No! Opera tickets are far less expensive than most national sporting events. BOU keeps all ticket prices under $40, with discounts available for seniors and students. Additionally, BOU is a member of ASI’s Arts Access Pass, which provides free tickets to low-income members of our community. To register for Arts Access tickets, email us with your Arts Access ID.

Whatever you like! While some people like to dress in their finest and make attending our performances a special event, you’ll also see audience members in jeans and casual clothes. Wear what makes you comfortable!

Most operas are the length of an average Hollywood film. There is a wide variety of lengths—some are 90 minutes or less, others may last up to 3 hours. BOU tries to keep our MainStage performances to 2.5 or less. Additionally, we have intermissions where you can stretch your legs, grab a snack, or use the restroom.

That’s ok! All of the operas we present in another language (and many that we present in English) provide a projected translation of what the performers are singing. Some audience remembers remark that they don’t even need these translations, because the story is so clear through the music and watching the actors.

Opera is about people and their stories of love, loss, friendship, and difficult choices. Some operas are about mythical events or characters—not much different than a superhero or fantasy movie. Other operas have silly plots about mistaken identities and trickery—just like your favorite comedy.

BOU also tries to program operas written by composers of our time, based on current events or themes. In the past we’ve explored the AIDS crisis, mental health, trans rights, and more—all through opera!