Sarasota Opera

In March of 2008, the Sarasota Opera will celebrate the restoration of its building, the former Edwards Theater. When built in 1926, the theater was part of A.B. Edwards' promotion of Sarasota as a great resort city. Edwards was born north of the area that became downtown Sarasota more than 10 years before the colonists arrived from Scotland in 1885. More experienced with the frontier character of southwest Florida than with the urban centers from which many later Sarasota residents came, Edwards was a lifelong promoter of Sarasota. He sold real estate and insurance and served two terms as mayor, the first of which was just after Sarasota became a city in 1914.
Through select orchestra dress rehearsals students and educators are invited to experience the magic of live opera and interact with performers during intermissions. This is available for grades 6 and up and tickets are free!

Behind the Scenes Tours are available, free for school groups. Staff from Sarasota Opera provide students and educators with an insiders look at our historic theatre and the backstage workings of a professional opera company. Tours include (when possible) visits to our scenic, costume, and prop shops as well as Q&A sessions with professional artists and staff.