Visiting Us for the First Time

As you gear up to attend your opera performance, read over these frequently asked questions to help you prepare!

• How should I brush up on opera?

  
  Most new or first time people get the most benefit out of an opera by reading the synopsis before the show. Hear the music, see the artists, learn the story, and more on each opera's page.

  Also, if you are able to attend the first performance or listen to the Pre-Opera Talks before your visit then you will have a better experience.

  There are many great resources about opera online, from overviews of the genre to what to expect during a performance. Check out HuffPost’s Opera Guide for Beginners.

• What if the opera isn't in English?

   

  Don’t worry if you don’t understand Italian or French. All of our operas are performed with English supertitles projected above the stage—even the operas in English!

   

• How should I get to the Opera House?

  
  We recommend public transit. We are conveniently located in Civic Center and BART and MUNI have stops within a 10-minute walk of the Opera House. Visit Directions and Parking for information on where to park. And to have the best experience possible, give yourself plenty of time to get here.

• What should I wear?

  
  We don't have a dress code. Some opera-goers prefer suits and gowns, others jeans. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. However, please avoid wearing strong scents. Many people (including singers) have allergies.

• Is there late seating?

  
  The Opera House opens one hour before curtain. All performances begin promptly at their scheduled times. There is no seating during the performance. Latecomers, as well as those who leave the theater during the performance can stand in Standing Room or relax with food and drink and watch the performance on the monitor in one of our bars. Please be aware that not all performances have an intermission.

• Is there an age recommendation?

  
  To ensure an enjoyable and relaxed experience for everyone, we recommend that children be at least 8 years old. Programs are often more than two and a half hours long and are not always ideal for younger children. Please note that we do not allow children under 3, including babes in arms.