Etiquette
Performance Etiquette for the First Timer, the Two Timer, or the Seasoned
What should I wear?
I have seen everything from tuxedos to t-shirt, shorts, and sandals at the opera. Wear what you are comfortable in. However, business or church dress is most common. (But whatever you do, please make sure you wear clothing.)
What should I do before the performance?
When I’m getting ready to attend an opera, I like to find a recording (check your local library or YouTube clips) and listen to it so I am familiar with the music while I’m there. It’s also a good idea to find a synopsis and read up on that as well. We will generally post a brief synopsis on our website for each production. (We also have a synopsis in the playbill.) More extensive ones can be found easily online. Now that you’re all studied up on the story and are familiar with some of the music, you can sit there and take it all in.
It’s all in Italian or some other weird language so I won’t understand what’s going on while I’m there!
While most operas are performed in their original language (Italian, German, French, Czech, Russian, etc.) there are many in English. Most opera houses and companies will also project the English translation above the stage so you can follow along. Supertitles, as they are called, work much like closed captioning or sub titles on your T.V. And you can always reread the synopsis during intermission. That’s what my grandma does. (Okay, I do it too…)
Where should I sit?
Well, this depends on the house. Remember, just because the seat is more expensive doesn’t mean its better. In many houses, the sound is best in the Balcony, typically the cheapest seats. For a first timer, I would suggest talking to someone in the box office as to the best “overall” seats. The theatres we use are smaller so distance from the stage isn’t a major issue nor is the sound.
When should I arrive?
Always give yourself enough time for parking and purchasing tickets (unless you already have your tickets). Our Box Office is open 60 minutes before curtain time and the house opens 30 or 45 minutes (depending on the production) before curtain. If you are late for any reason, Ushers may not seat you until an appropriate break in the program; this may not be until intermission.
What do I do during the performance?
First and foremost, enjoy it. Opera doesn’t bite. Though, if you hum, sing aloud, tap along, or talk during the performance, your fellow patrons may. We’d hate for that to happen, so please refrain from doing so. Also, recording of any kind is not allowed. And always turn off any noise making device (this includes cell phones, pagers, husbands, wives, children…)
When do I clap?
Opera “rules” are not like Symphony “rules.” You can basically clap (applaud) whenever you feel like it. (Well, sort of.) You should applaud when the conductor enters the pit, at the end of an act, the end of the opera, and, if you feel so inclined, at the end of an aria. It is also appropriate to shout: “Brava” for a single woman, “Bravo” for a single man, “Bravi” for a group. Often times in opera, the chorus will have a curtain call after their last appearance on stage. Which may be just before intermission.
What should I wear?
I have seen everything from tuxedos to t-shirt, shorts, and sandals at the opera. Wear what you are comfortable in. However, business or church dress is most common. (But whatever you do, please make sure you wear clothing.)
What should I do before the performance?
When I’m getting ready to attend an opera, I like to find a recording (check your local library or YouTube clips) and listen to it so I am familiar with the music while I’m there. It’s also a good idea to find a synopsis and read up on that as well. We will generally post a brief synopsis on our website for each production. (We also have a synopsis in the playbill.) More extensive ones can be found easily online. Now that you’re all studied up on the story and are familiar with some of the music, you can sit there and take it all in.
It’s all in Italian or some other weird language so I won’t understand what’s going on while I’m there!
While most operas are performed in their original language (Italian, German, French, Czech, Russian, etc.) there are many in English. Most opera houses and companies will also project the English translation above the stage so you can follow along. Supertitles, as they are called, work much like closed captioning or sub titles on your T.V. And you can always reread the synopsis during intermission. That’s what my grandma does. (Okay, I do it too…)
Where should I sit?
Well, this depends on the house. Remember, just because the seat is more expensive doesn’t mean its better. In many houses, the sound is best in the Balcony, typically the cheapest seats. For a first timer, I would suggest talking to someone in the box office as to the best “overall” seats. The theatres we use are smaller so distance from the stage isn’t a major issue nor is the sound.
When should I arrive?
Always give yourself enough time for parking and purchasing tickets (unless you already have your tickets). Our Box Office is open 60 minutes before curtain time and the house opens 30 or 45 minutes (depending on the production) before curtain. If you are late for any reason, Ushers may not seat you until an appropriate break in the program; this may not be until intermission.
What do I do during the performance?
First and foremost, enjoy it. Opera doesn’t bite. Though, if you hum, sing aloud, tap along, or talk during the performance, your fellow patrons may. We’d hate for that to happen, so please refrain from doing so. Also, recording of any kind is not allowed. And always turn off any noise making device (this includes cell phones, pagers, husbands, wives, children…)
When do I clap?
Opera “rules” are not like Symphony “rules.” You can basically clap (applaud) whenever you feel like it. (Well, sort of.) You should applaud when the conductor enters the pit, at the end of an act, the end of the opera, and, if you feel so inclined, at the end of an aria. It is also appropriate to shout: “Brava” for a single woman, “Bravo” for a single man, “Bravi” for a group. Often times in opera, the chorus will have a curtain call after their last appearance on stage. Which may be just before intermission.