Young performers, ages 8 and up, may now register to audition for a part in Sarasota Youth Opera’s fall production of Dean Burry's “The Hobbit.” This is a fully staged production with professional sets, costumes and orchestra with the Youth Opera singing most of the lead roles and chorus.  “The Hobbit” is set in Middle-earth and follows home-loving Bilbo Baggins, who joins the wizard Gandalf and the 13 dwarves, on a quest to reclaim the dwarves' home and treasure from the dragon Smaug. On this journey, Bilbo gains confidence as he draws on strength he never knew he had. In addition to performing in “The Hobbit,” fall Youth Opera members also will have the opportunity to audition to be part of the children's chorus in Sarasota Opera's 2025 mainstage production of Mascagni's “Cavalleria rusticana” and Leoncavallo's “Pagliacci”where they will sing on stage with professional opera singers. The semester starts the week of Aug. 19 and culminates with performances of “The Hobbit”on Nov. 9 and 10. Program enrollment opened on June 15 and runs through August 31. Auditions will be held by appointment. All rehearsals and performances take place at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Prep Chorus: Ages 8 and above. Must be 8 or older by Dec. 31, 2024. Tuition $225  Mixed Chorus: Ages 11 and above. Must be 11 or older by Dec. 31, 2024. Tuition $275 Tuition Assistance: Assistance is awarded on a need-based policy. Decisions are communicated upon acceptance into the program. The official rehearsal calendar will be sent out upon acceptance.   

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