Opening Nights at Florida State University

FSU’s Opening Nights to present an array of performances in February

Throughout February, Opening Nights at Florida State University will present numerous performances and cultural and educational events that represent theatre, the written word, music and dance, several of which honor and celebrate Black History Month. “Multicultural representation is essential to our mission, and it gives us great joy to celebrate Black History Month by presenting […]

FSU’s Opening Nights spring performance tickets on sale Dec. 15

Tickets for Opening Nights at Florida State University spring performances will go on sale to the general public at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022. Opening Night’s second major ticket-selling window opens this week and includes the opportunity to experience an array of stellar artists, entertainers, theater and dance productions, including: “The Other Mozart” […]

Former ‘American Idol’ star to perform Opening Nights salon concert at FSU President’s House

Opening Nights at Florida State University will host an exclusive Salon Concert featuring artist Katharine McPhee at the FSU President’s House. McPhee, an accomplished actress and singer, first burst onto the scene during Season 5 of “American Idol” (2006), finishing in second place. Her performance will take place Monday, Feb. 6. “We are thrilled to […]

FSU Dance students prepare for ‘amazing opportunity’ in Opening Nights event 

Three Florida State University School of Dance students have been selected to perform with staibdance, a nationally recognized contemporary dance company known for combining intense physical-movement vocabulary with traditional Iranian dance. April Chinea, Elise St. Cyr and Marielle Richardson will join staibdance members to perform “fence” on Sept. 21–22 at the Nancy Smith Fichter Dance […]

FSU hires new Opening Nights director

Florida State University on Monday announced Jennifer Wright Allen as its new director of Opening Nights following an extensive national search. She will start June 6. Wright Allen comes to FSU from the Angelina Arts Alliance in Lufkin, Texas, where she has served as executive director since 2016. “FSU’s Opening Nights has a storied history […]

Nims Middle School principal selected 2022 Opening Nights at FSU Arts Advocate Award Recipient

R. Frank Nims Middle School Principal Benny L. Bolden, Jr. is the recipient of the 2022 Opening Nights at Florida State University Arts Advocate Award, presented by VyStar Credit Union. Bolden, a Florida A&M graduate and an adjunct professor in the FSU College of Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, was selected for the implementation of a robust, […]

Walmart grant gives Boys & Girls Clubs members opportunity to attend Opening Nights at FSU PRISM concert 

A Walmart grant gave 100 members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend (BGCBB) the opportunity to attend a recent PRISM concert featuring the Florida State University College of Music and the FSU Marching Chiefs. Prior to the performance, presented by FSU’s Opening Nights, BGCBB members participated in a hands-on educational program […]

Opening Nights director to retire after more than 50 years in performing arts programs

Michael Blachly, director of Opening Nights at Florida State University, will retire on March 17, 2022, after more than 50 years of spearheading performing arts programs throughout the country. During his four years leading the university’s professional performing arts program, Blachly expanded the number of performances offered each season and enhanced the educational programming provided to students at all levels. […]

FSU’s Opening Nights announces 2021-2022 season lineup

Opening Nights at Florida State will be presenting 29 live performances this fall, bringing a full season of world-class talent back to campus. “We are thrilled to be back on FSU’s campus and at full capacity in our venues,” said Michael Blachly, director of Opening Nights. “Patrons will see a mix of new and familiar artists that will also participate in Opening Nights in Class, an in-person […]

Magic of art and science: Boys and Girls Club experience robots, polysonic wind tunnel

More than 30 members of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend got a behind-the-scenes tour of unique facilities at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering as part of a partnership between Prime Meridian Bank, FSU’s Opening Nights and the college. The middle and high school students toured a polysonic wind tunnel and robotics labs at the college’s […]