Introduction to Opera
Discover opera on a deeper level with Intro to Opera! Learn what opera is, explore its unique voice types, see how productions come to life, and get tips for your first experience. Step into the drama, music, and magic of opera!
Getting to Know Opera
What is Opera, Anyway? is a This PowerPoint and lesson plan with engaging illustrations from “Brava! Brava! A Night at the Opera.” It’s a fantastic way to introduce students to the many people and skills involved in bringing an opera to life while also building essential opera vocabulary. A simple script is included (VIEW Outline View in PowerPoint to access notes for each slide).
Explore the key musical elements that bring an opera to life, including the overture, aria, recitative, ensemble, chorus, and orchestral music.
A comprehensive guide to the various voice types that define opera's unique sound.
This lesson inspires students to discover the many diverse career opportunities in the arts.
Costumes and Wardrobe
This PowerPoint is packed with vivid visual references to help students learn essential terminology for designing and creating clothing.
The Royal Ballet and Opera’s Head of Costume Workshops, Mal Barton, talks through the process of designing and creating a costume for the Royal Opera House main stage.
Go behind the scenes with the Washington National Opera’s Costume Designer Mattie Ullrich and discover what it takes to bring an opera to life.
Elissa Iberti, head of the Metropolitan Opera’s Costume shop, knows that every piece of lace trim, button and sash are important. She oversees the production of 100s of costumes for multiple productions each season. No detail is too small for the costumes adorning some of the world’s biggest opera stars.
During the Opera
Yes. Bars are open before the opera and at intermissions to purchase beverages including coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol. Small snacks and treats are also available for purchase. Patrons can enjoy these items before entering Dell Hall. Only drinks are permitted in Dell Hall during the opera performance. Snacks muse be consumed before entering the theatre.
We kindly ask that you do not leave in the middle of a performance unless necessary as it might cause a distraction to the performers on stage and the people around you. Once the performance starts, the doors to Dell Hall are closed and locked from the outside for safety. If you do leave for whatever reason, re-entry to your seat will be at the discretion of the Long Center’s House Manager the option to sit in the back of another section might be available until you return to your seat after intermission.
Austin Opera intermissions are usually 20 minutes allowing enough time for artists to prepare for the next act. Please check your program book or your Know Before You Go email to confirm the timing of intermission. At the Long Center you will know it is time to return to your seat when you hear the chimes.
Our friendly front of house staff is alway ready and waiting to help you. Look for them on each floor of the Long Center.
