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THE EXPERIENCE IN A NUTSHELL:
You put on your preferred outfit, listen to a podcast on the way to the theater, toast to your great taste with other operagoers on the plaza, then take your comfy seat to enjoy beautiful music, elaborate costumes, grandiose sets and an intriguing story (that you follow via subtitles). When the opera ends, you head home with the feeling that you’ve experienced something you’ll never forget.
What to Wear
Plenty of folks love going all out for a night at the opera, as it's often their only chance to dress to the nines. Evening performances tend to bring out the fashionistas, and people often opt for suits and gowns on opening nights (particularly the season opener). But really, your outfit is up to you. This is LA after all, so dress up or dress comfy to your heart's content!
Arrive Early
LA is notorious for traffic and parking woes. We get it. But because performances can run for three hours or more, we have to start promptly—otherwise we’d be here forever! So plan ahead and get to your seat before the curtain rises, because latecomers may not be seated until intermission. Get directions and parking info here.
Catch a Pre-Show Talk
Join us an hour before each opera in Eva and Marc Stern Grand Hall, located on the second floor of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, to hear from opera experts as they break down the plot, history, and key musical moments of the show you’re about to see. Generously sponsored by the Flora L. Thornton Foundation and the Opera League of Los Angeles, all pre-show talks are free of charge to those attending the performance. Learn more and catch pre-recorded versions here.
No Language Barriers Here
Most operas are performed in Italian, French, or German. But don’t worry: even if your Duolingo streak is just starting out, you'll have no problem following along, thanks to projectors at the top of the stage and elsewhere in the theater that offer English subtitles (even for the English-language operas).
Audience Etiquette
Our performers love to hear your applause, but not every opera has built-in breaks after the big solos. If you're uncertain when to clap, wait for the conductor to put their baton down, or just take your cues from others around you. At the very end, feel free to give a standing ovation and yell out “bravo” (or “brava” for the leading ladies).
Intermission Like a Pro
Pre-order your drinks and snacks to move right past everyone waiting in line at intermission. You're also welcome to snap a photo beneath our grand chandeliers, or strike a pose in front of our step and repeat in the lobby or outside the venue.
Cellphones and Cameras
Inside the auditorium during a performance, that’s a big "no" on all fronts, and we ask that you silence all devices. But before or after the show, or during intermission, go for it (and remember to tag us on Instagram).
Check out our Opera 101 video, created to help newcomers like you appreciate the artistry behind the art form. You'll learn a few terms to help you understand how opera is structured and performed (and make you sound like a seasoned aficionado).
We Have a Package Exclusively for Newcomers
A curated introductory package of three fan-favorite operas, special pre-show talks, and exclusive receptions. You can even set up a monthly payment plan.
Community & Learning
You're in good great company! Meet others just like you and gain a deeper understanding of the opera with pre-show talks about the music and story to make sure you get the most out of your experience.
We've got tons of programs to make sure everyone has access to opera at little or no cost. (And by everyone, we mean everyone.) In addition to providing opportunities to see opera on our main stage, we have lots of programs for young children and community performances throughout the city.
Podcasts & Blogs
Dive into the magic of LA Opera with experts, artists and fans.
Sumérgete en la magia de la ópera con expertos, artistas y fans.
Read our blogs posts that cover a variety of opera related topics.
