Welcome to Boston Lyric Opera
Is this your first BLO opera? WELCOME.
There are no set rules of behavior for opera-going, but here are some things to think about to make the experience more enjoyable for you and your fellow patrons:
- Plan to arrive early so you can park, check a coat, and/or pick up tickets at will call. Latecomers will be seated only at suitable breaks in the performance and often not until intermission – you don’t want to miss anything!
- Please put phones and other electronic devices on silent mode until intermission or the end of the show.
- Photography is strictly forbidden until the final bow. Please refrain from using flash!
- Go easy on scented products for the sake of those around you. Too much perfume or aftershave can be distracting, even under a mask.
- There is no smoking, vaping, drinking, or eating in the theater. Offenders will be asked to leave.
- If you have any medical or accessibility needs, please inform a member of our staff, and we will be happy to assist you.
Pro Tip: Bring layers! Theaters are often old buildings with unpredictable climate control. Play it safe with a second layer you can put on or take off during intermission.
Unfamiliar with opera? Here are a few other things we think are helpful to know:
What is opera, and how is it different from any other musical performance?
Opera has a little something for everyone: it combines music, drama, dance, and beautiful sets and costumes to tell compelling stories about romance, tragedy, comedy, and surrealism – to name a few! Unlike most musicals, where there is speaking in between songs, operas are usually sung all the way through. Additionally, opera singers use specialized vocal techniques that allow them to perform without a microphone or other vocal amplification aid. Hearing performers’ voices project over the orchestra and throughout an entire theater creates a rich audience experience that is totally unique to opera!
Will I have trouble following the performance?
Not at all! Playbills will contain plot summaries and cast profiles, and there will be screens near the stage showing English surtitles for every show. If you’re curious and want to do a little background research before attending an opera, our study guides for each production are a great place to start. Be warned: study guides DO contain spoilers!
Is there a dress code?
No, there is no formal dress code at Boston Lyric Opera. If you can wear it to a restaurant, you can wear it to the opera. That said, many operas are extravagant productions that provide a fun opportunity to wear those fancy clothes living in the back of your closet. Whether you’re coming from work or dropping in on a whim, be comfortable and show your style – we’re just excited to see you! Tattoos, piercings, shorts, tank tops, and open-toed shoes are all acceptable. If you have any questions, please feel free to email boxoffice@blo.org.
Can my child attend an opera?
Some opera performances are appropriate for all ages, but many have themes of violence, sexuality, illness, and other mature subjects.
Shows can range from 20 minutes to over 3 hours in length. If you have any questions, we are happy to help find an age-appropriate show for an opera-curious kiddo. Contact our Audience Services team for details about show length, content warnings, and themes at 617.542.6772 or at boxoffice@blo.org.
As an audience member, you are essential to opera – without you, there is no show! Simply sit back, relax, and let the action onstage pull you in. Have fun and enjoy the opera!
MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS
Boylston (Green Line)
Chinatown (Orange Line)
Arlington (Green Line)
Park Street (Red and Green Lines)
Tip: Please be sure to input the full address including zip code into GPS or other navigation apps
219 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02116
For venue parking discounts, visit here: Directions & Parking | Visit ArtsEmerson
Emerson Colonial Theatre (AIDA and CAROUSEL)
Boston, MA 02116
For venue parking discounts, visit here: Getting Here | Your Visit | Emerson Colonial Theatre
Emerson Paramount Center (THE SEASONS)
559 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
For venue parking discounts, visit here: Directions & Parking | Visit ArtsEmerson
BLO HEADQUARTERS
Tip: Double check our full address and zip code in your GPS. Some navigation systems, especially Mapquest, still direct to our old locations if you just type in “Boston Lyric Opera.”
Midway Artist Studios
15 Channel Center Street
Boston, MA 02210
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
If commuting via the MBTA, Midway is located between South Station (Red Line) and Broadway (Red Line). The nearest bus lines are the 7, 9, 11, and 47.
PARKING
The most reliable parking will be Channel Center Garage at 116 West First Street.
The Box Office will be open 2 hours before the start of every show for ticket purchase and will call pickups.
The lobby will be open 1 hour before the start of each performance.
or call at 617.542.6772 between 10:00AM-5:00PM, Monday-Friday.
Boston Lyric Opera is dedicated to meeting the needs of each of our patrons to the best of our ability, so that everyone has an enjoyable opera experience. We are committed to implementing the best practices to ensure that opera is accessible to all. This is an ongoing process; please let us know if there is an accommodation we were unable to make, and we will do our best to find a future solution.
Accessible seating is available for each performance at all price levels. Members of the Audience Services team are available to assist with accessible seating purchases at 617.542.6772 or boxoffice@blo.org.
Service animals are welcome to all productions and programs. Please let us know when you purchase your tickets so you and your service animal are seated comfortably.
Large print programs are currently available for each production digitally. A link can be found on the webpage of each opera for viewing and download.
Assistive Listening Devices are available at the Box Office at every production.
Surtitles in English are provided for every production on multiple screens placed throughout each performance venue.
While masks are not required, they are highly encouraged to be worn by patrons to protect the health and safety of fellow attendees, staff, and performers. Additional masks will be available at the theatre.
We believe it is possible to provide a safe and comfortable theater-going experience in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to ensure our production and performance work is done in the safest, healthiest, and most comfortable environments possible. BLO will continue follow CDC guidance for all public health concerns for its public and private events, based on local risk level and in accordance with all venue, local, state, and federal guidelines.
We currently do not have any masking, testing, or vaccination requirements in place for BLO audiences. For questions about our health and safety protocols, please contact us at access@blo.org.