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Opera Prep

This is it, the final dress rehearsal before opening night...

And you and your students are invited because we just can't wait to share the show with you at Opera Prep. Join us before the performance to meet the artists you’re about to see on stage—and the behind-the-scenes production members—sharing stories about their careers in the arts. Afterwards, it’s on to the theater for a full-scale, opening night ready performance. The show is about to begin, and we’ve saved a spot just for you.

Applications are accepted until the program is full (applications must be approved by LA Opera).

APPLY NOW 

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"My students all had a truly wonderful time. More than feeling welcome, we felt important. The story my students tell themselves about who they are and where they belong in this world changed last night. I cannot thank you enough for that experience."  

THINGS TO KNOW 

  • Tickets are free.
  • Teachers must attend a required in-service (psst... we make it super fun and accessible via Zoom). Teachers have the option of attending the corresponding Opera for Educators session to provide more context for learning and teaching the opera.
  • Teachers can bring up to 50 students and chaperones.
  • All Opera Prep programs are subject to change.
  • This is an amazing way to incorporate arts material into your lesson plans for (nearly) any subject.

2024/25 DATES AND OPERAS 

  • Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini
    Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 7:30PM
  • Romeo and Juliet by Charles Gounod
    Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 11:00AM
  • Così fan tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 2:00PM
  • Ainadamar by Osvaldo Golijov
    Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 7:30PM
  • Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi
    Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 7:30PM

Chaperones

We require a minimum of one chaperone for every ten students and maximum of one chaperone for every one student. It is up to the educator to determine what they feel is an appropriate student–chaperone ratio.

RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CHAPERONE

  • Be familiar with the story of the opera.
  • Understand how many students you are responsible for.
  • Monitor student behavior.
  • Be prepared to escort students to and from restrooms.
  • Help students understand where to go and what to know.

Bringing Food

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide food for our guests. You may bring meals with you or purchase food in the area once you have arrived. 

If you are bringing bagged or boxed meals with you or arriving early to purchase food, you are welcome to bring your food to the pre-performance event. Food will not be allowed in the main theater space. Pizza is an easy option to eat on the plaza before the pre-performance event. If you plan on bringing bagged or boxed meals, please bring them in a large container for easy transportation.

Parking and Arrival

There is a free pre-performance talk one hour and 30 minutes before every dress rehearsal. If you plan to attend the preperformance talk, please arrive two hours before the opera begins. Otherwise, please try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the opera begins so you have ample time to find parking. 

• If traveling by car, you may park in The Music Center garage entering on Grand Avenue. Parking is $10 per vehicle. 

• Buses may unload on Hope Street. 

Program Guide
Click here to download a shareable PDF describing the program requirements and how to apply.

To get in touch with questions, connect with us at Connects@laopera.org or call us at 213.972.3157.

Leadership support for this program from the
Max H. Gluck Foundation

Additional support from
The Blue Ribbon

LA Opera Connects is generously supported by
The Emanuel Treitel Senior Citizen Fund
The Green Foundation
The Music Man Foundation
LA County Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan