The Encore Circle , founded in 1997, honors those donors who have designated a special gift to benefit the Opera in the future to ensure our progress well into the 21st century. The Atlanta Opera Studio , created as the Opera's education and outreach division, aspires to promote an understanding and appreciation of the arts among young audiences. With its touring children's opera as the foundation of its programming, the Studio's new and expanded programs include both traditional school settings and non-traditional venues such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and centers for individuals with special needs. The Studio reached 49,000 students throughout Georgia during the 1999-2000 school year. In the past two school years of expanding Studio programming, over 103,000 Georgia students have experienced at least one of the Opera's educational programs.
Students then create, produce and perform their own original works.
Opera Trunks are also available for rental to any schools who are interested. Participating schools and teachers receive study guides to prepare students for the performance. Since 1981, The Atlanta Opera Studio has toured one-act comic operas in English to schools throughout Atlanta and Georgia. The Studio will tour Mozart's The Impresario for the 2000-2001 school year in a production that is fully staged with costumes, sets, props and piano accompaniment. Following the performances, students are given the opportunity to discuss what they saw and heard with the performers in brief question and answer sessions.