performance Hall. The performance was originally planned to begin Wednesday, Nov. 10, but organizers said an unexpected death will divert most of the cast members to memorial services that same date. The opera is performed in French with English subtitles projected. According to PLOT President Lisa Jordan, who will perform the lead role on several of the production run dates, the reasons for this year’s production choice was pragmatic. “‘Cendrillon’ was the best choice overall because the roles are the best vocal fit for our singers at PLNU,” Jordan said. “Our musical advisor, Dr. John Craig Johnson, also directed the same opera at another university a few years back. His expertise ensures that this is possible to produce at a smaller university.” She said audience familiarity with the storyline’s original version plays a factor. “‘Cendrillon’ is one that is very accessible to audiences since it is a story that most know about since an early age,” she said. “Because it is a story that people are familiar with, it makes the experience of coming to an opera for the first time enjoyable and comfortable.” Though this is a small production, there are still massive amounts of work involved getting things off the ground, she added. “All operas are extremely involved,” Jordan said. “For ‘Cendrillon,’ we started preparing in January.” “Cendrillon” has a 29-member cast made up of students, faculty, alumni and community members. “For auditions, we bring in an outside panel of opera experts to cast the opera for that season to ensure no casting biases,” Jordan said. “Cendrillon” casting judges included baritone Aram Barsamian and the play’s director, Hannah Ryan.  “The opera requires a tremendous amount of commitment from the cast, who not only prepare for months to be able to successfully produce these fantastic works for the community, but also who must raise the necessary funds to make these programs a reality,” Jordan said. The Point Loma Opera Theatre — a member of the Point Loma Association — is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization run by eight student board members whose responsibilities include selecting the opera, stage director, artistic vision, set production, public relations and working out the production logistics. They use minimalism in staging. “We focus more on the performers to make the show magical, not the set,” Jordan said. “However, with the help of donations from family, friends and community members, we are able to use their support to create a fantastical production of a storybook fairytale. Everyone loves an escape. With ‘Cendrillon,’ people can escape into an enchanted world of fairy godmothers, evil stepmothers and magical glass slippers — all with amazing young singers.” The dedication of PLOT members is really the driving force, according to Cara Mae O’Doniel, PLOT’s artistic director who also performs the role of La Fee (the Fairy Godmother). “I feel that this production is fairly elaborate, considering that we are all amateurs,” said O’Doniel. “We have several different departments focused on making sure that things like publicity, advertising, set building, costume making, marketing, art, etc., get taken care of. “Granted, all those departments have only one or two people each, but it’s the fact that there are extremely dedicated students who are controlling this production — not [controlled by] an opera company — that makes the difference,” she said. “I think that makes us very unique. We are our own entity, if you will.” O’Doniel said support and guidance from professors and from the school itself helps greatly. Beyond staging a successful production, Jordan and the other PLOT board members hope their efforts also help connect opera to a younger crowd. “This endeavor is created by college students,” Jordan said. “Thus, we have a special desire to share our passion for opera with our fellow students. Most young people have a skewed sense of opera as this boring, long show with a fat lady wearing a horn helmet. PLOT wants to share with everyone how magical this art form really is.” “Cendrillon” takes place at Crill Performance Hall, located at3900 Lomaland Drive. Tickets range from $8 to $12. For tickets and more information, visit www.pointlomaoperatheatre.com.