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Questions Related to Attendance
Questions Related to Tickets & Benefits
Didn't find your question here? E-mail us at faq@operaphila.org
ATTENDANCE
- What should I wear?
- We believe the most important thing is to feel comfortable and enjoy the performance. Some patrons choose to attend the Opera in fancy dress while others come in casual attire. Please take fellow audience members into consideration and refrain from wearing large hats or excessive perfume.
- When should I arrive?
- It is suggested that you arrive 30 minutes before the performance. This will give you adequate time to check your coat or visit restrooms, and be seated before the performance begins. At the request of our patrons, the Opera Company of Philadelphia observes the national opera standard of a No Late Seating Policy. While we understand that traffic conditions, public transportation, or weather can have unexpected effects on your arrival at the Academy of Music, we wish to minimize disruptions for our seated patrons and for our artists onstage. Latecomers will be asked to wait in the lobby until the earliest possible break in the performance, which in some cases may not be until the intermission. Should you arrive late, the Opera Company provides video monitors in the lobby where you may watch the performance until you are seated.
- May I bring my children?
- Some operas contain material that may require parental discretion. Due to the length of most productions, we do not recommend bringing small children. If you feel your child is able to handle the length and content of a production, we do require a ticket for each individual entering the theater regardless of age. In order to ensure that all patrons may enjoy the opera without distraction, anyone who creates a disturbance may be asked to leave. Please see theater etiquette for more information.
- What if I arrive late, after the performance has begun?
- At the request of our patrons, the Opera Company of Philadelphia observes the national opera standard of a No Late Seating Policy. While we understand that traffic conditions, public transportation, or weather can have unexpected effects on your arrival at the Academy of Music, we wish to minimize disruptions for our seated patrons and for our artists onstage. Latecomers will be asked to wait in the lobby until the earliest possible break in the performance, which in some cases may not be until intermission. Should you arrive late, the Opera Company provides video monitors in the lobby where you may watch the performance until you are seated.
- Is there "opera etiquette?"
- The most important thing to remember about opera etiquette is that if something might disturb the people around you, just don't do it! It is always best to follow the Golden Rule and treat your fellow audience members as you would like to be treated. Here are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind:
- Turn off cell phones, pagers, or other electronic devices upon entering the theatre. Remember that even low-volume or vibrate settings, as well as text messages, can ruin the opera for those around you.
- Recordings and photography are strictly prohibited.
- If you are prone to coughing, please unwrap any cough drops before the performance begins.
- Food and beverages are not allowed in the theatre.
- Please do not talk, hum, or sing along during the opera.
But most importantly…
- Enjoy the opera! If you like what you hear, let the performers know. A good rule of thumb for when to applaud is at the end of each act and at the end of the performance. You may also applaud at the end of an impressive aria but please make sure it's over! Feel free to shout "Bravo!" (for male performers), "Brava!" (for female performers), and "Bravi!" (for an ensemble).
- May I bring my cellular phone?
- The use of cellular phones inside the theatre is strictly prohibited. Please make sure the electronic signal on your watch or pager remains off throughout the event.
- May I take pictures or record during a performance?
- The photographing, sound recording, or videotaping of any performance, or the possession of any device for such documentation inside this theater, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Offenders may be ejected and liable for damages.
- How long is a typical performance?
- Below are the estimated running times for each of our 2007-2008 productions. Please remember that these are only estimates and that times may change slightly.
- Who should I contact for Lost & Found?
- For the Academy of Music Lost & Found please contact 215-893-1938.
TICKETS & BENEFITS
- When do single tickets go on sale?
- Tickets for a single opera go on sale no later than six weeks prior to the opening opera, at the Kimmel Box Office, online at www.ticketphiladelphia.org, or by phone at 215-893-1999. For advance sales and the best prices and seating, please consider a Season Subscription.
- Where can I buy tickets?
- Due to contractual obligations, unless you are a current subscriber or donor of the Opera Company, tickets for single operas are ONLY available for purchase through TICKET PHILADELPHIA (215-893-1999), in-person at the KIMMEL CENTER BOX OFFICE (Broad and Spruce Streets), or online at www.ticketphiladelphia.org.
Season Subscriptions and Group Packages of 10 or more, may be purchased through the Opera Company of Philadelphia's SUBSCRIBER SERVICES (215-732-8400), in person (1420 Locust Street, 2nd floor), or online (Subscriptions only).
- What does a Season Subscription include?
- One ticket (for each subscription ordered) to each opera in our Season and a variety of exclusive, specially tailored benefits. \
- When will tickets be mailed?
- Fully paid subscription packages for the 2007-2008 Season are due to arrive in August. Group orders for the current season are mailed as soon as they are paid in full.
- What is the Subscriber Guide?
- The Subscriber Guide is a convenient booklet that Subscribers receive with their tickets. In it subscribers will find valuable discount offers for area restaurants, merchants, cultural attractions, and parking. Subscribers should keep the Subscriber Guide in a safe place with their tickets, as the information contained in it is pertinent for the entire season. If you lose your Subscriber Guide, please contact Subscriber Services office.
- What is A Taste of Opera?
- A Taste of Opera is a lecture series that is free and open to the general public. Held the Sunday before each production opens, A Taste of Opera is the perfect opportunity to enrich your understanding and enjoyment of the season with entertaining guest lecturers, artist roundtable discussions, and free recitals. Learn more (link to Taste of Opera page).
- What are Opera Overtures?
- Opera Overtures lectures are free, 30-minutes talks held one hour before every performance in the Academy of Music's Parquet Circle. Opera Overtures feature noted opera lecturers who discuss the opera's plot, musical highlights, historical content, and more. Learn more (link to Opera Overtures page).
- What is the Ticket Exchange Policy?
- Ticket exchanges are a benefit we offer exclusively to Subscribers. Should any Subscriber find themselves unavailable to attend one of their ticketed performances, he/she may request an exchange into any of the other performances of the same opera, subject to availability. Click here for more information about ticket exchanges.
- What if I cannot attend a performance?
- Don't let your tickets go unused! Subscribers may exchange their tickets for another performance of the same opera. All individual ticket sales are final. Tickets may also be returned to the Opera Company of Philadelphia as a tax-deductible donation. Unfortunately all tickets are sold as non-refundable. Click here for more information on obtaining a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.
- What if I lose my opera tickets?
- Subscribers -- Should you misplace your tickets, just call Subscriber Services at (215) 732-8400 and duplicate tickets will be issued. If you forget your tickets or lose them on the way to the theatre, stop by Subscriber Services table in the Lobby of the Academy of Music, and we can issue you a pass for your original seats.
Group Tickets -- If you have misplaced your ticket and are part of a group, you must contact your group leader to get a replacement ticket. Group leaders should notify Subscriber Services at (215) 732-8400 as soon as possible to arrange for replacement tickets for group members.
Single Tickets -- Tickets purchased through the Kimmel Center Box Office, online, or at TicketPhiladelphia at (215) 893-1999 can be replaced at the Academy of Music Box Office up to 2 hours prior to performance time. You may be asked for identification and the credit card the tickets were purchased under to locate your reservation.
- How can I donate tickets for a tax deduction?
- If you are unable to attend a performance or exchange your tickets, please do not let your tickets go unused. Tickets may be returned as a tax-deductible donation to the Opera Company at least two hours prior to performance time b call Subscriber Services at 215-732-8400. Click here for more information.
- What is the Opera Company's policy on inclement weather?
- All Opera Company of Philadelphia performances will proceed as scheduled, "snow or shine." Due to scheduling constraints, it is impossible for the Opera Company to reschedule performances or issue refunds.
