NEW TO OPERA?

What to Wear

You will see a wide range of dress at FLO's performances - from suits and party dresses to khaki pants and even dark jeans. Evening performances tend to be more dressy than matinees, but generally, whatever makes you the most comfortable is always in style.

Arrive Early

Arriving early ensures you have time to pick up a program in the lobby and read the synopsis before the show begins. Also, be sure to check out the biographies of the cast and creatives to learn more about the performers that you are seeing. This also allows you to get a good space in the parking lot (FREE) and have plenty of time to find your seats. Keep in mind that the door to Panara Theatre won't open until 30 minutes before the show begins. Find a map of Robert F. Panara Theater on the RIT Campus Here. 

Understanding the Show

Operas are often sung in many languages like French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, English and more. The Anonymous Lover will be sung in French but the spoken dialogue will be in English and Rigoletto, in Italian but the really great thing is that regardless of the language, there will be supertitles of the English translation projected above the stage so you'll always know what is happening!

Etiquette

At FLO we love to cheer on our performers. In opera tradition we shout "Bravo" after a great performance. If you are uncertain, you can wait for the conductor to lower their baton, or take your cues from those around you! 

Cellphones and Cameras

During all performances (whether in Panara, ArtisanWORKS, or any of the venues FLO is renting this summer), audience members are asked to silence their phones and discouraged from taking photos (flash photography is prohibited). FLO DOES encourage you to utilize lobby and/or intermission time to snap, share and tag us!

Show Length 

The operas each have an intermission. This is usually between 15 and 20 minutes long. There are bathrooms located behind the theater, next to the entrance. You can find a map here. 

Helpful Vocabulary:

You will hear the following voice types during FLO performances this summer:

Soprano - highest female voice

Mezzo-soprano - middle female voice

Tenor - high male voice

Baritone - low male voice

Bass/bass-baritone - lowest male voice

Words you might read or hear talked about:

Aria - a solo sung by a main character often expanding on their thoughts or emotions

Ensemble - when more than one main character sings at the same time

Chorus - a group of singers who are not the main characters. They sing together and often represent townspeople, courtiers, or a congregation

GET TO KNOW THE SHOWS