Theatre Tulsa Competitors

Regarded as one of the top ballet companies in North America and internationally recognized, Tulsa Ballet consistently brings the finest works of the classical and contemporary repertory to the Oklahoma stage, presenting the same works and sharing the same world-renowned choreographers with the top dance organizations in the world. Tulsa Ballet believes in giving local audiences the opportunity to view truly world class ballet in the heartland of America. The company employs a multi-cultural roster of dancers currently comprised of 30 highly skilled professionals representing 9 states and 15 foreign countries, attracted by the challenging and varied repertoire, as well as the company’s reputation for engaging the world’s best choreographers. Tulsa Ballet was founded in 1956 by husband and wife Roman Jasinski and Moscelyne Larkin, internationally known dancers in the Ballet Russe tradition. Jasinski and Larkin set the tone for artistic excellence—a foundation that has been preserved and built upon for decades. In 1995 Marcello Angelini was appointed Artistic Director following 37 years of multifaceted history created by the Jasinski family. Mr. Angelini has been called by Dance Magazine “The Italian Tornado” for undertaking an ambitious repertory building program. In the last decade, Tulsa Ballet has added more then 70 new works to its repertory that were either Oklahoma Premieres, American Premieres or World Premieres. Tulsa Ballet has also claimed a spot on the international scene, performing in three European countries and South Korea during the past seven years. Tulsa Ballet is committed to the task of creating art in Tulsa and exporting it to the world. With this concept in mind, the company built and opened a proper 300 seats, $6 million theater, Studio K, built around the project of creating new art, in the spring of 2008.

The spirit, drive and fierce sense of pride of those who made Tulsa boom into an important city also encouraged a rich cultural heritage, leading to the formation of the Tulsa Opera Club on December 1, 1948. As opera gained popularity, so did the organization. In 1951, the directors agreed that the name "Tulsa Opera Club" sounded too amateurish to be taken seriously. On April 21, the organization became "Tulsa Opera Incorporated," as it is still officially known. Tulsa Opera presented light operas and operettas twice yearly until November, 1955 when a major milestone was reached. With its presentation of Madama Butterfly, featuring imported professional singers for all principal roles, Tulsa Opera successfully transitioned to grand opera and made a giant step toward national prominence. Today, Tulsa Opera, the 18th oldest opera company in North America, produces three grand operas each season, and has been named one of America’s top 10 favorite regional opera companies by Opera News. Mainstage productions are held at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Tulsa Youth Opera, inaugurated in 1997, is part of Tulsa Opera’s extensive educational programs. Tulsa Opera is a member of OPERA America. Performances and education programs are provided to the greater Tulsa area, with additional programs provided for adults and children statewide. Tulsa Opera draws its audiences from the region that includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas. Tulsa Opera is fortunate to have almost 700 dedicated volunteers and a Board of Directors is currently comprised of 55 men and women who represent various businesses and organizations in Oklahoma. They have a passion or appreciation of the arts as well as a dedication to the betterment of Oklahoma. All volunteers work in conjunction with a professional staff to sponsor and coordinate activities ranging from the Tulsa Opera Chorus, and fundraising events that involve Board, Guild, and additional community volunteers.