Photo by Ken Howard, 2010
A User's Guide to Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
We've compiled a few of our most frequently asked questions below. If you have others, please email us at info@opera-stl.org. We look forward to welcoming you to Opera Theatre!
What time do the operas start?
Wednesday — Saturday: 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 p.m.
Matinees: 1:00 p.m.
What's the best way to get to Opera Theatre?
Click here for a map and driving directions.
Where should I park?
Free parking is available on Webster University student lots as well as in the garage on Garden Avenue. On subscription evenings, the Big Bend Lot is reserved for prepaid parking, but a limited number of spaces are available for $5.00 and spaces are available in Webster University Parking Lot L for $3.00. Click here for a map.
What if I can't find a parking place? Will you still let me in?
Even though there are plenty of parking options, we suggest arriving a little early. You can take in the free Opera Preview or relax with friends in the garden before the show. Parking is available adjacent to the Loretto-Hilton Center. Click here for a map.
If you are unavoidably late, seating will be at the discretion of the house staff. We do this to ensure that our audiences can enjoy the performances with a minimum of distraction during the opera.
If there is a break between the overture (prelude) and the first act, or a break in the action, there may be an opportunity for late seating. Opera Theatre provides closed-circuit coverage of the performances via television monitors in the lobby, so if the performance has already started, you won't miss any of the action. Check with the ushers about the location of these monitors and late seating opportunities; we'll get you in as soon as we can.
What about special needs patrons? Parking and in the theater?
A limited number of handicapped spaces in the Big Bend Lot (near the east entrance to the Loretto-Hilton Center) are available. Please understand that we cannot legally reserve them for our patrons.
If you or one of your party needs disabled seating, please let the Box Office know when you order your tickets to make appropriate arrangements. Infrared listening devices for those with hearing impairments are also available. Please see the house manager when you arrive at the theater.
What's the deal with the picnics that I've heard about?
Our garden is a wonderful setting for a spring picnic and a great place to meet friends or make new ones. You can bring your own, or order picnics from Ces & Judy's Catering by calling the box office no later than the day before your desired performance at 4:00 p.m. at (314) 961-0644, or you can click here to order online.
The menus range from $12.00 to $20.00; the meals are delivered two hours before curtain to the house manager's office. Ample seating and cash bars are provided.
And after the opera?
Head up the hill by the fountain and meet us "under the tent." Everyone is invited to mix and mingle with the cast and fellow audience members after the performance. When we say "welcome to the family," we mean it!
Housekeeping: Things you should know
Exchanging Tickets:
Subscription tickets can be exchanged for another performance of the same opera -- FREE. Single tickets will be exchanged for a fee of $10.00 per ticket.
Exchanges must be made 48 hours before the scheduled performance and will be made in the same section and price category if possible. If we must exchange your tickets for a higher-priced section, you will be responsible for the difference; if the exchange is made to a lower-priced section, you will receive a receipt for the balance which may be claimed as a tax-deductible donation.
You can exchange tickets:
1. In person at the Box Office
2. By mailing the original tickets along with the exchange request, a daytime phone number, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Box Office.
Box Office Location:
Loretto-Hilton Center
130 Edgar Road
St. Louis, MO 63119
Box Office Mailing Address
Opera Theatre Box Office
P.O. Box 191910
St. Louis, MO 63119-7910
Call with questions: (314) 961-0644
Lost Tickets?
Don't worry. Your records are on file and tickets are guaranteed. Call the Box Office at (314) 961-0644 and replacement seat passes will be waiting for you when you get to the theater.
can't use them?
Don't let your tickets go to waste! Unused tickets may be returned to Opera Theatre as a tax-deductible donation:
1. By mail
2. In person at the Box Office during business hours
3. Cut in half and faxed to the Box Office at (314) 961-0612
4. Cut in half, scanned, and emailed to boxoffice@opera-stl.org
The tickets must be received, faxed, or emailed at least two hours before curtain. No tax credit letter will be issued before the tickets are received by Opera Theatre.
House Rules
Don't be late!
Performances begin promptly. Patrons arriving after the performance will be seated at the discretion of the house staff. They will do their best to seat latecomers at an appropriate point in the opera. Closed-circuit TV monitors are placed in the lobby.
Put down the camera...
Any use of cameras or recording devices is strictly prohibited.
And turn off the cell!
If you are expecting emergency calls please direct those calls to the House Manager's Office at (314) 968-8888 and leave your name and seat location with the manager on duty.
Wait! Where is my program... Umbrella... Date?
Lost items may be retrieved at the House Manager's Office immediately after the performance or after 10:00 a.m. the next day. (314) 968-8888
And remember...
Artists, programs, and times are subject to change without notice.
And another thing...
Relax and enjoy yourself! We'll see you at the opera!
