Vancouver Opera

A note from us about the shift to a digital programme

This may come as a surprise, but did you know that 15% of the marketing budget of every opera we stage goes to producing its printed programmes? As we consider how we connect with and expand our opera-loving community, we’ve made a difficult but necessary decision to shift to a digital programme.   We’re committed to creating extraordinary, world-class opera experiences in Vancouver, and part of that commitment requires us to be responsible both fiscally and with the time and energy our team is able to direct at projects. Printing costs continue to rise, but they aren’t the only increases we’re seeing. From freight when we ship in a large-scale set, to tech expenses, labour, and rental fees, costs are going up on so many of the elements that make up a large-scale production. (Check out this blog post if you’d like more info on the financials behind the fantastical). At this point, it's essential that we prioritize everything that makes for a magical audience experience, and so we’ll continue to put our resources, energy, and heart into supporting the highest quality of production and performance on-stage, and to spreading the word about our great artform as widely as possible.  At VO, we’re also committed to mitigating the environmental impact of our mainstage shows and year-round activities. As global warming continues to wreak havoc, climate initiatives should be the priority for every sector. In the arts, we need to pay attention to every aspect of how shows are produced and promoted; by moving to a digital programme, we’re making a positive, future-minded change to our organization's environmental footprint. 

While it’s going to be an adjustment, we are really excited about the possibilities that this pivot opens up for us. From deep dives by tapped-in essayists, to video content, web recommendations, and more, a digital version will allow us to bring you all the info and features you’re used to, plus special bonuses we think you’ll really love.