You at the Opera: FAQs
Whether you're brand new, or you've been a subscriber for years, all are welcome at the opera. Here's how you can get the most out of your visit.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
We recommend you plan to arrive at the venue 45 minutes prior to the show start time. This will allow for time to find parking and take your seat without risk of missing any part of the performance.
CAN I TAKE MY DRINK TO MY SEAT?
Yes, you can enjoy a beverage while you watch the opera! Drinks are now allowed in the auditorium, provided they are in plastic containers.
IS FOOD ALLOWED INTO THE AUDITORIUM?
At the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, food is not allowed to be consumed in the auditorium during performances. To avoid noisy wrappers, snacks purchased at the concessions must be consumed before the show, during the intermission or after the show in the lobby. At the Mamdani Opera Centre, food is allowed in the performance space. No outside food permitted.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
You'll find people at the opera wearing a variety of styles, from jeans to jewels. Although many people enjoy dressing up when they go to the opera, there's no mandatory dress code. If you're worried about feeling under-dressed, opt for cocktail attire and you'll be sure to fit right in.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY TICKETS?
Season tickets are mailed out in the middle of May. Individual tickets are e-mailed upon placing an order (please allow 30 minutes for tickets to generate and send) or mailed out weekly (if you've chosen the mail option) and take approximately 3-5 business days to arrive. If you haven't received your tickets, please contact the Box Office at 403-262-7286.
WHAT IF I'M RUNNING LATE?
In the interest of safety and for the comfort of all patrons and performers, latecomers may not enter the auditorium or be seated until a suitable break in the performance. Please follow the directions of the ushers. To ensure a full and enjoyable evening at the opera, please check your tickets for performance start times and plan to arrive early.
WHAT IF I NEED TO LEAVE?
Patrons leaving the auditorium during the performance or returning late after intermission may not be readmitted or may be accommodated in an alternate viewing location. Latecomers are invited to view the performance from monitors in the lobby area.
WHAT IF I'VE LOST MY TICKETS?
For subscribers, lost tickets can be replaced free of charge by contacting Calgary Opera's Box Office at 403-262-7286 or visiting Customer Service at the venue on the night of the performance. Non-subscription tickets may incur a reprint fee per ticket reprinted. If you forget your tickets on the day of the performance, please see our staff at Audience Services at the venue.
WHAT SERVICES ARE THERE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OR REDUCED MOBILITY?
The Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is fully wheelchair accessible (with the exception of the 2nd balcony) with ramps available at the north entrance. Please view our Accessibility information for more details about accessibility features.
ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED AT THE OPERA?
Yes! All patrons, including children, must have a ticket for the performance. Children 15 years of age or under must be accompanied by and seated next to an adult. Children should be able to sit quietly throughout the performance. If unable to do so, children and their accompanying adult will be asked to leave the auditorium. Babes-in-arms will not be admitted into the auditorium.
CAN I GET A REFUND FOR MY TICKETS IF I CAN'T USE THEM?
All sales of tickets are final. However, tickets can be exchanged for a different evening of the same opera. Subscribers can exchange their tickets free of charge, and regular ticket buyers can exchange their tickets for a small fee. You must exchange the tickets at least 48hrs in advance of the performance you were originally scheduled to attend.