Additional information about each opera in our current season can be found on that performance’s page under the ‘Events’ tab on The Dallas Opera’s website. There you can find helpful tools like a synopsis, runtime, and content ratings similar to those used for movies.

You can also learn more on our TDO Connection’s webpage. TDO Connections™ is The Dallas Opera’s intentional process for human-centered, operatic storytelling. Each opera season, TDO will explore thematic elements relevant to our communities through select opera productions.

If you want to learn more about opera, our Opera 101 page has some great information about common opera terms, the history of opera, and answers some common questions about opera. Additionally, the TDO Education Portal offers online learning materials related to past and present productions that are designed to meet TEKS Standards across multiple subjects.

If you have an emergency, please try to exit as discreetly and quietly as possible, for the sake of other patrons. Latecomers and those who exit during the performance will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager.

Mainstage opera intermissions are usually twenty minutes long unless the program indicates otherwise. Stretch your legs, relax and enjoy a drink with your friends, or take a restroom break. Chimes will let you know that the intermission is ending and it’s time to silence your devices and return to your seat. Once the doors are closed, late seating will be at the discretion of the house manager.

Everyone loves applause! It tells our performers and crew that you like the show. There are moments where you’ll normally hear applause: when the conductor enters the pit, at the end of an act, or after a performer has finished an impressive aria/song. Not every opera has clear breaks for applause, so if in doubt, you may wait until other audience members begin to clap. Some enthusiastic audience members may even shout “Bravo!” or “Brava!” (Italian for ‘well done!’). At the end of the opera you may hear “Bravi!” (‘Good job y’all!’) or “Bravi tutti!” (‘Good job all of y’all!’), but cheers of all kinds are welcome, especially during the bows!

There are no food or beverages permitted inside the performance hall. Please silence your mobile devices and refrain from talking or texting on your cell phone during the performance. Recording of any performance by camera, audio, or video equipment, including cell phones, is strictly prohibited.

In general, you can expect an opera to last between two-and-a-half and three hours, including intermissions. Some operas are longer than three hours with multiple intermissions while others are shorter than two hours and presented without intermission. Family Shows are typically 30 minutes to one hour in length. For details on running time and intermissions, consult your performance webpage.