Frequently Asked Opera Questions

How do I contact Patron Services?
Phone: 816-471-7344 (direct line)
Fax: 816-471-0619 (ticket exchange line)
Mail: 1029 Central, Kansas City, MO 64105
Online: via our contact us form

What are Patron Services hours?
Patron Services representatives can be reached from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling (816) 471-7344.

On weekday performance days Patron Services representative will be at the ticket window in the lobby of the Lyric Theatre from 10:00 a.m. through the first intermission.

On Saturday and Sunday performance days Patron Services will be at the ticket window in the lobby of the Lyric Theatre from noon through the first intermission.

When should I arrive?
Generally, arriving 30 minutes prior to curtain is appropriate, unless you wish to attend the Lyric Opera Guild's opera preview (see below). There is no seating after the curtain goes up. Seating for late-comers occurs at the first break in the opera. If you are purchasing tickets at the last minute, we recommend arriving up to 45 minutes prior to curtain.

What is an Opera Preview?
Free Opera Previews, presented by the Lyric Opera Guild, begin one hour before curtain in the theatre auditorium. The previews are entertaining, informational presentations about the history and context of the opera, composer, etc.

What should I wear?
Actually, there is no required "dress code" for the opera. Patrons are free to choose whatever best "suits" them, so to speak. Some dress for a formal occasion, while others prefer to remain casual.

Where should I park?
You may park on the streets or there are several lots, which charge a fee, within a block of the Lyric Theatre. Parking in the 10 Central Car Park, located on 10th Street between Broadway and Central, ranges from $5-$10. Visit the parking page for more information.

Are all operas in a foreign language?
All productions are performed in the language in which they were originally written with easy-to-read English subtitles above the stage.

Can I exchange my tickets?
Only subsubscribers may exchange tickets for another performance with no fee. Exchanges are only done for the same production on a different date. If you wish to exchange to a higher priced performance, you will pay the difference. Tickets must be exchanged no later than 24 hours prior to your originally scheduled performance. To get the best seating available, we advise making your exchanges as soon as you realize you have a conflict.

Telephone: No exchanges can be made by telephone.

Fax: Fax a copy of your torn in half tickets to 816-471-0619. If you are upgrading to a higher priced performance, include a credit card number and expiration date for the price difference, along with your name, address, and a telephone number where you can be reached during business hours. Please indicate the performance you would like to attend.

Mail: Mail your tickets to Lyric Opera Ticket Office, 1029 Central, Kansas City, MO 64105. If you are upgrading to a higher priced performance, include a credit card number and expiration date for the price difference, along with your name, address, and a telephone number where you can be reached during business hours. Please indicate the performance you would like to attend. Online: Contact us via our contact us form and a representative will respond to your request in a timely manner.

How will I know that my online, fax or mail exchange request was received?
One of our representatives will call you once your exchange has been completed or if they have questions.

When will my exchanged tickets be mailed to me?
Exchanged tickets are mailed the day they are processed. If the new performance is within ten days, the tickets will be left at the "Will Call" window in the lobby of the Lyric Theatre and can be picked up before the performance.

What do I do if I cannot make any of the performance dates of an opera?
Opera tickets make great gifts! You can always give your tickets to a family member or friend. You may also donate your tickets back to the opera to be resold. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt for tickets returned before the performance date. Ticket donations may be made by calling Patron Services at 816-471-7344, or by fax at 816-471-0619.

How can I purchase additional tickets?
Call Patron Services at 816-471-7344, or go to our Buy Tickets section on the website. If you are a subscriber, please login before you begin to receive your 25% subscriber discount on single tickets.

When will my tickets be mailed?
For subscribers, tickets will be mailed in an informational packet for the upcoming season in late July. After July for all orders tickets will be mailed within five business days unless you are buying tickets less than 10 days before the performance date. Tickets will be held in "Will Call" if you are ordering less than 10 days before the performance date.

How can I find my subscriber account number?
Your subscriber account number is printed on the bottom of your subscriber identification card, which accompanied your season tickets. The account number can also be found on individual tickets under the AC# header.

I have just arrived at the Lyric Theatre and realized that my tickets are at home - what do I do?
Go to the "Will Call" window in the lobby. One of our representatives will access your account and print your tickets for you.

How can I get valet parking?
Valet parking is not available at the Lyric Theatre. Parking in front of the theatre is designated for those who generously support the Lyric Opera, Donate today!

Are students eligible for a discount?
There are limited student rush tickets available one hour before the show with a valid student ID. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the ticket window in the lobby of the Lyric Theatre. Cash only.

Do you have more questions?
If your question has not been answered on our website you can either send us your question on our contact us form, or call Patron Services at (816) 471-7344 and one of our representatives will reply to your question in a timely manner.