Choose your own adventure

The annual Explore Your Lyric event, coming April 26, invites audiences of all ages to step into the world of opera.

Have you ever wanted to stand on Lyric Opera of Chicago’s grand stage? Peek into the orchestra pit? Try your hand at costume design? This is your chance! On April 26, the doors to the opera house will swing wide open, welcoming visitors to Explore Your Lyric, an immersive, hands-on event where visitors choose their own adventure by navigating through a variety of special opportunities and performances.

"Explore Your Lyric is all about creativity, curiosity, and fun,” says Jill LeCesne Potter, Senior Director of Learning Programs for Lyric Unlimited. “It’s a day to step into the roles of designer, musician, performer, and see what makes opera such a thrilling, collaborative art form.”

For this edition of the annual, family friendly event, Lyric will pull back the curtain on nearly all aspects of the art form, allowing guests of all ages to journey through the opera house at their own pace as they explore the artistry that brings productions to life. The interactive event puts visitors at the center of the action through hands-on activities and behind-the-scenes access, ranging from costume and scenic displays, make-and-take art projects, and DJ sets.

And of course, it’s not a true experience at the opera house without a live performance. This year, Explore Your Lyric will feature two 20-minute performances of Katie: The Strongest of the Strong, a bold new opera for young audiences that celebrates the life and legacy of circus strongwoman Katie Sandwina. This season, the production has toured the city as the main offering of Lyric Unlimited’s Opera in the Neighborhoods program, which provides complimentary performances to school groups, close to where they live and attend class. 

Composed by Faye Chiao with a libretto by Anton Dudley, Katie: The Strongest of the Strong introduces young audiences to a figure whose story embodies resilience, justice, and community. Known in her time as “the strongest woman in the world,” Sandwina was also a wife, mother, and activist who fought for women’s suffrage in the early 20th century. Pairing the wonder of circus life with the urgency of social change, this family-friendly show is a wonderful way to introduce young people to opera and the important history of women’s rights.

The immersive experience of Explore Your Lyric will be further enhanced by a variety of circus-themed lobby activations, bringing guests into the opera house and under the big top. From roaming jugglers and stilt walkers to face painting and circus classes, visitors will be immersed in the world of opera through the lens of Katie: The Strongest of the Strong. Backstage, young attendees will have the chance to practice some of those same circus skills, led by Lyric’s own experts.

The afternoon will also feature exciting opportunities for opera-lovers, including an exhibit on the history of Lyric; a chance to “Meet the Maestro,” during an appearance by Lyric’s Music Director Enrique Mazzola; and a rare “Peek in the Pit,” which offers a birds-eye view of the orchestra pit, a first-hand discussion with orchestra members, and a chance to see their instruments up close. With additional offerings for this year’s event still to be revealed, it’s clear that when the opera house opens its doors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26, the three hours are sure to fly by! Explore Your Lyric is an ideal entryway for guests of all ages to understand and relate to the many elements of opera — the kind of connection Lyric hopes can create fans for life.

“The opera house can sometimes feel like a big unobtainable space filled with formal gowns, tuxedos, and fur coats,” says Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, Director of Civic Engagement for Lyric Unlimited. “While that is one aspect of who we are, we want to ensure that everyone knows this house is their house,” she continues. “This fun-filled, relaxed environment is just the space to make everyone feel right at home!”

Visit Explore Your Lyric to learn more and to book tickets for just $5 (children) and $10 (adults) for this popular annual event on Sunday, April 26 at Lyric Opera House.