What to expect
Whether it’s your first time or you’re an operatic veteran,
here’s what you can expect.
Before you arrive
Just like any night out you should plan time for traffic, parking and weather. For directions to any of our three venues scroll to the bottom of this page and select the appropriate venue. Note that performances start promptly at the time listed on your ticket, and latecomers will be seated when appropriate. Our Box Office opens 90 minutes before curtain, and the lobby an hour before the show – so you are welcome to grab a drink before the performance. “Let’s Talk Opera” pre-opera lectures are offered before every performance and start 45 minutes before curtain. Typically, you are able to take your seat 30 minutes before the start time.
What to wear
Be you. Yes, you will see some gowns and tuxedos. You will also see jeans and t-shirts. Both are appropriate as is everything in-between. The opera, like any night out, can be laid back or the perfect opportunity to get dressed up. Be comfortable, be bold, be you.
Parking
Parking is available at all three venues. To get venue-specific details regarding parking, please scroll down and select your venue.
Applause and Ovations
Clap, cheer, jeer. We welcome you to applaud and be a part of the action. If you are so moved, you can cheer with a “Bravo” for men, “Brava” for women or “Bravi” for everyone.
English Surtitles
You do not need to learn a new language to enjoy opera. At every performance you will find English translations projected over the stage so that you can follow along. It never hurts to learn a little about the story before you arrive. “Let’s Talk Opera” pre-performance lectures are free and a great way to get some insight. We will always include a synopsis in the program as well.
Flash Photography
For the safety of our performers flash photography is not permitted during the performance.
Arriving Late
Later comers or patrons who leave their seat during the performance will be seated at an appropriate break in the performance, at intermission, or at the discretion of management.
Accessibility
ADA Seating is available at all three venues.
ADA Seating at the Harrison Opera House and Dominion Energy Center can be reserved by contacting the Box Office at 866.673.7282.
ADA Seating and other accessibility services (such as ASL interpretation, audio description, and captioning) at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University may be reserved by contacting cfatix@gmu.edu or calling 703.993.8882.
Mobile Devices
We ask that you silence, or better yet, turn off your mobile device for the performance.
Intermission
Most performances include an intermission or two. All of our venues provide concessions, as well as the ability to pre-order and skip the line. Information about intermissions at your performance can be found on the show page or in the lobby prior to the performance.
Ticket Policies
If you find you cannot attend your scheduled performance at the Harrison Opera House or Dominion Energy Center, please call the Box Office at 866.673.7282 or email info@vaopera.org at least 24 hours before your scheduled performance to request an exchange to another performance of the same production. Fees apply.
Lost tickets can be reprinted and held at the box office for any performance.
Virginia Opera reserves the right to deny admission to children under the age of five. Patrons of any age must have a ticket to enter the theater.
View the full Ticket Policies page here.
Questions?
Have a specific question? Need more information? Give us a call. Our Box Office is here to help at 866-673-7282.
Get Venue-Specific Details
Virginia Opera is based in Norfolk, Virginia and holds performances in Norfolk’s Harrison Opera House as well as the Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Energy Center in Richmond and George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax.
Edythe C. and Stanley L. Harrison Opera House
Norfolk, Virginia
CARPENTER THEATRE AT DOMINION ENERGY CENTER
Richmond, Virginia
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Fairfax, Virginia