School Programs

Opera combines thrilling music with compelling stories that are told with deep emotional commitment! We look forward to sharing the wonder of opera with all ages. Explore the programs and performances offered below. See you at the opera!

INVITATION TO OPERA

Students and teachers are invited to attend orchestra dress rehearsals for free!
Come experience the uniqueness of live opera and interact with performers during intermissions!
The English text is projected above the stage, so all the action is easy to follow!

Cost

FREE for school and homeschool groups

Standards & Benchmarks

COMING SOON

To Sign Up

https://form.jotform.com/240954267693165

Questions & Inquires

Please email Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.

2025 Opportunities

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE by Gioachino Rossini
Thursday, February 20, 12:00 - 3:30
Sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage

Determined to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina, Count Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville, to steal her away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Hilarious complications ensue to some of opera's most delightful and memorable music that make this opera one of the most beloved comedic works in the operatic repertory.

To read the full synopsis click:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Barber_of_Seville

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Thursday, March 6, 12:00 - 4:00
Sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage

In this captivating tale of love, deception and wit, Count Almaviva is interested in a dalliance with his maid, Susanna. Despite the many obstacles thrown in their way Susanna, her fiancé Figaro and the Count's wife conspire to expose the Count's duplicity. Mozart's musical genius and an exceptionally witty libretto make the Marriage of Figaro one of opera's masterpieces.

To read the full synopsis click:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Marriage_of_Figaro

STIFFELIO by Giuseppe Verdi
Thursday, Mar. 13, 12:00 - 3:30 PM
Sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage

A protestant minister returns from a mission abroad only to be confronted by his wife's infidelity. Stiffelio battles his all-too human reactions and emotions with his religious faith. Written just before Rigoletto, this long neglected, emotionally charged work is now recognized as an important opera by the great Verdi.

To read the full synopsis click:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiffelio

Grade Levels

We encourage teachers to review the synopsis of the opera or speak with our Director of Education to discuss appropriateness of content for specific age groups.
Contact Martha Collins / [email protected] / 941-328-1307

Chaperone Guidelines

Schools: 1 adult for every 10 students
Homeschoolers: 1 adult for every 4 students

OPERA HOUSE TOUR AND CAREER EXPLORATION

Experience the thrill of standing on the opera stage! Explore the Opera House through interactive tours highlighting the history of the Opera House, its connection to Sarasota, and careers in the arts. Tours include visits to the backstage area, the scenic, costume, and prop shops as well as Q&A sessions. When available, the tour will culminate with a short performance of opera excerpts by our Professional Resident Artists.

Students will:
• Explore connections to social studies, visual arts, theatre arts, and music
• Learn about the many careers within the arts, both on and off the stage
• Identify the duties of some of backstage careers at the Opera House
• Examine the history of the Sarasota Opera House
• Gain an understanding of the economic and civic importance of the arts in the Sarasota region

Cost

FREE for school groups!

To Sign Up

Please contact Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.

Fall 2024 Opera House Tour & Career Exploration (jotform.com)

Grade Levels

Intended for grades 4 and up

Availability

Throughout the year, dependent on availability of the theater.

Group Size

Maximum of 60 per group tour.

Standards & Benchmarks

COMING SOON.

OPERA ARTISTS IN SCHOOLS

A visit to your school or classroom by the Sarasota Opera Resident Artists will introduce your students to the thrilling world of opera. Through a performance of opera excerpts and Q&A, students will learn about the basics of opera, theater, careers in the arts, music terms and more.