What to Expect

Before your visit to San Francisco Opera, you might be wondering 'what do I wear to the opera? Is there a dress code? What will everyone else be wearing?' Fashion runs the gamut at the opera! You will see people dressed up in a tuxedo, but you will also see people wearing jeans. There is no official dress code, so please wear what makes you feel comfortable! 

Another question we often receive is "where should I sit?" Join Michael Bragg, our Marketing Manager of Digital Content, as he introduces you to our helpful Box Office staff and guides you through selecting the perfect seat for your opera experience.

On the day of your performance, read your pre-performance email carefully! This email includes information on your upcoming performance, tickets, and any activations that may be happening in or around the Opera House. Additionally, Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the War Memorial Opera House. The pre-show talk begins 55 minutes prior to every performance.

And finally, here’s a tip from Michael on what you can do to avoid lines and have the best intermission experience:

As you enter the auditorium, show your tickets to an usher who will guide you to your seats and provide a program for performance details. Please silence your cell phone and any noise-producing devices to avoid disrupting the performers and fellow audience members.

The orchestra will be warming up in the pit until the conductor arrives, signaling the start of the performance (feel free to greet the conductor with applause!). The curtain stays down for an overture (an instrumental introduction to the opera) and rises for the main opera.

Throughout the performance, the audience is encouraged to applaud exceptional moments, such as shouting "Brava!" for a female singer, “Bravo" for a male singer or "Bravi" for the entire cast or a chorus moment.

During intermission, the audience applauds, the curtain descends, and the auditorium lights are switched on. This is your opportunity to stand and stretch, explore the Opera House, enjoy refreshments, purchase a souvenir from the Opera Shop, or visit the restroom. When you hear musical scale tones, this signals that it’s time to return to your seats for the rest of the performance.

After the opera concludes, the curtain lowers and then rises for the curtain call. The performers, conductor, orchestra, and sometimes the director and choreographer will take multiple bows based on the duration of the applause, and the auditorium lights will be illuminated to facilitate the audience's exit.

If you are walking to BART, MUNI, Civic Center Garage, or UC Law SF Garage, you can join a walking group led by our friendly Civic Center Ambassadors so you won’t have to walk alone! Walking groups meet outside the front entrance of the War Memorial Opera House on Van Ness, and leave 15 minutes after the performance ends. Look for the Civic Center Ambassadors wearing bright orange vests!