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Nope! You’ll see a range of attire at any Opera Colorado performance—from cowboy boots to stiletto heels, and polo shirts to tuxedo jackets. Many of our patrons would say they like to dress “Colorado Fancy,” which often means a comfortable dress with a cardigan, or slacks with a button-up shirt. Then again, we have other patrons who view a night at the opera as the perfect excuse to wear their most fabulous outfit. If you’re looking for a particularly glam experience, we recommend Opening Night as the performance when the ball gowns and black-tie are most likely to come out. (But you wouldn’t be the only one in a nice pair of jeans, we promise.)

Yes. We are a 501(c)(3) organization. Our tax ID number is 84-0850527.

We routinely offer only these options for discounted tickets:

1) For subscribers, who automatically save 20% off single-ticket prices by purchasing a two-opera subscription, and receive 15% off additional tickets and select other Opera Colorado events
2) For groups of 10 or more people, who can receive 10-15% off tickets, depending on their performance date
3) For students, who can take advantage of $20 Student Rush tickets
4) For active-duty military, who can receive 15% off tickets (call 303.468.2030 to purchase)

To be the first to know about special promotions, please join Opera Colorado’s email list. However, please be aware that many of our tickets begin at just $35, and our most affordable seats can quickly sell out. Our best tip is to purchase early!

Performances start on time, all the time—and Opera Colorado does not offer refunds or exchanges for late arrivals or missed performances. Latecomers will be seated at the earliest possible break in the performance; for some performances, this may not be until the first intermission. So arriving 45-60 minutes in advance of your performance is wise, to allot time for parking, picking up any tickets at Will Call, going through security at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and finding your seat. The on-site Box Office and the venue’s doors both open 90 minutes before the start of the performance.

Convenient, on-site garage parking is usually available for an event rate of $10-15, although prices can vary. For parking details and advisories, click here.

Timing varies by opera, but is generally between two to three hours for mainstage performances, including at least one intermission. You can find run times and intermission detail on the opera’s event page, or call our Patron Services team at 303.468.2030. Timing will also be included in the pre-performance email we send ticketbuyers a day or two before the event (check your spam/junk folders!).

Yes. Full service, on-site dining is available pre-show at Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House (click here for menu info and reservations). Light snacks and a full bar are also available pre-show and during intermissions on the Lobby and Loge levels. Please note, however, that only water and beverages in plastic cups (provided at the bar) are allowed inside the theater, so you’ll need to finish your food before taking your seat.

Pro tip: pre-order your drinks so you can skip the long lines during intermission. Just go to any bar at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House before the start of the performance, pay for your order in advance, and your drinks will be waiting for you as soon as you exit the theater for intermission.

Our mainstage operas are almost always sung in the piece’s original language—which could be anything from English to Italian to Czech. You can find language information on the opera’s event page, but you don’t need to stress about a language barrier, as every seat at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House has a personal subtitling system with translations available in both English and Spanish. Plus, we print a full synopsis in each program book. You’ll find that spoilers aren’t a big problem with opera; so many of these stories will be familiar to you already, and many people find that knowing the plot in advance helps them appreciate the performance even more.

Opera fans love to show their appreciation for the artists on stage and in the orchestra pit, so if you’re unsure of when to applaud or cheer, just take your cues from your fellow patrons. Generally, however, the audience applauds when the conductor enters the orchestra pit just before the start of the performance; after a particularly moving or exciting aria (aka: a solo piece) or small ensemble piece (duets, quartets, etc.); and at the end of acts.

You might also hear shouts of “Brava,” “Bravo,” or “Bravi” (to compliment a woman, man, or group, respectively) after an exceptionally good performance, or during the bows after the performance. Feel free to join in!

Opera is so powerful because it reflects universal themes—which means some operas contain mature subject matter, such as adultery, revenge, or death. Even operatic comedies can frequently have suggestive humor. We recommend reading the plot beforehand and using your own judgement as to whether it’s appropriate for your family. Also consider your child’s maturity level, and whether they’d be comfortable sitting quietly for long periods of time. All that being said, we do love introducing children to opera and welcome well-behaved kiddos. But please be aware that all children must have their own ticket (no lap sitting).

Visit each opera’s event page in the days leading up to a performance to read articles and interviews about the opera and its cast, see photos from rehearsal, watch behind-the-scenes videos and trailers, , and more. Also be sure to follow Opera Colorado on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube; bookmark our blog; and subscribe to our email newsletter for all the latest information!

Or, join us one hour prior to each performance at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House of a free and insightful pre-performance discussion led by opera historian Betsy Schwarm.

Please see our Accessibility page.

• Use the Lost & Found Form to report lost items from any venue in the Arts Complex. Please use this form first before taking any other action.
•  Items found during an event are taken to the Arts Complex Communication Center (1345 Champa Street) and are held there for 2 weeks.
• You may also contact the Arts Complex Communication Center (720-865-4200) if you are having issues.  They will answer your questions and then direct you to complete the Lost & Found Form to track your lost item.

Visit our Jobs & Auditions page for any available job listings or audition opportunities.

We’re also always looking for great volunteers! Learn more here.

Our season runs fall through spring—roughly September through May—with summers off. Opera Colorado’s mainstage season includes three large-scale, fully staged productions in the 2,200-seat Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Finally, we round out each season with several intimate recitals, artist meet-and-greet events, panel discussions, educational offerings, and more. Please visit our Calendar for a full lineup of upcoming events.

As of December 2017, our administrative offices and rehearsal studio are located under one roof at the new Opera Colorado Opera Center in Englewood, CO. This is also where you can find us, year-round, for in-person ticket sales. Please visit our Contact Us page for more information.

Not quite. These two acronyms are frequently—and incorrectly—used interchangeably, and often confused with Opera Colorado.

The Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) is owned and operated by the City and County of Denver and the home of ten downtown performance spaces, including the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Opera Colorado is proud to be one of the four resident companies—along with the Colorado Ballet, Colorado Symphony, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA)—who are tenants of DPAC venues. However, each resident company is its own independent arts organization, although we often perform in the same beautiful venues.

The City and County of Denver mandates a 10% facilities development admissions tax be added to the purchase price of each admission to any entertainment, amusement, or athletic event, or any other production or assembly that is staged, produced, convened, or held in or on any City-owned or leased property. This tax is commonly referred to as the “seat tax.”

Opera Colorado adds this required tax during the checkout process. You can view your total cost before paying when purchasing online; when purchasing tickets by phone or in person, our Patron Services representatives will always confirm your final cost with you prior to finalizing your order.

Please see our Seat Map page.

Please see our Ticket Policies page.

Please see our Ticket Policies page.

Please see our Ticket Policies page.

No. Opera Colorado only sells tickets to Opera Colorado events. Although we are a resident company of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the DPAC and its venues (including the Ellie Caulkins Opera House) are owned and operated by the City and County of Denver. Many organizations make use of these beautiful venues, and tickets for events should be purchased from the presenting company:

• Opera Colorado: 303.468.2030 or operacolorado.org
• Colorado Ballet: 303.837.8888 or coloradoballet.org
• Colorado Symphony: 303.623.7876 or coloradosymphony.org
• Denver Center for the Performing Arts: 303.893.4100 or denvercenter.org
• Denver Arts & Venues: 888.929.7849 or axs.com

Tickets are available for sale 24/7 at operacolorado.org. Only very rarely are legitimate Opera Colorado tickets available on a third-party website. More often than not, third-party sites claiming to sell tickets to Opera Colorado are reselling tickets at a significant price increase, with unnecessary fees. And, sometimes, the tickets are phonies and not actually valid for entry to a performance.

Please be extremely cautious when purchasing tickets from a third-party source, whether that’s a large-scale ticket broker or an individual seller on Craigslist, Facebook, etc. If in doubt, call Opera Colorado’s Patron Services team at 303.468.2030 to verify the legitimacy of a third-party website before you buy. Unfortunately, Opera Colorado cannot be held responsible for invalid, fraudulent, or overpriced tickets, nor can we offer refunds or replacements in such instances.

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, and not by Opera Colorado. You can only purchase Opera Colorado tickets at the Ellie on the day of an Opera Colorado performance, beginning 90 minutes prior to the performance start time.

The rest of the year, in-person purchases can be made only at the Opera Colorado Opera Center in Englewood, CO, from Monday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm. You can also purchase tickets by phone at 303.468.2030, or online at operacolorado.org.

In compliance with Denver Arts & Venues and for your safety, all Opera Colorado performances include basic security screenings upon entry and re-entry to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Please arrive early to allow enough time to go through security and get to your seat comfortably.

To review the full policy and prohibited items implemented, please visit artscomplex.com.

• Venue Sanitization: High-touch surfaces and common areas such as door handles, counters and tables are being cleaned and disinfected regularly.
• Venue HVAC Systems: We have implemented measures in the ventilation system to follow guidelines for recommended filters and fresh air exchange.
•  Restrooms & Sanitization Stations: Each venue restroom features touch-free fixtures for your safety.  They will be cleaned and sanitized prior to your visit. Additionally, hand sanitizer dispensers are in various locations throughout the complex.
• Cashless Payment: Concessions will be available for purchase and we have cashless payment available. When purchasing alcoholic beverages, you will be asked to show an ID to prove you are over 21. If you are wearing a mask, you may be asked to remove it briefly for identity verification.

In recognition of the great uncertainty created by the current health situation, we have reviewed our ticket policies to ensure we are as flexible and accommodating as possible if you cannot attend a performance. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have recently been exposed to COVID-19, please do not attend the performance and contact Patron Services (customerservice@operacolorado.org) for custom ticketing options. 

Learn More

Will there be accommodations for medical conditions, disability, or strongly-held religious beliefs exempting me from being vaccinated?

• Any patron needing accommodation due to a medical condition, disability, or a sincerely-held religious belief, practice, or observance that prevents them from vaccination will be admitted with all of the following:
• Downloaded, completed, and signed COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Accommodation Form. Anyone who requests such accommodation (for themselves or their minor child or ward) must bring this completed and signed form, i.e. one form per requesting individual. Download Form Here.
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within six hours of the performance start time, administered by an official testing center. Home testing kit results will not be accepted for entry.
• Masks are required regardless of accommodation for all patrons ages 2 and older.

I have no intention of getting vaccinated. What are my options?

We encourage you to attend a performance in the future once these requirements are lifted.

I am unable to wear a mask. What are my options?

We encourage you to attend a performance in the future once these requirements are lifted. All audience members ages 2 and older must wear a mask unless actively enjoying concessions in designated areas. Food and beverages will not be permitted inside the concert hall.

The minimum requirement for a group is ten tickets.

We recommend arriving at least one hour prior to curtain.

Groups save 20% off all performances, with no seating or date restrictions. They also do not pay handling fees.

Deposit requirement is based off the quantity of tickets in your reservation.  Large groups of 100 or more people require a 10% deposit.

Final payment is due thirty days prior to your performance.

Your final seat count due date is based off the quantity of tickets in your reservation.  Counts for large groups of 100 or more are due sixty days in advance of your performance. Counts for groups under 100 are due thirty days in advance of your performance.

Groups do not pay handling fees.

Yes! We offer customizable experiences for our groups, from backstage tours to pre- or post-show receptions. Just ask our Group Sales Liaison at the time of your reservation or any time up to thirty days before your performance.

Fixed-Seat Group sales are available when each of our seasons are announced, usually in January or February prior to the season. Flexible-Seat Group sales are available when single tickets go on sale to the public, usually in August prior to the season.

Fixed-Seat Groups are assigned seats when we receive the request. Flexible-Seat Groups may select their own seats.

For Fixed-Seat Group sales, we try our very best to accommodate seating location requests. Be sure to get your order in early to ensure the seats you want will be available together.

Motor coach parking must be coordinated by your group. There are various lots within walking distance to the theater that offer motor coach parking. Find more information at the links below.

Reserved Seating for One | ($150 tax-deductible)

Reserved Seating for Two | ($2,500 tax-deductible)

Duet Package benefits include:

• Recognition as part of the gala’s printed and electronic invitation
• Recognition on the Opera Colorado Gala webpage
• Recognition on the sponsor page of the Gala program book

Reserved Table for Eight | ($4,000 tax-deductible)

Table Sponsor benefits include:

• Recognition as part of the Gala’s printed and electronic invitation
• Recognition on the Opera Colorado Gala webpage
• Recognition on the sponsor page of the Gala program book
• One half-page, black-and-white ad in the Gala program book

Premium Reserved Table for Ten | ($9,500 tax-deductible)

Premium Sponsor benefits include:

• Recognition as a Premium Sponsor as part of the gala’s printed and electronic invitation
• Recognition as a Premium Sponsor on the Opera Colorado Gala webpage
• Recognition on the Sponsor page of the Gala program book
• One half-page, color ad in the Gala program book

Premium Reserved Table for Ten | $22,500 tax-deductible

Presenting Sponsor benefits include:

• Your name or corporate logo listing as Presenting Sponsor on the Gala printed and electronic invitations
• Your name or corporate logo on event signage, on display during mainstage performances and select special events throughout the season
• Prominent recognition as a Presenting Sponsor on the Opera Colorado Gala webpage
• Prominent recognition as a Presenting Sponsor in the Gala program book
• One full-page, color ad in the Gala program book

($48,200 tax-deductible)

Admission to the Pre-Performance Cocktail Reception and VIP reserved seating for twelve at the Gala Performance at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and a table for twelve with premier placement at the Celebration Dinner and After Party at the Seawell Ballroom on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

• Invitation for four to the 40th Anniversary Gala Kick-off in September 2022
• Invitation for four to an exclusive event with Joyce DiDonato in May 2023
• Recognition on the titling system at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House during all May 2023 performances of Turandot
• Marquee recognition as Lead Sponsor on the gala’s printed and electronic invitation
• Prominent recognition as Lead Sponsor in all press releases and press materials
• Prominent recognition as Lead Sponsor on the Opera Colorado Gala Webpage
• Prominent recognition as Lead Sponsor in the Gala Program Book
• One full-page, color ad in the Gala Program Book
• Marquee recognition on gala screens and printed signage during the Celebration Dinner and After Party at the Seawell Ballroom

Yes. Applications will be reviewed in the order that they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. All applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed, and all candidates are given equal consideration. It is common for us to receive over 200 applications in the final 24 hours before the application deadline, so please submit as early as possible. Submitting early gives us more time to view and read through your materials.

Our template below is a great starting place for creating your cover letter. Your cover letter should be approximately one page in length. Use the cover letter to introduce yourself to us and explain why you are interested specifically in the program at Opera Colorado. We want to know why you are interested in working with us as an Artist in Residence. Your cover letter should reflect familiarity with our specific Artists in Residence Program as well as Opera Colorado.

No, the application process and the auditions are two separate processes. The application process is used to prescreen all candidates and assign audition slots to the selected candidates. Once you submit an application, your materials will be reviewed. You will receive an email stating whether or not you have been selected to audition.

All applicants will receive notice of their audition status via email no later than November 15. If for some reason you have not heard from our team after that date, please feel free to contact us at education@operacolorado.org.

Our template below is a great starting place for creating your resume. Your resume should contain the following: (listed in order of importance)

• Contact information – your name, email address, and phone number
• A current headshot
• Roles Performed – list the role, producing company or university, year Roles Studied and/or Prepared – list role
• Concert and Oratorio
• Training programs – list any training programs you have done, include the company and the year
• Education information – institution and year
• People you’ve studied with – list directors, coaches, and teachers
• Special Skills – if desired, include any special skills

Yes. You will receive notice of your application status regardless of whether or not you are selected to audition.

The 2024-25 season will include roles in our mainstage season and touring productions. The productions will feature works by the following composers: Donizetti, Heggie, Humperdinck, Rossini, and Verdi. Among the other performance opportunities, Artists in Residence will be cast in supporting roles, and cover principal roles in mainstage productions, perform principal roles in touring productions, and be featured in company events.

For your introduction, we would like to see how you might explain your performance to a group of elementary school students who are unfamiliar with opera. It should be short, easy to understand, and show us your personality.

Yes! The video above offers some useful tips from former Artists in Residence.

• Submit a recent video or audio recording that showcases your voice as it is now. Avoid using older recordings that are not representative of your current talents. Any recording you submit should be no more than six months old.
• Select repertoire that is appropriate for the season for which you are applying. Choose music and composers that appear in our upcoming season or are similar in style.
• We love reading cover letters from applicants who have explored our website and found ways in which our program and company resonate with them personally and professionally.
• Be sure to read the application and audition requirements thoroughly. We want you to know what you’re applying for. If you have questions, please email education@operacolorado.org to request the information you need.

The Artists in Residence are early-professional opera performers who participate in an eight-month residency program with Opera Colorado. During their residency, they gain valuable performance experience and receive ongoing artistic training and career coaching. The Artists in Residence are highly involved in mainstage and touring productions and bring opera directly to schools and community venues throughout Colorado and surrounding states.

We will be hiring the following voice types for the 2025-26 program: Soprano, Mezzo, Tenor, Baritone and Bass-Baritone or Bass.

The program dates are September 2, 2025 –through May 31, 2026. [There will be an uncompensated break from November 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026.]

The 2025-26 season will include roles in our mainstage season and touring productions. The productions will feature works by the following composers: Donizetti, Verdi, and Gilbert & Sullivan. Among the other performance opportunities, Artists in Residence will be cast in supporting roles, and cover principal roles in mainstage productions, perform principal roles in touring productions, and be featured in company events.

Artists in Residence will receive regular training and coaching from Opera Colorado artistic staff and guest artists. They will have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses, coachings and lessons during their residency. Career coaching and professional development will also be provided. Additionally, each Artist in Residence will be assigned various production duties and have the opportunity to learn about other aspects of the industry.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United Sates prior to applying. If working under a visa, applicants must be in current possession of an approved visa. Applicants are required to hold a master’s degree (or performance certificate) in the area of vocal performance/collaborative piano. Applicants should have considerable experience in opera on the graduate and/or professional level. Applicants must be available to be in Colorado from September 2, 2025 –through May 31, 2026.

The stipend rate is $1,800 per month. Housing is provided in Denver. Artists are responsible for their own transportation while in Denver.

Auditions will be held in Denver, CO on Friday, January 3 and Sunday, January 5, 2024, at the Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and via recorded audition submissions due by December 10, 2024. You must apply by December 2, 2024.

Applicants are being accepted via YAP Tracker at www.YAPTracker.com. Interested applicants must submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Résumé [CV]
• Repertoire list
• Two References (One must be from a previous/current teacher, coach, or director)
• Professional headshot
• Two video recordings for pre-screening purposes

Applications close on December 2, 2024.

You don’t have to do anything if you choose not to renew your subscription. If you would like to inform us, you can send in your renewal form with a note or give us a call at 303.468.2030.

You can view your renewal details by clicking the following link: my.operacolorado.org/packages/renewals and logging into your account. If you need a paper copy, please contact our Patron Services Team to have another copy mailed to you.

May 1 is the renewal deadline. Any subscriptions that are not renewed by that date will be released. You may always purchase a new subscription if you miss the deadline, but you may have to request different seats.

We waive our package handling fees ($10 per subscription package seat) when you renew by March 15. If renewing by mail, your renewal form must be postmarked by March 15.

Two-pack subscriptions cannot be renewed, but you are able to upgrade to a full subscription with tickets to all three operas. You will receive communications about upgrading into a three-opera series.

Two-pack subscriptions for the 2024-25 season will not be available until after Daughter of the Regiment closes.

Check the “payment plan” box on your renewal form or give us a call and ask about renewing with a payment plan. Payment plans are not available for online renewals.

It may be possible to keep your seats if they are available, but we always suggest giving us two or more locations in case your first pick is not available.

Our subscription packages require selecting a pair of seats for the season, across all three shows. You can call to exchange your seats for individual performances once you receive your physical tickets in the mail.

We begin seating at the end of May, after our renewal deadline has passed. Our seating happens in the order that we receive renewals—those that renew earliest will have a better chance of being seated in their preferred locations.

You will receive an order confirmation via email once you have been seated for the season. If you do not have an email on file with us, you will see your seat location when your tickets are sent to you in the summer.

By phone: Please call 303.468.2030 to renew your subscription. Please provide your order number and let us know that you would like to change your seats.

By mail: On your Renewal Form, under “2) Review Your Subscription,” check the box that reads “Change my series or seats” and in the line below, please list two or more seating options for your new seats. Please also indicate if you are planning to change your Price Class and/or Subscription Package Day.

Our Patron Services Team will hold your current seats in case the new seats you indicated are not available and you prefer to keep the same seats from your previous season.