April 26. 2025
April 26. 2025
Join us on April 26, 2025, when Lyric throws open the doors — and the curtains! — to welcome people of all ages into the Lyric Opera House for a day of exploration and fun. If you’ve always longed to see beyond the footlights and get a glimpse of how the art is made behind-the-scenes, this is a perfect opportunity to experience it all. From exciting presentations on stage movement to live music, a chance to peek into the orchestra pit, and hands-on fun, it will be a day to remember. We can’t wait to welcome you to your Lyric Opera House!
Take a look at the schedule below to plan your day with Lyric. On Saturday, April 26, doors will open at 11:00 a.m. and the fun will continue through 2:00 p.m.
You can also download a PDF version of the schedule here.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Explore the art of set design with William Estrada’s Mobile Street Art Cart, featuring sketches from past productions and hands-on, take-home art activities. Discover how visual storytelling and professional renderings bring opera sets to life!
Located in the first floor lobby.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Dance your heart out to DJ Houston in our historic opera house.
Located in the first floor lobby.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Get inspired with ¡Anímate! Studio — an interactive artmaking installation from Chicago artists Andrés Lemus-Spont and Marya Spont-Lemus. Try your hand at hands-on building activities inspired by the skills used in opera set design!
Located on the third floor.
11:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Step into the world of opera fashion! Check out stunning Lyric costumes, then strike a pose at our photo booth. Wardrobe staff will be on hand to share the artistry behind designing and accessorizing for the stage.
Located on the third floor.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Explore sketches of makeup designs from past Lyric productions, then stop by our face painting stations hosted by Lyric’s own makeup artists! Discover the creative skills behind designing and applying makeup for the opera stage.
Located in the Graham Room on the second floor.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Chat with Lyric’s Music Director, Enrique Mazzola, and learn what it’s like to be a world-renowned conductor.
Located in the first floor lobby.
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
A special opportunity to interact with and learn more about the Lyric Opera Orchestra! A Peek in the Pit is a birds-eye view of the orchestra pit, a first-hand discussion with orchestra members, and an opportunity to see their instruments up close.
Located in the Ardis Krainik Theatre.
11:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m.,12:40 p.m., and 1:20 p.m.
Join Artivista Founder Jasmin Cardenas and Theater Arts Educator Alyssa Vera Ramos for interactive workshops that explore self and community through games, play, and storytelling. Offered throughout the day for all ages.
Two 30-minute sessions per age group
Located in the Malott Room on the second floor.
11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Enjoy a live, family-friendly opera: Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World! Based on the beloved book, this 40-minute performance tells the heartwarming story of young Mariana’s friendship with iconic artist Frida Kahlo.
Located in the Ardis Krainik Theatre.
11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of The Spellbinder — a captivating blend of theater, illusion, and visual artistry. Each performance runs 15 minutes.
Located in the Mezzanine on the second floor.
11:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.
Step into the action with stage combat sessions that teach thrilling, hand-to-hand fight choreography. Learn to perform high-impact, weaponless fight scenes safely and convincingly — just like on stage! Each session will be 15 minutes.
Located backstage on the first floor.
Welcome to Our House
Our popular open house is back! Formerly known as Family Day, Explore Your Lyric invites guests of all ages into the opera house for live performances, hands-on activities, and behind-the-scenes fun. In this article, we dive into the event’s history, share highlights of what’s new, and talk with Sheran Goodspeed Keyton about why this day is so special.
Explore Your Lyric is proudly sponsored by Bank of America and an Anonymous Donor.
