Becoming a Subscriber or Member
Why should I subscribe to San Francisco Opera?
How do I become a member of San Francisco Opera?
My company has a matching gift program - can I use this toward my donation?
Attending an Opera
What are good operas for beginners?
May I bring children to the Opera?
May I take pictures, videotape, or tape-record the performance?
How should I dress for the Opera?
How can I learn more about opera?
Learning More About San Francisco Opera Association
Do you have an internship program?
How can I volunteer at San Francisco Opera?
Is there a club for young professionals?
How do I sign up for San Francisco Opera's e-mail list, or E-Opera newsletter?
Visiting the War Memorial Opera House
Are there tours of the Opera House?
How do I reach Lost and Found?
What dining options are near the War Memorial?
Can I buy opera-related merchandise?
Ticketing
Are last-minute tickets available?
Whom should I contact if there is a problem with ordering tickets on the website?
What are the Opera Box Office Hours?
How do I join the mailing list?
Advertising in Our Programs
How do I place an ad in the Opera's program books?
Why should I subscribe to San Francisco Opera?
• Savings up to 30%
• Fast, Easy Exchanges
• Guaranteed Best Available Seating
• Priority Ordering for Additional Tickets and Special Events
• Special Invitations to Subscriber Events
• Monthly Subscriber E-Newsletter
• Learn more here!
How do I become a member of San Francisco Opera?
Ticket revenue covers less than half of San Francisco Opera’s operating budget, so your membership support is an essential part of our success and directly influences what we can offer to you -- our patrons. For information on donor levels and attendant benefits please visit Membership or call (415) 551-6320.
My employer has a matching gift program - can I use this toward my donation?
Absolutely. Matching gifts enhance the value of your support to San Francisco Opera. If your company has a matching gift program, you should complete the matching gift form, usually available through the Personnel Office, and send it to: Development Office, San Francisco Opera, War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. You can also call Donor Services for more information at (415) 565-3210.
What are good opera for beginners?
Start with the classics. Productions especially suited for new operagoers during our 2009-10 Season include Il Trovatore, Il Trittico, The Daughter of the Regiment, Faust and The Girl of the Golden West. To learn more about each of these operas, just click on the opera title.
Can I bring children to the Opera?
Some of our operas deal with mature subject matter or have realistic stage effects—or both—that may be inappropriate for children. Additionally, because some performances last for three hours or more it may be difficult for children not to become restless and distracted, which is inconsiderate of other attendees. However, older children may enjoy some productions and parents are ultimately the best judge. Note: All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the theater.
May I take pictures, videotape, or tape-record the performance?
The use of cameras, cellular phones, and any kind of recording equipment is strictly prohibited. As courtesy to our visitors we ask you to silence all cell phones and pagers during performance.
How should I dress for the Opera?
San Francisco Opera does not enforce any dress code for audience members. Our patrons wear anything from jeans and Birkenstocks to tuxedos and ball gowns. While black-tie dress is traditionally reserved for opening nights and special events, we invite you to make an occasion of your night at the opera. Dress in whatever it is that makes you feel your best.
Where can I go to learn more about Opera?
We offer several free or low-cost opportunities to learn about opera. New to opera? Start with the New To Opera section of our website. To go deeper and learn more, visit our Education pages. The San Francisco Conservatory of Music periodically offers classes about opera and classical music in its Adult Extension Division.
Do you have an internship program?
San Francisco Opera has a variety of internship opportunities that offer valuable work experience to college and graduate students and adults in career transition.
How can I volunteer at San Francisco Opera?
Volunteers are an integral part of the San Francisco Opera community. Learn how to get involved! Call the Volunteer Office at (415) 565-6433.
Is there a club for young people?
Founded in 1991, San Francisco Opera’s BRAVO! CLUB is an organization for your professionals dedicated to encouraging future generations of opera lovers through opera performances, educational programs and social events.
How do I sign up for San Francisco E-Opera and other e-newsletters?
Our monthly E-Opera newsletter and periodic E-alerts are your your fastest connection to all the latest news, events and special opportunities at San Francisco Opera’s. There's no charge to join; it's completely free. Go behind the scenes with us. Sign up for E-Opera today!
Are there tours of the Opera House?
The San Francisco Opera Guild offers docent-led tours of the War Memorial Opera House during the performance Season. For more information, or to schedule a tour, please visit our Education section. The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center also provides a tour every Monday, except holidays, which includes the War Memorial Opera House, War Memorial Veterans Building (including the Herbst Theatre and the Green Room), Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, and Harold L. Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. For more information and tour schedule, call the Performing Arts Center Tours at (415) 552-8338, or click here.
How do I reach Lost and Found?
San Francisco Opera’s Lost and Found is located at the checkroom at the south end of the main lobby. Lost items can be claimed during performances. Following all performances, unclaimed items are sent to the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, 401 Van Ness Avenue. To claim lost items, call (415) 621-6600, Monday to Friday, between 8 and 11:30 am.
What dining options are near the War Memorial Opera House?
There are many delectable dining options within and near the Opera House. See our Attending the Opera resource for a listing of local restaurants nearby, including dining options in the Opera House.
Can I buy opera-related merchandise?
You can buy opera-related merchandise at the San Francisco Opera Shop located on the south side Mezzanine Level. The Opera Shop is open during intermissions, and 90 minutes before performances and for 30 minutes after all weekend matinees.
Are last-minute tickets available?
You can purchase same-day and last-minute tickets for all performances at the Box Office. To check on availability call (415) 864-3330, Monday 10 am–5 pm, Tuesday-Friday 10 am–6 pm. Rush tickets--if available--are only sold to seniors, military personnel and full-time students with valid ID. Learn more about rush.
Whom should I contact if there is a problem with ordering tickets on the website?
If you experience any problems with ordering tickets online, you should contact our Webmaster.
What are the Opera Box Office hours?
The Opera Box Office, located at the War Memorial Opera House (301 Van Ness Ave at Grove), is open Monday 10 am–5 pm, Tuesday-Friday 10 am–6 pm throughout the year. It is also open Saturdays 10 am - 6 pm during the performing season, and through the first intermission of every main stage opera performance. You can also reach the Opera Box Office at (415) 864-3330 during these hours.
How do I join the mailing list?
To be added to San Francisco Opera’s mailing list, simply call the Opera Box Office at (415) 864-3330, Monday 10 am–5 pm, Tuesday-Friday 10 am–6 pm. Or, sign up for our E-Opera newsletter today to receive e-mail notification of all the latest news and events at the Opera.
How do I place an ad in the Opera's program books?
Call Encore Media Group at 1-800-308-2898 ex. 105 (Mike Hathaway, Advertising Sales Director).
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