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.



Isata Kanneh-Mason to Release Fanny Mendelssohn’s Newly Rediscovered “Easter” Sonata

A piece previously attributed to the composer’s brother Felix, in a ground-breaking album that celebrates equality among the siblings’ music The pianist also set to perform at the First Night of the BBC Proms 2024 New Album ‘Mendelssohn’ to be released August 9, 2024 on Decca Classics As she prepares to open the 2024 BBC […]

Jesmyn Ward

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 […]

Damn Tall Buildings

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 […]

Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend spend the day at FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts

The students act out a scene in the greenscreen settings Local Tallahassee students from the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend experienced a day in the life as Florida State University film school students through a special partnership between Opening Nights at FSU and the College of Motion Picture Arts, sponsored by Prime […]

Mandy Patinkin

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. […]

Shana Tucker

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 […]

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

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 […]