Adding Reply Archived Topic: It will not be bumped to the top of the forum. Topic Going to the opera: Seating? Etiquette? Membername   Not a member? Sign Up Free (takes 20 seconds) Password   Forgotten your password? Post Font: Verdana Arial Black Georgia Comic Sans Impact   Size: Tiny Normal Big Huge   Color: Default Dark Red Red Orange Brown Green Olive Cyan Blue Dark Blue Indigo Black [ Check Spelling ] [ Post Preview ] [ LiveTags ] FAQ Keyword Search: Post Options Favorites Manager Notify me of new replies to this topic by email Notify me of new replies to this topic by private message Original Post Lewdness Posted at 7:45 pm on May 18, 2008 I'm planning seeing Tosca soon at the LA Opera House (SO FRICKIN PSYCHED!) but it's the first opera I'm going to attend and it's also my parents' first time (I'm dragging them there, haha). Is there some sort of opera etiquette? I always imagine people dressing all fancy shmancy with their little binocular things and yelling "Bravo!", but I don't know... It seems so antiquated to me (and not me at all, ahem). Also, what section(s) are decent? I know the wheelchair section is like 20 bucks but that isn't my thing and I don't want to get crappy seats. Are balcony seats good?

Replies Arguia Posted at 7:00 am on May 20, 2008 Stalls are the best (and most expensive) seats, followed by the next floor up (can't remember what it is called). It all depends on how much money you are willing to spend. The best seats will be the most expensive ones, and the worst seats will be the cheapest and furthest away from the stage. Price tends to be the best guide to how good a seat is. Be careful though - if you see some cheaper seats in a generally expensive area, it is probably because there is restricted vision from that seat (e.g. there is a pillar in the way). I have been to the opera a number of times and never seen any binoculars, or heard people shouting 'bravo' for that matter (actually I might have once...). People clap after songs and, sometimes, a particularly impressive vocal feat (if there is time to do so)... don't clap when someone is singing. ;) Oh, and read the synopsis if you want to have any idea of what is going on - the story lines can be very hard to follow if you don't know what is going on. During the opera the music is more important than the story line (it takes a long time to cover a small amount of plot). Enjoy the music, not just the singing but the orchestra as well. People also don't dress that poshly anymore... but wearing jeans and trainers would probably not be the best look. I tend to wear smart trousers, a nice pair of shoes and a blouse (or something along those lines). Opera isn't that different from seeing a play at the theatre as far as etiquette goes. Have fun! Lulu Nobody Posted at 7:55 pm on May 18, 2008 Dress nicely and be generally polite and respectful during the show, etc., pretty much. You don't have to wear like, an evening gown but just something classy and somewhat professional. Latin Muscle Posted at 7:50 pm on May 18, 2008 Very nice, i wear a suit and act  formal. It depends  to  what type of  opera you go to. All 3 previous replies displayed.