Things to Do in Florence: 6 Experiences to Discover the World of the Teatro della Pergola

Guided tours, acting classes, costume workshops, and meetings with renowned artists: the activities of the Fondazione Teatro della Toscana that let you experience theater beyond the stage

From acting workshops to costume design studios, from tours of the Pergola’s basement to meetings with the great artists of the stage.Why limit yourself to watching a show when you can step into—at least for a day—the world of those who create it? Theater, after all, isn’t just a red velvet seat and a curtain that rises. It’s also a costume to sew, a voice to discover, a stage to walk across, a secret door to open. And among the most unique experiences the city has to offer are those provided by the Fondazione Teatro della Toscana, which brings together the Teatro della Pergola and the Nuovo Rifredi Scena Aperta in Florence, as well as the Teatro Era in Pontedera. It’s a universe of workshops, meetings, tours, and creative journeys open to a wide variety of audiences. Here’s our guide to help you decide where to start.

Discover the Art of Costume Design

In the historic attics of the Teatro della Pergola, with a privileged view of Brunelleschi’s Dome, lies the International Costume Atelier. Here, costumes, accessories, and tailored creations for the theater are brought to life through a blend of artisanal techniques and experimentation. The Atelier organizes courses, workshops, and training programs led by industry professionals. An opportunity to discover fascinating crafts, where hands work in harmony with the imagination.In addition to creating costumes, accessories, and tailored pieces for the Foundation’s productions and for national and international projects—from design to decoration—it houses a rich archive of historical and period costumes, available on loan to theaters, audiovisual productions, institutions, and events.

For whom: enthusiasts of fashion, costumes, crafts, and the performing arts.

Corsi Atelier Internazionale del Costume (ph. Filippo Manzini)

Unleash Your Creativity

You don’t have to dream of Hollywood to try your hand at acting. The Centro di Avviamento all’Espressione, founded in 1979 by the great master Orazio Costa, offers courses to explore the possibilities of the voice, the body, and the imagination. The introductory courses are open to everyone, regardless of professional aspirations: 25 sessions from November through June, with registration in September and a final day open to the public. There are also activities for children ages three and up, teens, and adults, as well as a professional acting course with admission by selection. Courses are held at La Pergola and at theaters, cultural institutions, associations, and other public and private venues. Among these is the Orazio Costa Acting Course, a professional program accessible through a public selection process, with a call for applications in the summer and auditions in the fall.

For whom: curious people of all ages, aspiring actors, and anyone who wants to communicate more effectively, even in everyday life.

Corso per attori Orazio Costa (ph. Filippo Manzini)

Learning from the Greats of the Stage

It’s called Artifici and is one of the most interesting new additions to the upcoming season. Nine workshop series, held at La Pergola and the Nuovo Rifredi, offer the chance to work with artists of the caliber of Massimo Popolizio, Tindaro Granata, Danio Manfredini, Massimiliano Civica, Fanny & Alexander, and Federico Tiezzi. A project that revives the spirit of Vittorio Gassman’s legendary Bottega Teatrale, which closed in 1989. The offerings range from students to professionals, also involving people with disabilities and those over 70. Because the art of being on stage has no set age limit.

For whom: enthusiasts, students, professionals, and anyone who wants to experience contemporary theater as a protagonist.

Exploring the Secrets of La Pergola

A theater with over three centuries of history can hold more stories than a novel. With *In sua movenza è fermo*, the Compagnia delle Seggiole takes visitors on a theatrical journey through La Pergola’s lesser-known spaces: basements, workshops, storage areas, and spaces related to stage mechanics. Through stories and characters, famous actors and great divas come to life, as do the stagehands, artisans, and all those who shaped the theater’s history without making it onto the posters. An immersive experience that has already surpassed 400 performances.

When: November 8, December 13, 2026; January 17, February 14, March 14, April 11, and May 16, 2027, with tours at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m.

In sua movenza è fermo, Compagnia delle Seggiole (ph. Filippo Manzini)

Go Behind the Scenes

If you’ve always wanted to step onto a historic stage, now is your chance. Guided tours of La Pergola allow you to walk through the monumental halls, discover the stage mechanisms, and visit areas normally hidden from the audience’s view. This tour traces the origins of Italian-style theater, explores the customs of the Medici court, and shares anecdotes about the great performers who have graced this stage.

How to participate: Tours are by reservation only, for groups of 2 to 25 people, in Italian or English, subject to availability. Customized tours are also available.

Lose Yourself Among Books, Scripts, and Memoirs

For those who love stories—even those preserved on paper—there’s the Foundation’s Research Center. Located between Florence and Pontedera, it houses 13 archival collections and a collection of approximately 26,000 volumes, as well as magazines, scripts, and historical materials. The Pergola Library is a treasure trove for enthusiasts and researchers, while exhibitions and cultural initiatives offer a chance to engage with this heritage. It’s another way to immerse yourself in the world of theater, following in the footsteps of those who made it great.

For whom: curious readers, students, scholars, and enthusiasts of the history of the performing arts.

Biblioteca Teatro della Pergola (ph. Filippo Manzini)

One final tip: check the calendar of events before you go. Some activities take place on specific dates, while others require a reservation or registration.