First timer? Seasoned fan? We've got you covered either way.

Applause and ovations
Our performers love to hear your applause. But not every opera has built-in applause breaks after the big solos. (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.

Projected English translations
Even when an opera is sung in Italian (or French, or German, or other languages), don't let that stop you from enjoying the experience. You'll have no problem following along, thanks to projectors at the top of the stage and elsewhere in the theater that give you a complete play-by-play translation in English. (We even project the lyrics for operas sung in English, like Eurydice, just to make everything super easy for you.)

Cameras, flash photography, selfie sticks, etc.
Inside the auditorium during a performance, that’s a big "no" on all fronts. Don't make us come after you. But before or after the show, or during intermission, go for it! (And we'd love it if you tagged us on Instagram.)

Cell phones
See above and please silence your device. Check it twice, to be sure. Really.

What to wear?
This one's easy. Wear whatever you want! Want to dress up and make a special occasion out of it? Go for it. (You'll look amazing.) Opening nights in particular tend to bring out more folks dressed to the nines. But you won't be alone if you dress more casually...this is Los Angeles after all. Be sure to check out our opera fashion blog.

Pre-performance talks
Each season, James Conlon’s pre-show talks are an enormously popular highlight of every performance he conducts. Talks are presented an hour before each performance in Eva and Marc Stern Grand Hall on the 2nd floor of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. For more information click here.

Arriving Late
It’s Los Angeles. So that means there’s traffic to deal with. And parking. We know. We understand and believe us, we don't want late arrivals missing out. But because performances can run three hours or more, we have to start promptly—otherwise we’d be here forever! So bank plenty of time for your arrival so you can get to your seat before the curtain rises, because latecomers may not be seated until intermission. (In case of disaster, we've got monitors in the lobby for you to watch the performance until the next break.)

How to intermission like a pro.
If you pre-order your drinks and snacks, you can move right past everyone waiting in line at intermission. 

Can’t make it? Consider donating your tickets.
If you find out at the last minute that you just can’t make it to your ticketed performance (it happens), and your friends can't go in your place, consider donating your tickets to LA Opera for resale. What’s in it for you? A receipt for the tax man that indicates the value of your tickets as a charitable donation. Call the box office at 213.972.8001. (Note: it has to happen at least one hour before curtain time to be considered a donation...otherwise we can't resell your tickets to the hopeful opera fans waiting in line.)