To assure that cultural activity does not grind to a halt in the heat of summer, and to offer quality entertainment for those who remain in town in July and August, the Teatro San Geminiano (established in the late '70s for the various amateur drama groups in the city) and the Teatro Comunale organise Sipario in Piazza, a season of plays, concerts and operettas held outdoors, mainly using a stage and an auditorium seating about 2000, set up in Piazza Grande. In addition, the Teatro San Geminiano, the Teatro Michelangelo and the relative City Departments offer Altra Estate, a series of events ranging from music to lectures, held against the striking backdrop of some of the large courtyards in the historic city centre.