Opera Santa Barbara (OSB) is offering middle and high schools on the Central Coast an opportunity view live opera for free at its 2027 Student Matinee of Gioachino Rossini’s comic opera “The Barber of Seville.”

Registration to attend is open through Dec. 1 for the performance, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22 at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara,

Registration is open to schools serving students in grades 7-12.

“One of the world’s most frequently performed operas, ‘The Barber of Seville’ is celebrated for its fast-paced comedy, memorable characters, mistaken identities, and dazzling vocal performances,” according to OSB.

“Its engaging story and energetic music make it an ideal introduction to opera for students experiencing the art form for the first time,” organizers said.

OSB’s Student Matinee program is designed to make professional performing arts accessible to young audiences throughout Santa Barbara County and the surrounding region.

Schools attend free of charge, with OSB covering admission for all students, teachers and chaperones.

Recognizing transportation is often the greatest barrier to participation, OSB also offers limited busing subsidies to help schools attend.

The Student Matinee program is made possible through donations by the Mithun Family Foundation, Mosher Foundation, Henry & Lola Monroe Foundation, Music Performance Trust Foundation, and Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation.

Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and seating is limited to the Lobero Theatre’s capacity of about 550 attendees.

Application deadline is Dec. 1, although applications received after the deadline will be considered if space remains.

Educators interested in participating can register on Opera Santa Barbara’s website at operasb.org/educators or contact Sarah Raines, Student Matinee liaison, at outreach@operasb.org.

For more about Opera Santa Barbara, visit operasb.org.