What to Expect
First time attending? Curious to know what might be in store? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.
What Exactly am i seeing?
Details for our 2025 Summer Festival will be announced in late October 2024.
What Should I Wear?
You may be wondering, "Do I have to wear a tux or ball gown? Is there a dress code? Will I feel under-dressed? Will I feel overdressed?"
When people picture a night at the opera, they often envision ball gowns, top hats, diamonds, and fur coats. While a night at the opera is a great opportunity to get fancy, there is no dress code! On most nights, you’ll see cocktail dresses, jeans, khakis and polo shirts, and coats and ties. Wear what you like—be comfortable!
Can I bring my child?
Due to their full-length nature and mature themes, most Summer Festival productions are not recommended for guests under the age of 6. Individuals ages 6 and up are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Please contact the Box Office if you have questions about the content or age appropriateness of specific shows.
When should I arrive?
The doors open 75 minutes prior to the start of every Cincinnati Opera performance. This is to allow ample time for parking, exploring Music Hall, enjoying a light snack or pre-show cocktail. In addition, an hour before each performance, Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, presents Opera Insights, an opportunity to learn more about the opera's history, music, and our production. Admission is FREE to all ticket holders. No reservations required!
WHAT ARE SPRINGER AUDITORIUM AND WILKS STUDIO?
Music Hall is actually three buildings in one housing Springer Auditorium, Wilks Studio, Music Hall Ballroom, a grand foyer, and office space.
Springer Auditorium is the largest performance space, often referred to as the “mainstage,” “theatre,” or “auditorium.” It is a dramatic space with an impressive chandelier and decor that sets the stage perfectly for experiencing grand opera. There are three levels of seating: Orchestra and Terrace (1st floor); Balcony (2nd floor); and Gallery (3rd floor). Its entrance, as well as that of the grand foyer, is at the front of Music Hall with ADA access located at street level (1241 Elm Street). You may view seating charts, seat views, and more here.
Wilks Studio is a small, flexible-use performance and event space. It is located at the north end of Music Hall on the Balcony (2nd floor) level. Cincinnati Opera produces chamber operas, intimate recitals, receptions, and events in this unique space. Directional signage, volunteers, and ushers are typically on hand to guide visitors from the street entrances to the studio.
Music Hall Ballroom is one of Cincinnati’s premier event spaces and is a go-to for corporate events, weddings, fundraisers, meetings, and galas. The ballroom is located at the south end of Music Hall (1241 Elm Street).
What can I bring into Music Hall?
Similar to safety measures at major performing arts venues, arenas, and stadiums locally and across the country, all persons entering Music Hall will walk through a metal detector (magnetometer) and or be screened with a hand-held metal detector, to search for prohibited items such as weapons, alcohol, etc. Oversized bags (over 18” x 18” x 8”), luggage, and backpacks will not be permitted inside the venues. Purses and other small personal bags are allowed after a thorough inspection. For a complete list of prohibited items click here.
Where do i Pick Up My Tickets?
During the season, tickets for mainstage performances may be picked up at “Will Call” in the Music Hall box office, located at 1241 Elm Street (south entrance) starting 90 minutes before the scheduled performance. We recommend arriving early to retrieve your tickets. Starting in late March, you may also pick up your tickets before the performance date at the Cincinnati Opera box office located at 1243 Elm Street (north entrance), Mon.-Fri., noon-5:00 p.m.
For events and performances in Wilks Studio or other venues throughout the region, generally, you may pick up your tickets directly at the venue once doors open for the event. A convenient “Know Before You Go” email is sent about 24 hours before each event detailing door times, where to park, where to pick up tickets, and other helpful information.
You can avoid Will Call lines or planning a special trip to the box office by requesting mobile tickets. Tickets will be emailed to you and may be added to your smartphone wallet app, printed and presented, or displayed on your phone upon entry. Mobile tickets may also be accessed directly from the My Upcoming Events page when you log into My Account from the Cincinnati Opera website or mobile app, so you don’t have to dig through your email inbox!
If you have misplaced your tickets, replacement tickets are available at no charge. Contact the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742, Monday through Friday (and on the day of the performance) from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the box office opens 90 minutes before the start of the performance.
What if I Arrive Late?
First and foremost, we understand that life can become hectic and, on rare occasions, you may arrive after the start of the performance. Our late seating policy is at the discretion of the front-of-house managers, and you may be permitted into the auditorium shortly after the start of the first act when there’s an appropriate moment. The P&G Founders Room, an audience lounge off the main lobby, features seating and a video monitor so you may watch the performance in comfort until it's time to enter the auditorium.
Can I take pictures?
While we encourage you to take photos/videos and share them, please do so before the performance or at intermission. Photography, video, and/or audio recording of the performance is prohibited. Cell phones used during the performance disturb other audience members as well as the performers.