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Etiquette for the Opera

What if I don't speak Italian/French/German?
Opera Colorado presents all of their operas in the original language. But you won't miss a single nuance of the story thanks to the new Figaro System. This breakthrough electronic seatback text delivery system displays electronic titles on the backlit monitors permanently fixed at every seat. A simple one-button interface lets you select from English or Spanish or turn the system off if you prefer to enjoy the performance with no subtitles. To date, only two other U.S. opera houses offer this innovative subtitle system...yet another 'first' for Opera Colorado's audiences.

What are good operas for beginners?
Well-known operas and comedies are excellent ways to introduce new people to opera. Classics such as La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, La bohème, Carmen and The Barber of Seville are all timeless stories with beautiful music. Opera Colorado often opens the season will a well-known opera in November and usually performs at least one comedy per season. For the current season offerings, visit our Season page.

May I take pictures, videotape, or tape-record the performance?
No. The artist and staff contracts stipulate that no unauthorized photos, video or audio recordings be made of the opera.

How should I dress for the opera?
Opera is a grand opportunity to get dressed up! Especially on opening nights, you will often see ladies in evening gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos. We hope you will enjoy your trip to the opera and encourage you to make it a special event. However, Colorado is a much more casual city than others around the country and opera lovers come from all walks of life. And while you may see people dressed formally, we hope you will wear whatever you’re most comfortable in, whether that means your best ball gown or something more relaxed. In general, cocktail dresses and sport jackets are the norm for most performances. Matinees typically call for less formal dress: sport coats for men and a pantsuit or dress for women.

How can I learn more about opera?
Opera Colorado offers a variety of events prior to the season and performance runs to educate audiences about the season. OPERA Shorts! is a high-energy preview event designed to give someone new to opera a feel for the production. The University of Denver also often offers partnered enrichment courses featuring one of the operas. For more information, please visit our Community Enrichment page.


When should I clap?
As a general rule, applause occurs at the end of each act and the end of the performance. In between, when an especially impressive aria (opera solo) ends, the audience might also reward the singer by clapping for a brief time until the action resumes. Feel free to shout “Bravo!” (male performers), “Brava!” (female performers) and “Bravi!” (for an ensemble). Singers love to be appreciated.

When should I clap?
As a general rule, applause occurs at the end of each act and the end of the performance. In between, when an especially impressive aria (opera solo) ends, the audience might also reward the singer by clapping for a brief time until the action resumes. Feel free to shout “Bravo!” (male performers), “Brava!” (female performers) and “Bravi!” (for an ensemble). Singers love to be appreciated.

How long will the opera last?
Generally you should estimate two and a half to three hours. Check each opera page on this website under “About The Opera” to see estimated running times.

Is there an intermission?
Yes. Opera Colorado generally has two intermissions for most three-act operas and a single intermission for two-act operas.

What if I’m late?
Latecomers will not be seated until intermission. Closed-circuit TV monitors are available in the lobby to watch the performance while you wait for a late seating break. Please double-check your tickets for performance times and arrive early to allow extra time for parking. More information about where to park downtown.

A First-Timer's Guide to the Opera
For more information, check out a guide put together by the Utah Symphony & Opera.