Rootabaga Country Schooltime Performance

Monday, November 9, 2026

 

Date and Time

Monday, November 9
Arrive by 10:00 AM
(South Sarasota County Schools may arrive after 10 AM, if needed.)

Performance starts at 10:30 AM
60 minutes long with 
no intermission

Please have your students use the restroom when they arrive!

Location

Sarasota Opera House
Downtown Sarasota
61 N. Pineapple Avenue

Cost

FREE!

Transportation Provided Courtesy of Embracing Our Differences

Tickets Provided Courtesy of Sarasota Opera

 

 

 

What

Inspired by Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, this whimsical adventure follows Gimme the Ax and his children, Please Gimme and Ax Me No Questions, as they journey through the imaginative—but not magical—landscape of Rootabaga Country to learn more about the mother whom they miss. Musically crafted for young voices yet rich in character, Rootabaga Country blends playful storytelling with heartfelt themes. Along the way, the family discovers that love and belonging come in many forms, offering a gentle, resonant reflection on curiosity, courage, and the shape of family.

Intended Audience

Public, private and charter third grade and up classrooms in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Education Standards

The following Florida state education standards are addressed as part of this experience:

Music
MU.3.C.1.2, MU.4.C.1.2, MU.5.C.1.2, MU.68.C.1.2, MU912.C.1.2

Theatre
TH.3.S.1.1, TH.4.S.1.1, TH.5.S.1.1, TH.68.S.1.1, TH.912.S.1.1

Questions

Please call us at  941-404-5710 or email us.

Embracing Our Differences and Sarasota Opera are proud EdExploreSRQ providers. Click here to view the exploration listing for this event.

Registration has closed for this program. Join us in 2027!

About Sarasota Youth Opera

Since 1984, Sarasota Youth Opera has given thousands of young people ages 8 to 18 an opportunity to experience the joy of opera firsthand through participation in their annual fully-staged Youth Opera productions, Sarasota Opera main stage productions, summer camps, and concerts throughout the community.