Sacramento Opera's Opera FAQ


	Frequently asked questions about going to the Sacramento Opera How do I buy tickets? Are there any discounted tickets? Can I use my cell phone or pager during the performance? How do I get front center orchestra seats? What should I wear to the opera? I don’t speak any foreign languages. How will I understand what people are singing? How long does the opera last? Is there an intermission? What if I arrive late to the theater? When should I clap? Can I bring children to events? Can I take photographs or record the performance? Are there concession areas at the Sacramento Community Center Theater? Where are the restrooms at the theater? What kinds of accommodations are available for people with disabilities? How do I get to the Sacramento Community Center Theater? Where do I park? Are your singers local? How can I contribute to the Sacramento Opera? What is the donor lounge? Who can I talk to about advertising in your program book? How can I buy Sacramento Opera gift items? How can I contact someone on your staff? How do I buy tickets? For complete ticketing information, visit the tickets section of our web site. Season subscriptions, group sales, and gift certificate redemptions are handled through the Sacramento Opera office. Please call 916.737.1000 or visit us in person at 3811 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816. Single tickets are available through the Sacramento Community Center Theater Box Office, 916.808.5181 or at www.tickets.com. Are there any discounted tickets? For the price of a movie ticket and a container of popcorn you can experience live opera! A single ticket starts at $15. Groups of 10 or more receive 10% off and groups of 20 or more receive 20% off Group tickets must be purchased as one transaction. To order, call the Sacramento Opera at 916.737.1000. The Sacramento Community Center Theater Facility Fee of $1.50 per ticket applies to group sales. Present a current college student identification card at the Sacramento Community Center Theater Box Office one hour prior to curtain time to receive two tickets at $10 each plus the $1.50 per ticket Sacramento Community Center Theater Facility Fee. Cash only. *Subject to availability. If your middle school, high school, and/or college would like to purchase group tickets in advance, you may be interested in the Ticket Subsidy Program. This program provides half-priced tickets for students. Advance reservations are required. For more information on organizing a school group, contact the Sacramento Opera at 916.737.1000. From time to time, the Sacramento Opera also runs special discounts* in conjunction with special events or other arts organizations in town. Please check the Special Promotions page under the “Tickets” menu on our site, for the latest updates. Can I use my cell phone or pager at the performance? In order to not disturb the performance, please turn off all cell phones, alarm watches, and pagers before the performance begins. Also, remember to turn off your phone after intermissions. For patrons on call, leave your name and seat location with box office in case you need to be reached. How do I get front center orchestra seats? Front center orchestra seats are very popular—particularly at the Sunday afternoon performance. Your best chance to get these seats is to subscribe and order early. Priority seating is given to renewing subscribers, new subscribers, and then single ticket buyers. What should I wear to the opera? Attire for Sacramento Opera performances varies from tuxedos and formal gowns to business casual to chinos. Opening night performances on Fridays tends to attract many dressed up patrons. Sunday matinees are less formal and Tuesday evening performances have mixed attire. The opera can be a place where you can go glamorous, but by all means, please come in what you are comfortable in. I don’t speak any foreign languages. How will I understand what people are singing? English translations of the lyrics are projected on a screen above the stage as they are sung. These English supertitles mean that you always know what’s going on. Also, a full synopsis of the opera is provided on our web site and in the performance program book. How long does the opera last? Running times vary depending on the opera, but many are about two to three hours long. For exact running times, check the individual production web pages. Is there an intermission? Yes. Sacramento Opera typically features one to three intermissions at performances, depending on the total number of acts. Please refer to the individual production web pages for detailed information. What if I arrive late to the theater? In order to not disturb those who are already seated, latecomers are not seated until a suitable pause in the opera (often after the overture, but sometimes not until intermission). At times, if you arrive late, you may be asked to sit in the back of the theater until intermission. After which, you can take your assigned seat. Patrons can watch the performance on video monitors in the lobby while they wait to be seated. When should I clap? Feel free to clap at the end of arias, the end of acts, and at the final curtain call. Can I bring children to events? Opera performances can be about three hours long and are recommended for children 12 years or older, although some younger youth may handle the duration of the performances well. Please call the Sacramento Opera office at 916.737.1000 or info@sacopera.org for specific recommendations. Click here for more information about our education programs for youth. Can I take photographs or record the performance? The use of cameras or any kind of recording equipment is not allowed. Are there concession areas at the Sacramento Community Center Theater? Concessions (snacks) are available on the first floor of the theater. Beverages are available on the first and second floors of the theater. Where are the restrooms at the theater? Restrooms are located on the first and second floor of the theater. There are also restrooms available at the Sacramento Convention Center adjacent to the theater. What kinds of accommodations are available for people with disabilities? Please request special seating when you make your ticket purchase. Your customer service representative can give you complete information about disability seating in the theater. How do I get to the Sacramento Community Center Theater? Located in the heart of downtown, the Sacramento Community Center Theater is conveniently accessible by several freeways. For detailed directions, click here. Where do I park? Be sure to arrive early! Parking in the downtown area can be busy at times, depending on conventions and other special events in the area. There are several nearby parking areas: the Hyatt Hotel at 12th and L Streets, a garage at 15th and K Streets, and the Esquire parking lot on 12th Street between K and L Streets. Click here for information about city parking lots. At times, street parking is also available around the theater. Be sure to read the posted parking regulations signs. Are your singers local? The Sacramento Opera Chorus is largely comprised of singers from the Sacramento region. Other artists that we engage for opera productions are from throughout the country and at times from our region. How can I contribute to the Sacramento Opera? Sacramento Opera is a nonprofit organization and depends on generous donors every season. You may mail your donation to: Sacramento Opera, P.O. Box 161027, Sacramento, CA 95816; phone in your donation with a Visa or MasterCard by calling 916.737.1000; faxing your contribution information (name, address, telephone, credit card number, expiration date, and billing address) to 916.737.1032. The Sacramento Opera’s Tax ID number is #94-6080390. To learn more about donating visit our Contribute page or contact Melissa Cirone, Director of Development, mcirone@sacopera.org or 916.737.1000. What is the donor lounge? The Donor Lounge is open to any Sacramento Opera donor. It is located on the second floor of the theater. The Lounge has a bar and seating. Who can I talk to about advertising in your program book? Reach an educated, well-traveled, and affluent audience. Advertising space in Sacramento Opera’s program books is available for program books throughout the season. Contact Jennifer Lin, Director of Marketing & Audience Development at jlin@sacopera.org for more information. How can I buy Sacramento Opera gift items? Display your Sacramento Opera spirit! Sacramento Opera gift items such as t-shirts, mugs, baby bibs, notecards, bags, license plate frames, aprons, mouse pads, and more can be purchased through our secure partner site, http://www.cafepress.com/sacopera. Remember, all sales from gift purchases help support artistic and education programs of the Sacramento Opera. How can I contact someone on your staff? Visit our Contact Us page for a complete listing.

Frequently asked questions about going to the Sacramento Opera