Metropolitan Opera Backstage Tours
Metropolitan Opera Guild
70 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023-6593
(212) 362-6000 Tickets/Customer Care • 769-7028 Backstage Tours
http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/about/tour.aspx

People travel from around the world to the Metropolitan Opera to see the greatest performances of opera and ballet. Artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Vladimir Chernov, Gwyneth Jones, Richard Leech, and many others have performed here in classics like Otello, La Boheme, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Aida, to name a few.

The Met offers several options for individuals and families to enjoy this cultural experience, including a subscription plan. Those interested can obtain a calendar and more info by mail or phone. Seating prices for performances vary, and Group Discounts are available to organized groups of 20 or more.

90-minute Backstage Tours explore the creation of an opera production, guiding visitors through the shops where artisans work on the sets, costumes, and wigs, and includes the rehearsal facilities, dressing rooms, 10-story backstage complex, and the auditorium. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals, families and groups to see what goes on behind the scenes of a major production. Advance reservations required.

Families can enjoy special interactive performances that kids can understand and appreciate. Produced by the Metropolitan Opera Guild, these performances take place at various Manhattan theaters, including Lincoln Center. Call for calendar and ticket prices.

For schools, the Met School Membership Program introduces students to opera, and offers a number of options to choose from: Student Matinee Performances, full-length operas available exclusively to Met School Members. Final Dress Rehearsals are the last rehearsal before opening night, with full orchestra, sets, costumes, make-up, staging and lighting in place. Students see the performers and production personnel make the finishing touches to the opera. Director's Rehearsals for small groups of secondary and college-age students offers an in-depth study of the artistic and technical elements of producing opera. Students also meet with production and/or artistic personnel for a question/answer period. The Membership Program also offers study materials, teacher workshops, and backstage tours.

This is a very popular program, with limited membership. Any teacher interested in enrolling should do so as soon as possible.

Note that for security reasons, individuals carrying large bags or backpacks will not be admitted to the tour. Call for specific details on security requirements.