Opera Experience
Worried about your first opera experience?
Opera Omaha is committed to creating a welcoming and positive environment for every audience member. Read below for some more info about how you can make the most of your opera experience.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Specific information for each production can be found our our blog.
Ways to prepare
If you’re new to a certain performance, it’s great to read a synopsis provided on our website and included in your program book. Attend the Prelude Talk, a mini-lecture 50 minutes prior every show that expands on themes and stories that you’ll discover throughout the piece. Also, we don’t expect you to learn a new language for the performance. All performances will have English supertitles projected above the stage so you can follow along.
What to wear
Opera Omaha recommends that you dress to enjoy the evening or day. Many people like to dress up when they go to the opera—it’s considered part of the fun. Formal or semi-formal attire is always a great fit for a night at the Opera. You can choose to dress up or dress down and you’ll see fellow opera-goers usually wearing a range from business casual to formal attire.
When to arrive
It is recommended to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to curtain time.
If you’re late the ushers will usually ask you to wait until after the overture or even after the first act! Opera Omaha provides live video in the lobby of the Orpheum Theater for patrons who arrive late or step out of the auditorium before the act break.
When to applaud
It is acceptable (and appreciated!) to applaud after an overture. Singers perform arias in the middle of scenes—some of which will be recognizable to you. Show your appreciation if it's done well. Customarily, applauding at the end of each scene is appreciated. If you are not sure if a time is appropriate for applause, just follow the lead of the rest of the audience.
During the opera
Out of respect for other opera-goers, please don’t whisper, talk, eat, or open candy wrappers. It’s also important to turn your cell phone and other electronic devices off. Please note that no photography or recording of any kind is permitted.
About the orchestra
The orchestra members enter the pit and tune their instruments before the show begins. When done, the instrumentalists become quiet. Next, the conductor enters the pit. It is acceptable (and appreciated!) for the audience to applaud the entry of the conductor. The conductor nods to the audience, faces the orchestra at his or her podium, and raises arms signaling the start of the overture.
The house staff and ushers
The House Staff and volunteer ushers are there not only to assist you to your seats, but also to help you when any unusual situation or emergency arises. As a courtesy to your fellow patrons, please follow their instructions.