Opera Etiquette

With opera season upon us and with so many of you planning to come and see Third Eye Theatre Ensemble’s production of Sumeida’s Song, I thought it was required of me to lend a hand and share some opera etiquette with you. For those of you experiencing your first opera, I don’t want it to be your last. So… you have or are about to purchase your tickets (soon hopefully)… go to thirdeyesumeida.brownpapertickets.com. What’s next??
 
First, of course, buy your ticket!! We at TETE make it easy, we have general admission, and with our small and intimate vibe, we have great seats, no matter where you sit. You will be part of the action.
 
Second: Do a bit of research, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the work. You have the internet at your fingertips every day. Why not take advantage of it and learn about what you are going to be viewing. Believe me, it helps, and will not spoil your experience.
 
Third: Don’t worry about what to wear - there is no dress code. Again, we at TETE make it easy in that you can wear what you want, as long as you’re comfortable. No one’s going to be judging based on whether or not you wore overalls to our production.
 
Fourth: Arrive a bit early, take in the atmosphere, and best of all…PEOPLE WATCH. It’s always fun to see who will be attending and hear how much they know about opera or anything else.
 
Fifth: When to clap…if you’ve never been to the opera, just follow along. It is customary to applaud after the bigger arias and hopefully after the production is over….watch around you and see what people react to. Say ‘Bravo’ at the end of an exceptional male performance. ‘Brava’ at the end of an exceptional female performance, and ‘Bravi’ at the end of a group of singers performing.
 
Sixth: Very important. Please turn off any electronic devices during the performance. It is now commonplace for someone to state before the performance that this should be done. Please do this. You can break away from Facebook or Instagram for a few moments, and really take in the whole experience before your eyes. Live in the moment.
 
And lastly, Enjoy the Show! Take it all in. Relax. And follow Third Eye Theatre Ensemble’s tagline….’See. Imagine. Converse.’  Bravi Tutti!
 
Sumeida’s Song, by Mohammed Fairouz, runs October 23rd-November 8th at Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased thirdeyesumeida.brownpapertickets.com.