Building and engaging a millennial opera audience is a core problem that bewilders every opera company across the nation. As a musician myself, I am passionate about getting young people to realize how wonderful opera really is! Most twenty-somethings believe that a night at the opera entails sitting in the back row behind a sea of white hair for hours on end, while being exhausted and confused by the foreign languages and unclear plot lines. This image is not appealing to anyone, let alone young people who thrive on the excitement of their own social lives.
Just when you thought you were writing off opera all together due to the fear of having the lamest Snapchat story in history, these insanely awesome opera pro tips will ensure the most epic opera experience every time!
1. Pregame
Regardless of whether you are pre-gaming for a tailgate or an opera, having a few cocktails with your squad will assure a great start to the night.
Opera companies regularly plan events before and after performances for fans to get to know the shows and performers, and to mingle with fellow young opera goers! This is a great opportunity to grow your social network over a few drinks! #Cheers
2. Dress to Impress
One thing that everyone can agree on is that operas are glamorous, so why not do it up big? With Tumblr pages like "Last Night at the Met," and the sparkling array of champagne flutes, feeling like a dazzling upper-class arts aficionado is effortless!
3. Educate yourself
Smartphones have made it painless for us! Reading up on the synopsis of the opera is not only a good idea to understand the general plot line, but it will allow you to actually enjoy the singing and acting rather than watching the subtitles. Yes, there are subtitles!
4. Relatable as...
It's hard to really enjoy something if you can't relate it to your own life. While many operas seem unrealistic and dramatic, there is a lot of truth in the characters. Operas are filled with love triangles, jealous ex-boyfriends, and insecure archenemies. What college experience doesn't include all of those scenarios? Relating the show back to your own life will keep you at the edge of your seat with excitement, eager to see what comes next!
Still not satisfied? Here are those hot shirtless opera singers I mentioned
5. Social Media
A common misconception is that social media and phone use go out the window as soon as you step into the opera house. Although phone use is not allowed while the performance is going on, there are MANY great Snapchat and picture taking opportunities. With the magnificent architecture of opera houses like The Met, San Francisco War Memorial Opera House, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the buildings alone give you an opportunity to have a thrilling snap story that make your followers green with envy.
Photo of the Paris Opera House
In addition to the architecture, opera houses often set up backdrops for photos. Nothing is more exciting than pretending like you're on the red carpet!
6. The Peanut Gallery
As we all know, being a young person on a budget doesn't always allow us to splurge on the most extravagant evenings. However, there are a few ways to get the most bang for your buck. Many opera houses often offer student discounts, as well as free viewings of the shows.
San Francisco Opera is notorious for hosting an Opera at the Ball Park event, which allows people to enjoy the opera at AT&T Park while drinking an ice cold beer and eating a basket of garlic fries... for FREE! Other opera houses also host tweet seat events, which allow people to come in during dress rehearsals to view the opera and tweet about it!
If you're still stuck in the peanut gallery, don't feel like you're missing out. What people don't know is that sometimes those are the best seats! You can get a full view of the stage while sitting in the most acoustically impressive place in the theatre. Its also much easier to pack a few snacks in your purse to munch on throughout the performance.
Watching an opera live is a really powerful and passionate experience, I hope this post inspires you to go see one... or twenty!
Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear about all your thoughts on opera!
xo Lily
For more posts by me check out my blog: Lifestyle Lily