Can I bring my child to the opera?
While there are lots of factors that determine whether your child is ready to enjoy an evening or afternoon at the opera, TDO has put a few guidelines together to help you determine when it is time to bring your child to a performance of The Dallas Opera.
Recommended Age for Opera
TDO recommends that you not bring children under the age of 6 to Mainstage opera performances. Most operas are over 2-1/2 hours in length, and it is quite frequent that the first act of an opera can be over 1 hour. It is a long time to sit quietly. Even the best-behaved children (and sometimes adults) have trouble sitting through an entire performance.
TDO recommends bringing children to one of our Family Performances which are about 45 minutes in length for children under 6 years of age.
Late Seating Policy at the Opera
Late seating is at the discretion of the House Manager. If you arrive late or exit the performance prior to intermission, we will do our best to accommodate you in a different seating area. You may return to your seats at intermission.
Tickets for Children
Everyone regardless of age, who attends a performance at The Dallas Opera must purchase a ticket. Children will not be permitted into the performance hall without a ticket (even if they plan to sit on your lap).
TDO offers $15 Student Tickets starting 90 minutes prior to every performance and in advance online.
Wear whatever makes you comfortable. We do not have a formal dress code and suggest that you dress for the experience you want to have at the opera. If you are enjoying a family outing on a weekend afternoon, casual and comfortable attire works for many, while some may like the opportunity to dress up.
To help you determine which opera to take your family to, we post a rating (similar to the movies) on the website performance pages. If you need more information, please contact Patron Services at 214.443.1000.
- Opera is not amplified, meaning the orchestra and singers are not using microphones. If the lights are down, please stop talking, so others around you may hear every note.
- No food or drinks are allowed into the performance hall for Mainstage opera performances.
- Please silence all electronic devices.
- Recording and photography are prohibited.