Tips For The Opera In Chicago

Founded in 1954, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, is renowned internationally for its artistic excellence. Maybe you've never been to the opera before, or just looking for a reference guide to making your night at the opera as memorable as possible!

20 N. Wacker
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 332-2244
www.lyricopera.org

Buying Your Tickets:
The most expensive seat is not always the best seat in the opera house. Though it may be closer to the stage, the seat may not give you the best sound.

It's normally best to buy the tickets at the theater box office if possible. Box office workers will be able to advise you about what your best options are to enjoy the entire experience of the drama and the music by showing you the opera house seating chart.

Attire:
There is no set dress code, but dressing semi-formal is a good rule of thumb. However, if you have that formal gown and are just dying to wear it out, you will not feel out of place. If you are going to a premiere or opening night, people tend to dress on the fancier side of things.

During The Show:
Just sit back and enjoy the show. It is inappropriate to sing or hum along. It is also inappropriate to talk during the performance. Please turn off all phones and mobile devices. Most theaters will also not allow you to record a live opera performance.

When do I clap?
When in doubt, it is better not to clap than to clap and get the evil stares of people around you. As a general rule of thumb, there are a few key places when clapping is a good idea:
- When the conductor comes out to start the overture.
- When everyone else around you is clapping.
- At the end of an act or the end of the opera and the opera singers are taking bows.