Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre
Get ready for a memorable experience at the Janet Quinney Lawson (JQL) Capitol Theatre! We’ve prepared this guide especially for you to help answer any questions about your upcoming visit. Scroll through for all the tips and tricks you’ll need to make the most of your opera experience or jump ahead by clicking any of these buttons:
GETTING TO (AND INTO) YOUR PERFORMANCE
WHERE TO FIND US
The Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City on 200 South between Main Street and West Temple. If you are riding TRAX, exit at the Gallivan Plaza Station, walk north on Main Street, turn left onto 200 South, and the theatre will be on the right.
Traffic downtown can be congested on the weekend—we encourage you to check route options through smartphone apps such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. There are multiple parking garages close to Capitol Theatre, and carpooling or public transportation is also strongly recommended (parking at City Creek is free the first two hours!)
Get additional directions and parking recommendations here.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
If you don’t want to miss our popular Pre-Opera Chat—FREE and included with the purchase of your ticket—join us in the “Capitol Room” at the JQL Capitol Theatre one hour before the show begins to learn more about the production.
Otherwise, we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time to check out the theatre, find your seats, and read the program notes. Travel downtown can be congested on the weekend, so be sure to give yourself enough time for traffic and parking!
WHERE CAN I FIND MY TICKETS?
Tickets are required for entrance to all performances at JQL Capitol Theatre. Please access your tickets by logging in to your account via the ArtTix or USUO mobile app. For faster entry, we recommend taking a screen shot of your tickets on the app prior to your arrival. Physical tickets can be printed at the Ticket Office at Capitol Theatre starting 90 minutes before the performance begins, or you can request to have your tickets waiting in Will Call by contacting USUO Patron Services in advance.
Find out more about mobile ticketing here.
WHAT IF I’M LATE?
If you arrive late, we’ll do our best to get you into the performance as quickly as possible! Our front of house team will seat you at an appropriate interval, so as not to disturb other patrons. You might be seated in the back or sides out of courtesy to the performers onstage and other patrons, but once intermission has ended, you’re welcome to relocate to your original ticketed seat.
For the convenience of latecomers or those that exit the theatre during the performance, the production can be viewed and heard on monitors in the lobby. More information on our late and re-entry policies can be found here.
HOW LONG WILL THE OPERA BE?
Most operas will last about two and a half to three hours long, including intermission.
PREPARING FOR THE OPERA
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
At Utah Opera you’ll see patrons wearing ball gowns, tuxedos, and all variations of their Sunday best! But you don’t have to dress up to fit in—wear what feels comfortable to you. Many people can be seen wearing business and casual attire, particularly for our matinee performances. So, feel free to dress up for a special night out, dress down for comfort, or find your own happy medium.
SHOULD I BRING MY CHILDREN TO THE OPERA?
Children five and older are welcome to attend any Utah Opera performance!
BUT, before you decide if this opera is right for your child, here are some things to consider:
Some operas contain mature, adult themes. We recommend you read through the synopsis on our website, check the event page for content advisories, and make sure the performance is appropriate for your child’s age or maturity level. If you still feel unsure, please contact our Patron Services team with any questions.
Operas can be pretty long. Parents know their children better than anyone, and you’ll have a good idea if your child is able to sit quietly through a program that lasts longer than an hour. Check up on the length of the opera and use your best judgement to evaluate that. Please help us by teaching children to be respectful audience members.
Many operas are sung in a language other than English, but English translations are projected in captions above the stage.
Opera is always more exciting when you know everything about it! Take some time to look up articles and videos about the production with your kids before you go. You can also find great resources in our online learning section including this list of things to know when you go to your first opera. Get familiar with the music and download a playlist and play it while you’re taking your kids to school in the morning.
Please note: No babes in arms will be allowed in the theatre.
INSIDE THE JANET QUINNEY LAWSON CAPITOL THEATRE
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SIT?
Where to sit really depends on a few things. Here are some tips to consider when choosing your seats:
- Sightlines are best in the center of the theatre—either towards the front of the main floor (orchestra level) or upstairs in the mezzanine.
- A lot of opera lovers enjoy sitting upstairs (Mezzanine or Balcony level) because it’s easy to read the supertitles without missing any of the action on the stage, and the sound balance is excellent.
- If you’re tall, choose an aisle seat. Leg room in the theatre is a luxury.
- If you want to be seen, call the ticket office and ask for Box Seats. The view may be partially obstructed, but you’ll feel super special up front next to the stage!
DURING THE OPERA
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE OPERA?
You’ll know it’s time to start when the lights dim, and the audience applauds… for apparently no one (this is when the conductor enters the orchestra pit to lead the Utah Symphony!) The overture will begin, the curtains will rise, and you’ll be transported to another time and place as the artists, costumes, and scenery bring the music to life.
Hear something you love? Feel free to applaud. The opera is your chance to yell “Bravo!” if you’re particularly moved. A typical opera will have one or two intermissions (20 minutes each), so you’ll have a chance to stretch your legs, visit the restroom or concessions, or thumb through the synopsis and articles included in your playbill.
WILL I UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY’RE SINGING?
Yes! All Utah Opera productions—even the ones performed in English—will have English supertitles projected above the stage, so they’re visible from nearly every seat in Capitol Theatre. Patrons in seats with a limited view of the top of the stage (ex: towards the back of the main floor) can see the same captions on screens mounted on the ceiling in front of them. This way, all opera guests can follow along with the action—even if you don’t understand the language being sung.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
GENERAL AGE GUIDELINE: Individuals ages five and older are welcome to attend any Utah Opera performance. We recommend parents review our parental guidelines to ensure the opera is appropriate for their child. No babes in arms will be admitted.
ACCESSIBILITY: We are committed to making our performances and venues accessible to all of our patrons.
LATE SEATING POLICY: Late seating will be at an appropriate break in the performance or at intermission. More information on our late and re-entry policies is found here.
Artists and programs are subject to change. No refunds. View Terms of Sale here.
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