Past Educational Programs
Opening Nights is committed to fulfilling our mission to provide extraordinary experiences that educate, inspire and connect diverse audiences on and off campus. Our series of campus and community educational programs provide students and the community engaging opportunities with world-class performers through master classes, workshops, school tours, Q&As, and panels at no cost.
For more information on educational opportunities, contact Calla MacNamara at cmacnamara@fsu.edu or 850.644.2469.
July 24, 2024
May 23, 2024
Jesmyn Ward is an acclaimed novelist and professor of English at Tulane University. Notable works of hers include Salvage the Bones, The Fire This Time (ed.), and Sing, Unburied, Sing. Her works center on marginalized Black communities and their struggles surrounding poverty, racism, addiction, and incarceration. She is the first African American woman to be […]
On Friday, March 8th students at the FSU School of Theatre were given the opportunity to observe and participate in a masterclass taught by Mandy Patinkin. Mandy Patinkin’s illustrious career precedes him. He is an American actor and singer known for his roles in theater, the concert stage, film, television, and as a recording artist. […]
On Thursday, March 21st, Damn Tall Buildings performed at James S. Rickards High School for more than 300 high school students, hosted by Opening Nights in Class. With a name that turns heads, Damn Tall Buildings is an eclectic, three-piece bluegrass group with members Max Capistran (guitarist/lead vocalist), Sasha Dubyk (bassist/lead vocalist), and Avery Ballotta […]
On Friday, March 8th students at the FSU School of Theatre were given the opportunity to observe and participate in a masterclass taught by Mandy Patinkin. Mandy Patinkin’s illustrious career precedes him. He is an American actor and singer known for his roles in theater, the concert stage, film, television, and as a recording artist. […]
During the week of February 20th to 24th, Shana Tucker graced the stage of eight Leon County elementary schools, impacting over 1,400 students. She entered each school in vibrant attire, mirroring her effervescent personality, excited and eager to captivate young minds. Shana exuded warmth, fostering an interactive and educational atmosphere in her performances. She incorporated […]
On Tuesday, February 13th, Miguel Solano, a captivating performer from the boundary-breaking contemporary ballet group Complexions, hosted a series of masterclasses for Tallahassee’s aspiring dancers. Complexions’ philosophy of innovation and fusion permeated Miguel’s teaching, resulting in an energetic and fast-paced session. He fostered open dialogue, encouraging participants and emphasizing that mistakes are stepping stones to […]
On Thursday, February 1st, the renowned classical crossover quartet, ‘Sons of Serendip,’ graced the stage, entertaining students from four Leon County middle schools. Enthusiastic attendees from Cobb, Griffin Raa, and Woodville middle schools traveled to Tallahassee Community College, eagerly anticipating an extraordinary live performance. Sons of Serendip captivated the audience with repertoire that seamlessly blended […]
Dance Theatre of Harlem hosted two masterclasses the day before their much anticipated public performance. Hosted at the FSU School of Dance, students from FSU, Tallahassee Ballet and Ballet Arts Conservatory of Tallahassee got on point with two dancers from the company. For the public performance, all participants from the masterclass and other local organizations, […]
