Skip to main content
1.-Opera-Guides-header.png

Opera Guides

Operagoer Guides for Greenhorns
by Pollyanna Eyler, dramaturg

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” 
– Edgar Degas, French artist

Tipping our hat to 4thWallDramaturgy posts, scroll down to view 4 Opera Guides for a patron to blend in as an operagoer and not be called out as a greenhorn.

  • opera  – a story performed via music and lyrics.
  • patron – audience member, ticket holder, and/or person who donates to the opera or other arts.
  • operagoer – a patron who frequents the opera.
  • greenhorn – someone new to opera or another activity.

See how easy that was? When you’ve viewed these you can congratulate yourself by shouting, “Bravo!/Brava!” (Italian for, “Good job!”). Like a standing ovation, this is called out for an exceptional performance to a male/female performer respectively. (The male form is also acceptable for groups of both males and females.)

Click on the links below to learn more!

Opera Etiquette

Opera @BYU

Opera Topical Guide

Opera Glossary