Frequently Asked Questions

TIMING AND DURATION

DOORS
We open the doors 75 minutes before the start of the performance. So you can still enjoy a drink and a snack beforehand and catch the free introduction. The doors will open about 30 minutes before curtain-up.

WHEN DOES THE PERFORMANCE START?
The starting time varies regularly. So always check the time stated on your tickets, or on our website.

HOW LONG DOES THE PERFORMANCE LAST?
The evening performances of our opera and ballet productions usually end around 11 PM. There is usually at least one interval. For a better estimate of the exact timing, please check our website or contact our box offices a few days before the premiere.

WHAT IF I AM LATE?
Once the show has started, you will not be allowed back into the theatre. That would be inconvenient. Latecomers are looked after by the theatre staff and can follow the performance on a monitor. At the first appropriate interruption, they are let into the auditorium accompanied by the theatre staff. Tickets for latecomers will never be refunded.

FROM WHEN CAN PROGRAMME BOOKS BE PURCHASED?
Programme books are available from four days before the premiere at the box office and before and during the performances in the entrance hall.

DURING THE PERFORMANCE

MAY I UPGRADE TO A BETTER SEAT IF IT TURNS OUT TO BE FREE?
No, you may not upgrade yourself. Tickets are only valid for the seat stated on them, and the venue staff may ask for your ticket at any time. If you find yourself in a more expensive seat, you may be asked to pay an extra fee.

CAN I TAKE MY COAT/ UMBRELLA/ BACKPACK INTO THE HALL?
Use of the cloakrooms is compulsory in both opera houses and at Theatre 't Eilandje, but it is free of charge.

WHAT IF I LEAVE THE THEATRE DURING THE PERFORMANCE?
After leaving the theatre, you may not under any circumstances re-enter the theatre while the performance is still on. We do this so as not to disturb the other visitors. You will be allowed back in after the next intermission.

CAN I BE FILMED/PHOTOGRAPHED DURING MY VISIT?
Opera Ballet Vlaanderen has the right to record the performances (image and/or sound) with the audience in the hall. However, this will be done very discreetly.

CAN I MAKE VIDEOS OR TAKE PICTURES MYSELF?
Mobile phones must be switched off during the performance. Audio or video recordings are absolutely not allowed. Taking photographs before the performance or during the applause is permitted.

CAN I EAT OR DRINK SOMETHING IN THE OPERA HOUSE?
Of course. Before, during and up to an hour after the performance, our bars are open to the public. You can always go there for a drink or a snack. Eating or drinking in our halls is of course NOT allowed.

We also offer cheese platters that you can order in advance. Purchases can be made via a link in the service email you’ll receive two days before the performance or via info@operaballet.be.

EXTRA TIP: ORDER IN ADVANCE IN THE ENTRANCE HALL (KIOSK)
Avoid the queue during the interval and order and pay for your drink(s) in advance in the entrance hall. During the interval you can then collect them from the takeaway bar. In Antwerp this is in Bar Cour, in Ghent in the Lullyzaal.

WHAT IF I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE LANGUAGE?
All operas are sung in the original language. A Dutch and an English translation can be followed via surtitles. These are above and beside the stage. Unfortunately, the surtitles are not not equally visible from all seats in the auditorium. If you want to certain that the surtitles are visible from your seat, please contact the box office. The text of the libretto can also be read in the original language and in a Dutch translation in the programme book that is on sale in the entrance hall before and during the interval.

I HAVE LOST OR FORGOTTEN SOMETHING AT A PERFORMANCE.
Send an email to info@operaballet.be with a description of your lost item and your contact details so our staff can look for it.

HOW MUCH DOES A TICKET COST?
The ticket price varies depending on the day, the type of performance, and your seat in the venue. However, we are confident that there is a place for every budget in our venue. To better match demand with availability, we use dynamic ticket pricing, meaning the price of individual tickets may vary throughout the season depending on demand. See also our page with prices and discounts.

FROM WHEN CAN YOU BUY SINGLE TICKETS?
Single ticket sales usually open from mid-June.

I AM UNEXPECTEDLY UNABLE TO ATTEND, CAN I CANCEL MY ORDER?
We do not refund tickets, except in case of cancellation of the performance.

TICKET EXCHANGES
If you are unable to attend the performance, you can exchange your tickets online for another date of the same production. Exchanges are always subject to availability. If you exchange for a higher category, you will pay the difference. If you exchange for a lower category, the price difference will not be refunded. Tickets can be exchanged up to 2 days before the performance date you want to change. There is a 5 euro exchange fee per ticket.

ARE THERE SPECIAL RATES FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY?
Most certainly. You can read more about it here.

BACKGROUND TO THE PERFORMANCE

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR AN OPERA OR BALLET PERFORMANCE?

INTRODUCTIONS
All operas, ballet performances, symphonic concerts and also some Vonk productions are introduced by one of our dramaturgs or an external speaker. Introductions generally start one hour before the performance, unless otherwise stated. Besides the live introductions, we also offer short audio introductions for most productions, which you can listen to whenever and wherever you want. The most up-to-date info on the introduction can be found on this website and in the service email you receive two days before the performance.

AFTER-PERFORMANCE
For quite a few of our productions we also organise follow-up interviews, about 20 minutes after the end of the performance, during which a dramaturge talks to someone from the production team and the audience. The afterparties are free of charge in the main hall.

PROGRAMME BOOKS AND OPERA LIBRARY
Each production is accompanied by an extensive programme book, with background information usually combined with a selection of rehearsal footage. For Les Pêcheurs de perles and Jenůfa also two new volumes of the Operatheque series. These compact booklets, in cooperation with Universitaire Pers Leuven, give an even deeper insight into the genesis, text and music of the work in question. In each case, the authors are specialists in their field who make their research accessible to a wide audience. Previously, volumes on Szenen aus Goethes Faust (Schumann), Così fan tutte, Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny and Ernani have appeared.

IS THERE BACKGROUND MATERIAL AVAILABLE ABOUT THE PERFORMANCES?
On this website you will find text material, photos, videos and Spotify listening lists which we also share via social media. For each opera, ballet or concert we also sell a programme book: a beautifully designed information and/or photo book. In it you will find both a short 'introduction', which will familiarize you with the material, and reflections on the themes on which the production focuses. In addition, four times a year we publish a fascinating - and completely free - magazine. It offers background information, interviews and inspiration. You can find a copy at the box office, in the entrance hall of our houses or you can receive it by post.

I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO AN OPERA OR BALLET PERFORMANCE.
We always welcome new audiences with open arms. Read more on this page for newcomers.

DO YOU ONLY PERFORM OPERAS AND BALLETS?
Opera Ballet Vlaanderen wants to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. That's why, apart from operas and ballets, we also organise concerts, youth performances and numerous broadening and deepening activities for both beginners and connoisseurs. For instance, we let you take a look behind the scenes of ballet and opera and we regularly make a switch to other disciplines. Take a look at our programme overview or the calendar to see what's on offer.

WHAT WILL MY DATA BE USED FOR?
Opera Ballet Vlaanderen values your privacy as a customer and processes your personal data in accordance with the privacy statement, which can be consulted here in full. By buying tickets, using our services (including our websites) or applying for a job via our website you agree to this privacy statement.

I WOULD LIKE TO WORK FOR OPERA BALLET VLAANDEREN. HOW DO I GO ABOUT THAT?
Take a look at our pages with vacancies or send us a spontaneous application. Please mention for which position and/or department you are applying. The more specific your application, the greater the chance that your application will be taken into consideration.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE PRESS OFFICER?
Please send all press-related questions to pers@operaballet.be or log in via the press platform.

SAY IT WITH OBV

Something to celebrate? We'd love to help!

Are you coming to celebrate something at OBV or do you want to surprise someone, contact us at info@operaballet.be and together we will see how we can give your visit that little extra: a separate table in the foyer with a cool bottle of champagne, a greeting card on the chair... We are happy to think along with you.