Toledo Opera has been approved for a $15,000 Ignite Grant award from Ohio Humanities.

The funds awarded will support Toledo Opera’s 2024-25 mainstage season, titled “Love and War,” as well as help to grow and diversify its audience. Specifically, the funds will aid in producing and developing deeply researched, engaging, and immersive material for the “Opera Out of the Box” podcast. Episodes will focus on the upcoming productions of “Tosca” and “South Pacific.”

“Opera Out of the Box” began during the 2023-24 season, with six episodes. The goal of the podcast is to “demystify the genre of opera, as well as to provide information about Toledo Opera’s mainstage productions, educational programs, community engagement programs, Resident Artist program,” and more. “Opera Out of the Box” is hosted by WGTE Public Media’s Radio Station Manager, Brad Cresswell, each episode features experts in both Toledo Opera and opera overall.

“This podcast project is a natural extension of our efforts to connect with the community and reach people who might not usually have access to opera,” shared Toledo Opera Development Officer Leah Whitaker in a press release. “Through this podcast, we’ll share stories that resonate with real-life experiences, diving into history, culture, and art in a relevant and engaging way. By bringing in experts to explore the themes from our season of “Love and War,” we aim to tell a richer, more meaningful story that truly connects with our audience.”

The support will also aid in the company’s return to pre-pandemic audience and program participation numbers. Toledo Opera’s project is among an almost $120,000 sum awarded to various organizations across the state of Ohio.