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!
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.
Cost
FREE for all schools
Fall 2024 Availability
Performance dates available from September 30th to November 15th.
Technical Requirements
A piano is an asset, but Sarasota Opera can provide one if necessary.
Questions and Inquires
Please email Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.
Grade Levels
Intended for and adaptable to all grade levels (Kindergarten through 12th Grade)
To Sign Up
Standards & Benchmarks
COMING SOON
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
Registration
Chaperone Guidelines
Schools: 1 adult for every 10 students
Homeschoolers: 1 adult for every 4 students
2024-25 Season 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
Exploration Grants
COMING SOON
Questions & Inquires
Please email Martha Collins, Director of Education at [email protected] or call (941) 328-1307.
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
Exploration Grants
COMING SOON.
Availability
Throughout the year, dependent on availability of the theater.
Group Size
Maximum of 60 per group tour.
Standards & Benchmarks
COMING SOON.