Shreveport Opera Xpress, or SOX, the touring arm of Shreveport Opera, was established at the beginning of the 2000-2001, debuting on the Children's Stage at Shreveport's Red River Revel. It was a very successful performance leading to the formation of Shreveport Opera's touring program. One of the principle purposes of SOX is to educate and encourage everyone in our region to have an understanding of opera and the arts that is inclusive and fun - not boring and loud. Opera is not breastplates, horns and spears. Opera across America is generally believed to be a complex and expensive art form seldom available except to those living in large Metropolitan areas. It was the goal of SOX to bring opera directly to schools for children and educators throughout the Ark-La-Tex, and also provide a professional, affordable evening of opera or musical theater programs for various community organizations and their patrons.

With these objectives in mind, SOX began its first season by touring two children's operas, Little Red Riding Hood and The Pied Piper of Hamelin, both by contemporary American composer Seymour Barab, whose works set the standard for children's opera today. In addition, a Broadway musical review was organized that could be presented by organizations for their own theaters or fund-raising events. To date a diverse selection of operas have been performed, many with an additional messages that affect our young people today. Along with opera education, recent opera topics performed have included messages like; the importance of diet and exercise, not smoking, not littering, and this season we will sing about the importance of energy conservation and recycling in, "The Green Team."

In its first season, SOX performed for over 46,000 students and adults in schools and other venues. Since its debut, SOX has performed for nearly 400,000 students throughout the region. As the tour evolves, each year finds a new level of professionalism. We currently hold national auditions in NYC in order to engage the most talented young opera singers for the 9 month program. The positive impact on young and old alike has allowed Shreveport Opera to have an ever-growing presence across the Tri-State area. SOX performances have become a staple addition in school districts throughout NW Louisiana. Now in its tenth season, we look forward to creating future opera-lovers while enriching communities through the love of art and opera!