If this is your first time at the performance venue, arrive early to not only navigate parking, people-watch and visit the bar, but to take advantage of any pre-performance activities, like lectures, panel discussions, etc. Check the Indianapolis Opera’s calendar or call the office at 317-283-3531 to confirm any scheduled activities.
What should I wear?
There is typically a wide array of dress at the opera. Most are somewhere between business casual and their finest Sunday attire. Sometimes you’ll see patrons in jeans next to a couple dressed to the nines. On opening nights, people tend to dress on the fancier side of things.
Do I need to prepare before coming to see an opera?
When you attend an opera that performed in a foreign language, you will find it helpful to read the synopsis beforehand. Note: Operas performed in a foreign language will usually have supertitles. Supertitles are translations projected on a screen above the stage.
When do I clap?
The audience will clap when the conductor takes his or her position in the orchestra pit. The performance is about to begin! Occasionally, audience members will shout at the conductor either before or after the performance. You may hear “bravo!” or a “maestro!” which is usually a sign of appreciation.
When the audience hears a particularly great aria or a rousing chorus, shouts and applause will fill the auditorium. Sometimes when the curtain rises revealing a beautiful scene on stage, the audience will applaud.
More on cheers following an exceptional performance:
You will say “Bravo” (Brah-voh) for a single male performer.
You will say “Brava” (Brah-vah) for a single female performer.
You will say “Bravi” (Brah-vee) to a group of all male performers or a mix of male and female performers.
You will say “Brave” (Brah-vay) to a group of all female performers.
What is the overture?
The overture is the instrumental music that occurs before the action on the stage begins. Once the conductor takes his or her position in the orchestra pit, the performance has begun.
Can I eat and drink during the performance?
Indianapolis Opera’s performance venues allow beverages and snacks purchased on site to be consumed in the theatre. Bars located in the lobby accept cash only.
What happens if I arrive late?
House staff will seat you and your guests at an appropriate interval. Be prepared to wait a few minutes before seating. This delay is to maintain safety in a dark theatre and minimize distraction.
What do I do during the performance?
Sit back and enjoy the music. Please turn off phones and other electronic devices before the performance begins and leave any camera or camcorders at home. Also, it is inappropriate to whisper, talk or hum during the performance. Some operas can last up to 3 hours. Call in advance to check the performance length – especially if you have post-performance plans.
Can I bring the kids?
For the most part, operas are better suited to older children because the stories often contain adult themes. Also, the length of the performance and supertitles can be challenging. When bringing children to the opera, be sure to explain the story in advance and review proper audience behavior. Occasionally, Indianapolis Opera will present productions that are perfect for the whole family, like the holiday classicAmahl and the Night Visitorsand our free community performances.
What are opera glasses and do I need them?
Opera glasses are small binoculars patrons use to take a closer look at the action – purely a personal preference. Speaking of personal preferences – sometimes operas can elicit extreme emotion. Throwing in a couple of tissues might be a welcomed companion. If the seasonal changes tickle your throat, also bring a few cough drops.
FAQs
Sit back and enjoy the music. Please turn off phones and other electronic devices before the performance begins and leave any camera or camcorders at home. Also, it is inappropriate to whisper, talk or hum during the performance. Some operas can last up to 3 hours.
What are the rules of opera? ›
10 Opera Etiquette Rules | Golden Rules Gal
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early for the concert. ...
- Sit in your assigned seat. ...
- Cell phones must be turned off completely, not just the ringer. ...
- It is discourteous to record or take photos during a performance. ...
- Be respectful of your fellow patrons.
But it's not mandatory. Look around the theatre and you'll see women in co*cktail dresses, men in chinos, corporates in business suits, families in their Sunday best and tourists in whatever-they-were-wearing-that-day. There's no compulsory dress code. Wear what you'll feel comfortable in.
Do you clap at the opera? ›
The first opportunity to applaud takes place when the conductor takes the podium at the very beginning of the performance and when he/she returns to the podium following intermission(s). It is also acceptable to applaud after an overture or aria in the middle of a performance. Applaud when the performance moves you.
Do people still dress up to go to the opera? ›
Attending the opera is a fun experience and an excuse to get all dressed up. What you wear depends on the opera house's dress code and the show itself. For a more formal opera, opt for an elegant gown or tuxedo. If the opera house is more casual, go for a classy, professional vibe instead.
What do you yell at the opera? ›
Applause and ovations
(If you're uncertain whether to applaud, just take your cues from the other audience members around you.) If you really loved the performance, you can jump to your feet, clap and yell out “bravo” at the very end. Want to look like a real aficionado? Yell "brava" (with an A) for the leading ladies.
Can you go to the bathroom during the opera? ›
Even though operas can be multiple hours long, there are often multiple intermissions, so your child won't have to sit for more than an hour without a break to use the bathroom, talk, or move around.
Is opera for upper class? ›
In the early days of opera, it was an art form exclusively for the massively wealthy. Rich nobles would commission new works, and then pay all of the costs of production. Then they would present the opera to their court and fellow nobles.
What are 5 characteristics of opera? ›
Opera consists of many dimensions: the human voice, orchestral music, visual arts (scenery, costumes and special effects), drama (tragedy or comedy), and occasionally dance. The melding of these elements creates a multi-dimensional theatrical experience.
What to wear when watching an opera? ›
Though dresses are the go-to outfit for an opera show, you can also sport a sophisticated pantsuit if that is more in line with your style. Opt for a double-breasted blazer and wide-leg pants for a suit that feels timeless but still has a dramatic flair.
There is no dress code at the Met, but a night at the opera can be a great excuse to get dressed up. If you need inspiration, check out some of our favorite looks from Last Night at the Met, our curated fashion Instagram account.
What to expect at the opera? ›
Opera performances are a chance to show off a bit, dress to impress, clasp those long pearl necklaces, maybe even dust off that tux (but it's not required!). There will definitely be other opera attendees dressed to the nines so if you feel like it, go for it! Being comfortable is the most important thing.
When to applaud at an opera? ›
Generally, however, the audience applauds when the conductor enters the orchestra pit just before the start of the performance; after a particularly moving or exciting aria (aka: a solo piece) or small ensemble piece (duets, quartets, etc.); and at the end of acts.
What is the proper etiquette for clapping concerts? ›
Clapping is done at the end of each work, not at the end of a movement, The programme which you can buy before you take your seat will show how many movements a work has, along with interesting stuff about its composition, such as where or why it was written. Just don't be the first person to start clapping.
Is going to the opera worth it? ›
The opera is special because it is alive and in constant evolution. At the same time, it's always itself: the same titles are never really the same, and so over the years, I attended hundreds of performances of Don Giovanni, Boris Godunov, Tosca, Falstaff, Elektra, Salome, etc.
What do you wear to an opera play? ›
Good choices for men are khakis, polos or button-down shirts and loafers or boat shoes. Women arguably have more options: a simple blouse and skirt will work just fine, or you might break out a sundress or knit sweater and tights depending on the weather. No matter what you wear, make sure you are dressed for comfort.
What is proper theatre etiquette? ›
Do not talk with fellow audience members during the play. There is no use of cell phones or noisemaking devices during the performance. Please silence them before the performance. This includes texting ……the screen is a big distraction to those audience members who are both around and behind you.
What do you say to opera singers? ›
If you have friends who are opera singers, you're supposed to say “toi, toi, toi” before they take the stage.
