What should we wear to the opera?
Where is the Music Hall at Fair Park and where should I park?
Should we eat before we go?
Will they be singing in English?
I have an extra ticket, what can I do with it?
We’re not sure we can get there on time. Is this a problem?
Which entrance should I use at Fair Park?
And if I have special needs?
I’d rather not drive – do I have an option?
Okay, we got here early. What is there to do?
What about after we take our seats?
How long will the performance last?
When should I applaud?
Is it okay to laugh?
Tell me about intermission.
What if I have to leave the hall during the performance?
How will we know when the opera is over?
Where can I find out more about this opera?

What should we wear to the opera?
Business attire is the norm, but anything goes, from jeans to your favorite evening gown! You’ll see more formal attire on opening night and at Saturday night performances; the mid-week performance tends to be a bit more casual. However, the rule of thumb is simple: If it makes you feel like a million bucks, wear it!

Where is the Music Hall at Fair Park and where should I park?
Click here to view a map to the Music Hall and for parking information.

Should we eat before we go?
Most operas last an entire afternoon or evening. While a variety of drinks are served at intermission, it’s a good idea to eat beforehand, if you have the time. Pre-performance dining options are available at the Music Hall, although reservations are required for the Crystal Terrace (214-565-0591). No reservations are required to enjoy a salad or a sandwich in the upstairs café.

Will they be singing in English?
Not unless the opera happens to be English or American. The Dallas Opera has traditionally performed operas in their original languages. This isn’t a hurdle for contemporary audiences because easy-to-read English translations are projected above the stage throughout every performance, even if sung in English. You’ll never ever be left in the dark!

I have an extra ticket, what can I do with it?
Bring a friend, neighbor, co-worker or loved one and treat them to a fabulous new experience! If that simply isn’t possible, you are welcome to donate your extra ticket up to one hour prior to curtain for a tax deduction equal to the amount you paid. Contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office during regular business hours at 214-443-1000 or call the Ticket Donation Hotline prior to a performance at 214-443-1080. Your receipt for your ticket donation will be mailed to you in January.

We’re not sure we can get there on time. Is this a problem?
We regret to inform you that there is NO LATE SEATING for any performance of The Dallas Opera. This is a courtesy to both the singers and other members of the audience. If you should happen to arrive after the opera has begun, you will be asked to view the performance on a closed-circuit television monitor, conveniently located in the lobby, until first intermission. In order to get the most out of your opera experience, it’s really important to arrive prior to curtain time. Evening performances typically begin at 7:30 pm and matinées at 2:00 pm.

Which entrance should I use at Fair Park?
That depends. High level donors park in the Inner Circle lot, which can be accessed through the First Avenue gate. All other patrons (those with or without special parking passes) are advised to go to the Martin Luther King entrance. You will be directed by parking attendants to a convenient parking spot.

And if I have special needs?
Disabled parking spaces are available in the Inner Circle Parking lot directly in front of the Music Hall. Please note that attendants will admit only those vehicles with appropriate disabled license plates or a rear-view mirror tag into the handicapped spaces. If your car is not so equipped, you may drop-off physically challenged patrons beside the covered walkway entrance by entering at the First Avenue gate. Once you have delivered your passengers, parking attendants will direct you to the appropriate lot.

I’d rather not drive – do I have an option?
Yes, indeed! Whether you’re coming from far North Dallas or the other side of the Trinity River, you can arrive at the door of the Music Hall relaxed and ready for a fabulous experience, by taking the Barnes & Noble Opera Coach! Round-trip service for an entire season of opera is available to season subscribers for an additional charge of just $100 dollars. Considering today’s gas prices, it’s a steal of a deal. Call 214-443-1000 to make your reservations or to find out about the Barnes & Noble Opera Coach nearest you. Be sure to ask about the “get you there by curtain” guarantee!

Okay, we got here early. What is there to do?
Congratulate yourself! You’ll be cool, calm and collected when the curtain goes up. The Dallas Opera offers a FREE informational discussion in the auditorium (sit anywhere you like) one hour before each performance. Pre-show dining options include the buffet at the Crystal Terrace (214-565-0591 for reservations), located just off the main lobby, and sandwiches and salads upstairs. Browse The Dallas Opera Guild Boutique or stroll the concourse to see what everyone else chose to wear. People-watching is definitely part of the fun!

What about after we take our seats?
First and foremost, relax! It’s time to let go of the stresses and strains of the day and reward yourself. Some people like to take the minutes before a performance to share an intimate conversation with their seatmate. Others prefer to look over the program book, read the synopsis or articles, and find out how many intermissions they can expect. Don’t forget to turn off your cellphone and if you plan to have a throat lozenge or hard candy handy, now’s the time to fish it out of your purse.

How long will the performance last?
It depends on the production. In general, you can expect an opera to last between two-and-a-half and three hours, including intermissions. Works by certain composers, like Richard Wagner, can run longer.

When should I applaud?
Whenever you feel like it. No – just kidding! The only thing better than giving a great performance, is to have it acknowledged by an appreciative audience. However, your applause needs to wait until the performer has finished singing. If in doubt, hold your applause until the people around you begin to clap. If you are extra enthusiastic about what you’ve just heard, feel free to shout “Bravo!” if the singer is a man, and “Brava!” for a lady. Of course, there is always applause at the end of each act and opportunities for curtain calls, stamping, whistling and standing ovations at the end of each opera. Go for it!

Is it okay to laugh?
Yes, certainly! If it’s funny!

Tell me about intermission.
Intermissions at The Dallas Opera are twenty minutes long, unless the program indicates otherwise. You are encouraged to visit The Dallas Opera Guild Boutique, purchase additional tickets at the box office (open during the first intermission), enjoy a drink with your friends at one of the many concession stands or visit the restrooms located on both the balcony level and downstairs from the center of the concourse. Handicapped restrooms are located at each end of the concourse. Announcements and flickering lights warn that the intermission is ending and it’s time to turn off your cellphone and get back to your seat, pronto. Once the doors are closed, you will not be allowed to enter.

What if I have to leave the hall during the performance?
Please try to do so as discreetly and quietly as possible, for the sake of other patrons. And be aware that once you have left the auditorium, we cannot allow you to return until the next intermission; however, you are welcome to sit and view the performance on a closed-circuit monitor located across from the Crystal Terrace.

How will we know when the opera is over?
There are two clues to watch for: a wild outpouring of applause, cheers, and whistles and – simultaneously – the sight of select audience members sprinting up the aisles at the speed of light. If you feel elated following the performance, show it! Now’s your chance to cheer, whistle and stomp to your heart’s content! The artists love it, of course.

Where can I find out more about this opera?
Start here or ask at your local library. And welcome, to the incredible world of opera!