New Updates From the Sarasota Opera

Since it’s performance on March 13, the Sarasota Opera has been working busily, monitoring the situation, making plans, and doing their best to continue the work in this challenging environment. Here is what Executive Director Richard Russell and Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi have to say.

1. We have not yet made any definitive changes to our schedule. We are monitoring the situation and will be making decisions about the fall season in early August.

2. Many of our patrons have been asking about our HD at the Opera House series. Although movie theaters are reopening, we are waiting a little longer to restart our film series. Given the size of our theater, we believe we can do this in a physically distanced way and are hoping to start sometime in September. Of course, we will be responding to the health situation and adjusting accordingly.

3. We are exploring opportunities for outdoor outreach events and performances in the coming months. You may have seen our OperaMobile in the news recently. That was a test run for some programs we hope to be launching soon. We will keep you informed!

4. The Sarasota Opera House is getting a thorough cleaning and sanitizing. We are reworking our cleaning protocols, so that when we reopen, you can be sure we will be using the best practices to keep you safe. 

5. When we do reopen, you will see some changes: we are implementing ticket scanning with the availability of “print at home”, mobile tickets, and contactless payments at our box office. We are making efforts to limit physical contact and streamline your experience at the Opera House. 
What we CAN tell you is that we won’t be silent this season! Even if events force us to change our plans, we will be doing performances and bringing you opera in some form. We are continuing to explore virtual performances, alternative venues, and innovative ways to have you experience the opera you love!

In other news, our talented Director of Development Stacy Ridenour, has decided to scale back her professional activities to devote more time to her family and other pursuits. During eight years as our Director of Development she and her staff have done extraordinary work, and we are grateful she will continue to be a presence at Sarasota Opera, albeit in a part-time capacity.

We are happy to let you know that Scott Guinn will assume the role of Director of Development. Scott first came to Sarasota in 2006 as a Studio Artist and after a professional career that took him to other regional opera companies including New York City Opera, he transitioned into arts administration, first with us at Sarasota Opera, then moving on to Florida Grand Opera, Knoxville Opera, and most recently Asolo Rep. He returned to us at the beginning of our Winter Season and we know that he will be a strong leader of our development team.

Please follow our email blasts, social media, and other communications to learn the latest about Sarasota Opera. Also tune in to our radio show “At Home with Sarasota Opera” on alternate Wednesdays at 6:30 on WSLR-LPFM 96.5 (also online at www.wslr.org).

Finally, we are grateful for you and your continuing support of Sarasota Opera. With your help and encouragement, we know we will come through these uncertain times and bring you the opera performances that you love.