It's not just about the performers.
Help us to help you: do you want to get involved or to get people involved?
There are loads of ways to get involved with opera – usually more than people think. Every time you ATTEND an opera, you're already involved in maintaining the art form (check out our "Student Tickets" page for ideas on where to go). Not just by paying for your ticket, but by having an opinion on it. Operatic institutions will obviously listen to what their viewers think, and as students/young people, we need to be able to fearlessly voice our thoughts (platforms like the Facebook group Opera Talk or opera houses' Twitter accounts are good places to start).
However, there are numerous other ways of getting involved with opera, both professionally and as an amateur, beyond taking part in the creation of a production. Student Ambassadors for various opera houses are an example, and are great ways of getting some sweet deals AND boost your CV at the same time. Here are some opera houses in the UK that have such a scheme:
But I'm new to opera.
Fear not. Whether you're an opera society or an individual wanting to introduce or be introduced, most opera companies have got you covered. Their "Discover Opera" sections online are usually a good place to start. Not only because of how some of the traditions are explained, but because you can find out about some amazing opportunities that are usually reserved to first-timers. Check out these opera companies for some examples:
Scottish Opera's
Opera Unwrapped
English National Opera's
Opera Undressed
Royal Opera House's
Welcome Performances
As an opera society, what can we do?
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Sort out regular trips to go to the opera
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Give comprehensive ideas of what operas are about
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DE-MYTH!!!!
1) Dress code: most opera houses don't have one! Check out what the telegraph has to say in its Etiquette Guide to Ballet and Opera for Beginners.
2) Price: see opera student schemes page HERE
3) Languages: there will always be surtitles!
4) Duration: not all operas last hours and hours! You can always start with a shorter one and work your way up (if you really wanna check, click here). However, in the same way going to watch a show at the west end can be a time commitment, operas can be a thrilling way to spend an afternoon...
Hope to see you all soon at an opera!
