Crossword Genius

Meet a reporter to describe upcoming work in theatre (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

operate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'meet a reporter to describe upcoming' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'work in theatre' is the wordplay.
'work' becomes 'opera' (I've seen this before).
'in theatre' becomes 'te' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'opera'+'te'='OPERATE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for operate that I've seen before include "Act in a theatre" , "Work as a surgeon" , "Work, function" , "effect" , "Cause to function" .)

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