Have you ever been unsure of what is and is NOT appropriate for you to do at the opera or have you ever been annoyed by someone else's behavior there? If so, read on for some tips on proper Opera Etiquette.

Dress Up

Most people like to dress up when they go to the opera because it's part of the fun! Nowadays you can pretty much wear whatever you want. However, an evening at the opera is usually considered to be a glamorous occasion and special event, especially on an opening night. We encourage dressing in layers so bring a sweater, wrap or jacket just in case.

Arrive On Time

You should always make sure you get to the opera house in plenty of time to find parking, get your tickets and be seated before the performance starts. Forty-five to thirty minutes before start time (curtain) is usually sufficient. If you are late, the ushers may let you in after the overture, but, if there is not an overture, you may have to wait until intermission and miss the entire first act!

Remain Quiet During the Performance

There is nothing worse than sitting near a chatterbox, someone text messaging or a ringing cell phone during a performance. Please turn off anything that can make noise or light, refrain from opening candy wrappers, etc. Save your comments for intermission and, by all means, do not sing along! Remember recording devices, video and photography is not permitted of any Virginia Opera performance.

Applaud When Appropriate

The correct times to applaud are when the conductor takes the podium at the very beginning of the performance, after the overture, after a big aria, at the end of each act, and when the singers come out to take a bow. If you are unsure when those times are, it is best to wait and follow the lead of other audience members.

Applaud Appropriately

Clapping while sitting or standing is always acceptable, and you can yell "Bravo!" to show appreciation for a male singer, "Brava!" to show appreciation for a female singer, and "Bravi!" to show appreciation for a group of singers. Yelling out anything other than those three words, as well as screaming or whistling, is inappropriate.