Curtis Opera Theatre FAQs
Answers to common questions Curtis opera patrons have asked:
- What do most people wear?
- Where should I park? Any discounts?
- Any restaurant suggestions?
- May I bring food or beverages into the performance space?
- Where is the best place to sit?
- What are supertitles?
- Brava? Bravo? When to applaud?
What do most people wear?
Curtis does not have a dress code; from blue jeans to designer gowns, feel free to wear comfortable clothing or dress to the nines.
Where should I park? Any discounts?
Discounted parking is available at Standard Parking's Pullman Garage. To receive the discount make sure to get your ticket stamped by a Curtis staff member before the performance.
Standard Parking Pullman Garage (north side of street)
1617 Chancellor Street (between Walnut and Locust streets)
For details, please visit our Contact / Find Us page.
Other parking options are available. Visit the Philadelphia Parking Authority parkingfinder.
Any restaurant suggestions?
Please view our restaurant page for a listing of nearby restaurants.
May I bring food or beverages into the performance space?
Please unwrap candies before the performance begins and be mindful of those around you.
Curtis Opera Studio: No food or beverages are allowed in the Curtis Opera Studio. There are water fountains in the hallways.
Prince Music Theater: Food and beverages are allowed, however, no glass containers are permitted in the theater. The Prince Music Theater has a concession stand where alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and treats may be purchased before the show and during intermission. The concession stand is not open after the performance.
Perelman Theater: No food or beverages are allowed in Perelman Theater. You may enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and treats at the concession stand in the main lobby before the performance and during intermission. The concession stand is not open after the performance.
Where is the best place to sit?
Seating for Curtis Opera Theatre performances is general admission (unreserved): first-come-first-served. Doors usually open approximately 30 minutes before the performance, and then you may sit wherever you wish. Our performances sell out frequently, so we ask that you do not leave empty single seats in between you and other patrons so that pairs and families arriving later do not have to split up. Please do not place coats or bags on the seats next to you. Feel free to use the complimentary coat check.
Curtis Opera Studio: This black box space holds approx. 110 seats and is configured differently for each performance. The Curtis Opera Studio is not wheelchair accessible. While there is an elevator to the third floor, there are 5 steps down and then 4 steps back up to get to the venue from the elevator.
Prince Music Theater: This space holds 450 seats and is an old movie theatre with no poles or obstructions. There is a front section of seats which slopes gently down, and there is a back section of seats which is stadium style (each row is a step up from the one in front of it). Generally, the best seats are in the back of the front section or the front of the back section, but there is not a bad seat in the house. Wheelchair seating is available in the front of the back section. Just speak with an usher upon arrival.
What are supertitles?
Similar to subtitles that you experience while watching a foreign film, opera supertitles will be projected above the stage—translating the lyrics into English.
Brava? Bravo? When to applaud?
At an opera performance, it is perfectly acceptable to applaud after arias. When applauding women, cheer "Brava!". When applauding men, cheer "Bravo!", and when applauding both men and women, cheer "Bravi!" When in doubt, wait for others. As tempting as it is to beat the crowd out of the venue, please stay to applaud the performers. For great performances, feel free to stand and applaud. The musicians have worked hard and deserve your thanks.
