What to Wear and What to Expect

First time at the opera?

Prepare for an exciting, unique and fun evening! Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your opera experience.

When is the VO Ticket Centre open? Can I buy tickets in person?
Yes, you’re more than welcome to buy tickets in person from our friendly and helpful Ticket Centre staff. The VO Ticket Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm. We’re located at 1945 McLean Drive, Vancouver, on the corner of 3rd Ave, one block east of Clark. There is free street parking!

We’re also available by phone at 604-683-0222. During performance weeks our phone lines are open extended hours – 9:00am–7:00pm weekdays, and Saturdays 9:00am-5:00pm.

What does my ticket price include?
Your ticket price includes the following taxes and fees: 12% HST, $2.25 Civic Theatres facility fee, a service charge of $3.25 per ticket & handling charge of $2.00 per order.

Ticket prices are the same regardless of whether you purchase your ticket online, by phone, or in person at the VO Ticket Centre.

Can I bring children?
We welcome opera fans of all ages, but very young children can sometimes be disruptive to the performance and to other patrons. Children must be able to sit quietly through an entire performance, which can run for two to three hours. We recommend a minimum age of 6 years for this reason.

Every patron, regardless of age, requires a ticket - babes in arms are not permitted in the theatre. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Disruptive children, along with their accompanying adult, will be asked by an usher to leave the theatre. Unless the programming is specific to children and family audiences, please use discretion in choosing to bring a child to a performance.

Do you have wheelchair seating?
Yes! Wheelchair and companion seating can be arranged through the VO Ticket Centre. Please call 604-683-0222.

Why can’t I choose the 'Mail' option for my tickets?
If the performance you have booked is within the next 7 days, you cannot chose the ‘Mail’ option. This is because you may not receive your tickets in time if we mail them! To avoid this inconvenience, we will hold your tickets at the box office for pick up.

I’ve ordered my tickets by phone or online. How do I pick them up?
Please pick up your tickets in advance of the performance from the Vancouver Opera Ticket Centre. You can also pick up your tickets on the night of your performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at least 30 minutes before your performance start time.

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre Box Office is open on performance days only starting at 5:30pm and remains open until 15 minutes after the performance begins. Please note that beginning one hour before show time, the box office is only able to handle inquiries regarding that day’s performance.

The VO Ticket Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm. We’re located at 1945 McLean Drive, Vancouver - right on the corner of 3rd Ave, one block east of Clark Drive.

I have booked my tickets but need to change my performance date! Can I do this?
Yes, but there are some conditions. You can only change your tickets for another performance of the same opera, and you must call or visit the VO Ticket Centre at least one week before your original performance date.

If you have single tickets, you will be charged a $10.00 fee per ticket to change the date. Season subscribers always receive free ticket exchange privileges. We cannot guarantee that seats will be available and it is highly likely that your seats will not be the same as your original booking.

Oh no! I’ve lost my tickets! What do I do?
Don’t panic. We will replace lost tickets at no charge at the VO Ticket Centre. Call 604-683-0222 or visit the VO Ticket Centre to have your tickets reprinted. We can also reprint your tickets when you arrive at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, in case you have lost them en route!

The VO Ticket Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm. We’re located at 1945 McLean Drive, Vancouver - right on the corner of 3rd Ave, one block east of Clark Drive.

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre Box Office is open on performance days only starting at 5:30pm and remains open until 15 minutes after the performance begins. Please note that beginning one hour before show time, the box office is only able to handle inquiries regarding that day’s performance.

What should I wear?
There is no dress code. Wear what you like. Many opera goers like to dress up, in business or evening attire, but many people dress casually. Either is just fine!

How will I understand what's being sung?
You'll understand every word, whatever language is being sung, because VO provides you with instant English translations, called SURTITLESTM, projected above the stage.

What happens if I'm late for a performance?
All Vancouver Opera performances start at 7:30 pm. We ask ticket holders to please allow ample time for traffic and parking conditions. Due to the unique nature of operatic performances and as a courtesy to our audience and performers, Vancouver Opera has a strict "no late seating" policy. Those arriving after the opera has begun will not be seated until an appropriate pause in the performance or intermission. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre provides television monitors in the lobby so that patrons won’t miss any of the production while waiting to be seated.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer latecomers refunds or exchanges on tickets.

Arrive early (doors open at 6:15 pm), pre-order your intermission drinks at the bar, then enjoy our free 6:30 pm preview talk, given by VO’s charming and knowledgeable Director of Marketing and Community Programs, Doug Tuck. You'll be relaxed and ready for the 7:30 pm start!

Do you offer hearing-assistance devices?
Yes! The Queen Elizabeth Theatre is equipped with infrared listening systems provided free of charge for our hearing-impaired guests. Hearing assist devices are available at coat check in the main lobby.

How do I avoid the line-up at the bar during intermission?
Before the show, pick up a beverage order form at the bar. List the beverages of your choice and present it to the bartender for purchase. At intermission, your beverages will be ready for you.

What if I have a question at the theatre?
Ask Our Ambassadors! We want our patrons to enjoy every aspect of their special nights out at the opera. That’s why we’ve trained and stationed volunteers throughout the theatre to answer questions and provide practical assistance when needed. You’ll see Vancouver Opera’s Ambassadors - and VO staff members - wearing their VO badges. If you need information about the opera or the Queen Elizabeth Theatre facilities, or if you require some assistance, don’t hesitate to call on them. They’re well informed about all of the company’s activities and will do their best to help.

You can also ask for assistance from any uniformed usher or ticket-taker.

What if I need to leave my seat during the performance?
Patrons who must leave the auditorium for any reason during the performance will not be readmitted until intermission or an appropriate pause.

Can I book a taxi to pick me up when the show ends?
Taxi reservations can be made upon your arrival to the theatre. Just leave your name with an usher, who will be happy to contact the cab company of your choice.

How to have a spectacular opera experience

Turn off wristwatch alarms, cell phones, and beepers for the duration of the show. We’ll remind you again with a SURTITLETM message before the performance to kindly turn off anything that beeps or rings. If you are concerned about missing an emergency call, please leave your name or device and seat location with an usher and we will alert you if a call comes through.

Be modest with your use of fragrances as some patrons may have allergies.
Wait until intermission or after the performance to discuss the show. Even whispers carry!

Refrain from eating or unwrapping candy in the theatre. Because of the theatre’s excellent acoustics, even the smallest sounds carry. One crinkly wrapper can affect the opera experience of several people.

If you have a complaint about another guest, please tell an usher rather than approaching the person yourself.

Vancouver Opera Ticket Centre
1945 McLean Drive, Vancouver - right on the corner of 3rd Ave, one block east of Clark Drive.
Vancouver, BC V5N 3J7
604-683-0222

Queen Elizabeth Theatre Box Office
Open on performance days only starting at 5:30pm & will remain open until 15 minutes after show time. Beginning one hour before show time, the box office is only able to handle inquiries regarding that day’s performance.

With thanks to Erin Gillespie and John Christensen for the photo!