Did you attend last night’s performance of Rigoletto, performed by the Vancouver Opera? Share your thoughts. Did you like it? What was your favourite opera this season? Are you a regular opera goer? Ladies, did you have a great dress? Gentlemen, best part of the evening?

Backstage Tour

Theatre As Seen From Stage

There are a series of lights below the raised stage-cage where most of the performance takes place. We got to climb up to the stage from the lower deck.

Walking the Stage in Advance of the Show

On stage, we had a close look at the rigging for the cage doors that open and how the placements are marked out on the flooring.

Props Table. Everything Has Its Place.

Prop management is terribly important. Each thing is in its place and easy to grab as the performers go on stage. And it is returned to its place after use.

In for Repairs

Downstairs in the bowels of the theatre are the props room, wigs and makeup and the repairs department. This dress is next up for a fix.

Live Blogging the Opera

Live blogging the opera.

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We were a small curiosity, sitting out in the lobby, tapping away on computers. It gave us a chance to talk about opera and here people’s stories about why they were there and what they like best about Vancouver Opera.

Vancouver Opera Guild

This is Rose of the Vancouver Opera Guild, which helps fuel appreciation and support for opera in BC.

Backstage Party on Opening Night

Post-performance, we were invited backstage for the after party, where there was some delicious food and general milling about and hobnobbing.

Backstage Party on Opening Night

And the singers were applauded and much merriment took place. So much so that I couldn’t get a sharp photo. This could also have been because I had a glass of wine in hand.

I enjoyed the opera very much, especially getting the chance to go backstage and understand the behind-the-scenes workings.