High Notes, Low Stress: Demystifying the Opera
Are you thinking about coming to a Calgary Opera show for the first time? We can't wait to see you at the show. On top of our handy Plan Your Visit info, below you'll find FAQs tailor-made for opera newbies.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Anything you like! We don’t have a dress code. Our fans come to the opera in all sorts of styles, from jeans and sneakers to tuxes and gowns — and our theatre lobby often a fashion feast for the eyes. However you’re dressed, we can’t wait to see you at the opera.
Plus, we have $2 coat check!
WHAT IF I DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE?
It’s true: sometimes we present operas sung in Italian, French, sometimes German — and you can absolutely still follow the story, even if you don’t speak the languages.
Above the stage at the Jubilee Auditorium, you’ll see English captions projected throughout the show. Fun fact: these captions are called Surtitles, and they were invented by the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto!
Our family-friendly opera for young audiences is always sung in English. We don’t use Surtitles for these shows, as they’re presented in a smaller, easier-to-understand venue — the Mamdani Opera Centre.
IS THERE AN INTERMISSION?
Yes! At our Jubilee Auditorium shows, there is a 25m intermission roughly halfway through each opera. During intermission, the bars are open and our lobby activations are available to explore.
CAN I BRING FOOD AND DRINK INTO THE AUDITORIUM?
You can bring drinks in, but not food. Glassware is not allowed in the auditorium, so your bartender can offer a plastic cup if you plan to bring your beverage inside.
HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE?
We suggest arriving at least 30m before curtain, to allow for parking or arrival by C-Train, visiting the coat check, bar and/or washrooms, and finding your way to your seat.
The Jubilee Auditorium doors open 90m before curtain, and we recommend showing up early. We offer immersive lobby activations and a signature cocktail/mocktail at each of our shows, and our popular Opera Talks happen 60m before the show starts.
WHAT IF I’M RUNNING LATE?
Our staff, or the fantastic staff at the Jubilee Auditorium can help. If you arrive late, an usher will be help you find your seat when there’s a suitable break in the show.
WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT OPERA?
We’re so excited to welcome you! Opera comes with plenty of stereotypes, and it can feel like an artform that’s inaccessible or not for everyone — but we invite you to give it a try.
You can expect our stories to be mostly sung. Our incredible artists singing unamplified, with a full symphony orchestra playing live below the stage. English captions are projected above the stage throughout each show.
Our house program includes a full synopsis of each show’s plot. And if you’re curious for a fuller understanding of the stories in our Jubilee Auditorium operas, check out our Opera Talks, included with your ticket! 1hr before curtain in our lobby, get the inside scoop on each show from our popular presenters.