First time at the opera?
Welcome!
Opera is a dynamic art form that combines music, theatre, visual art and technology to make a vivid and compelling theatrical experience.
At Boston Lyric Opera, our mission is to build curiosity and enthusiasm for the art form. That’s why we are so thrilled to welcome you and want your first opera-going experience to be as memorable as possible.
Let’s start at the beginning. You have your tickets, figured out how to get there, decided whether you’re grabbing food before or after, and maybe even convinced a few more friends or family to come, now what?
The health and safety of our patrons, staff, artists, and community is our top priority.
Boston Lyric Opera will continue to be guided by federal, state, and public health advice and comply with all local government regulations when implementing health and safety protocols for our return to the theatre. To see what steps BLO is currently taking to keep audiences safe at our public programs, you may visit blo.org/streetstage or email boxoffice@blo.org for a copy of one of our COVID-19 Control Plans.
We will communicate details about health and safety protocols as we get closer to each production.
If you’re curious, you can learn more about the plot, characters, and history of the production through a variety of resources like our Study Guide, blog, and content on our social media channels. There are also articles written in your program book you receive on your way into the theater about the production you are about to see. Make sure you get there early to read up!
Not really interested in the details? Just dive in! There are no rules or expectation that you will be an opera expert. Feel free to see the show and if you have questions, check out the resources mentioned above!
Make sure you confirm the opera is a good fit for their age group and that they are prepared for what will happen. Share the general rules of attending an opera with them, go over the plot, and maybe even practice at home! Contact our Audience Services team to determine what opera will be a best fit at 617.542.6772 or boxoffice@blo.org.
When someone says opera you may think tuxedos, elbow length gloves, and those opera glasses that look like mini binoculars. However, modern day opera goers don’t always stick to the formal attire. The most important thing is that you are comfortable and enjoy the performance. For some, that means dressing up for date night. For others, jeans and a polo shirt fit the bill. Bottom line: Whatever you wear, you’ll fit right in.
Pro tip: Bring layers! Sometimes the theater is really warm and other times it is cool. Play it safe with a second layer you can put on or take off during intermission
There are no set rules of behavior for opera-going, but whenever people are enjoying a live performance, distractions can be just that, distracting. Here are some things to think about once you’re in the theater:
- DISCONNECT
Turn your electronic devices off: Vibrating cell phones, the glow of your tablet in your bag, or any sort of beeping and buzzing from any device can be heard and seen from many rows away. These are not only distracting to your neighbors but possibly the performers as well. Even fast-texting fingers draw eyes and ears.
- THE NOSE KNOWS
Go easy on scented products. Many people are allergic to perfume, cologne, and even aftershave. Make sure you are aware of what you are wearing especially in the close quarters of a theater.
- BE COURTEOUS
Unwrap as many cough drops or candies as you may need before the curtain goes up. Be mindful of noise, as it can be more distracting than you might think: Talking (even whispering), Singing along, humming, keeping time with any body part, searching for items in a purse, chewing gum, etc. Most productions have an intermission in the middle which is the perfect time for discussing what you just saw or pulling something out of your bag.
- HEAR THE MUSIC? STOP & LISTEN
Before the show starts there’s an overture, an orchestral piece at the beginning of the opera. When you hear that, it’s part of the performance. Please cease all activity, quiet down and settle in for the show.
- ENTER AND EXIT AT THE RIGHT TIME
When waiting in the lobby to enter, you may notice the lights blink or someone announcing that doors are open. That means you can now head into the heater. Our team of ushers also blink the lights or announce a final call for entering before the show starts. Make sure you listen to the ushers and enter in a timely manner. Once the show starts you may not be allowed to go to your seat and have to sit in late seating or you may not be allowed in until there is a break in the performance. Be aware of when you’re allowed to enter so you don’t miss out. It’s tempting to get a jump on the crowd and head out early, but leaving while the show is in progress is disrespectful to the performers and distracting to audience members. Plus, you may miss something special.
Even when an opera is sung in English it can be hard to understand with the long drawn out notes. If you look around the theater during the show you will see TV screens or projections showing the words the singers are singing in English. These are surtitles and a lot like the subtitles featured on videos they help you follow along! Feel free to read them during the performance so you don’t miss a beat.
When it appears to be the end of the show, make sure you stay in your seat until the lights come all the way up. Sometime artists come out for an encore, more bows, or a surprise. You don’t want to get in the way of the singers!
Like what you saw? Applaud! The artist love to see an audience that loved their work so if that’s true for you, stand up, clap, and even cheer “bravo” for your favorite singer or “bravi tutti” for everyone involved.
We also recommend checking our show pages for nearby restaurants and things to do that will make a night out of your opera experience. Be sure to check often, we occasionally partner with local businesses to offer you special deals and discounts!
We offer assisted listening devices at all of our operas. Contact our Audience Services team at 617.542.6772 or email boxoffice@blo.org or find an usher on the day of the show.
We also offer an online large print programs on our website. Learn more about how we are working to meet the needs of each of our patrons at our Accessibility page.
Yes! Whether you have a wheelchair, a service animal, crutches, or just a hard time with stairs we can find a seat that works for you. Be sure to contact Audience Services at 617.542.6772 or email boxoffice@blo.org before the show to make sure you have the best seat for you.
Learn more about how we are working to meet the needs of each of our patrons at our Accessibility page.