Step right up: Making the most of a day at "Explore Your Lyric"

For one day this spring, the Lyric Opera House trades velvet formality for something far more playful. On April 26, Explore Your Lyric invites families, curious newcomers, and seasoned opera lovers alike to experience the space not as an audience — but as participants. With a circus-inspired theme, hands-on activities, and behind-the-scenes access, the event offers a rare chance to see how opera is made while having a genuinely fun day out.

The key to enjoying it fully? Embrace both the structure and the spontaneity.

Explore Your Lyric is intentionally designed as a self-guided experience, with timed entry options at 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m., and each visit lasting about 90 minutes. Guests move through the building at their own pace, choosing what catches their attention. That freedom is part of the appeal, but it also means time can slip away quickly — so it helps to arrive with a loose plan, prioritizing a few must-see moments while leaving room for discovery.

At the center of the day is Katie: The Strongest of the Strong, a spirited, 20-minute opera that brings the story of real-life circus strongwoman Katie Sandwina to the stage. It’s a vibrant introduction to opera, especially for younger audiences, blending music, storytelling, and themes of resilience and equality. The performances are short but memorable, and they tend to draw a crowd, so making time for one at 11:15 a.m. or 1:15 p.m. is a smart move. 

Beyond the stage, the event truly comes alive in its interactive spaces. This isn’t a passive experience — kids (and adults) are encouraged to jump in. Craft stations, face painting, and circus demonstrations create an atmosphere that feels more like a festival than a traditional arts event. Roaming performers — jugglers, stilt walkers, and other surprises — add a sense of movement and delight throughout the building, making even the walk from one room to another part of the experience.

What sets Explore Your Lyric apart, though, is its access. Opera can sometimes feel mysterious or even intimidating, but here, the doors are quite literally open. Visitors can peek into the orchestra pit, meet musicians, and get an up-close look at the instruments that bring productions to life. Elsewhere, designers and technicians showcase the details behind the scenes — from costumes and makeup to sound and scenic design, revealing the immense collaboration behind every performance.

These behind-the-scenes glimpses often become the most memorable part of the day. They transform opera from something distant into something tangible, built by real people with highly specialized skills. For first-time visitors especially, it can completely reshape how the art form is understood.

Amid all the activity, there are also quieter moments worth seeking out. Storybook readings of Katie: The Strongest of the Strong offer a chance to slow down, while costume displays and photo opportunities invite a closer look at the visual artistry of opera. Throughout it all, live music from DJ Jawon Mayberry keeps the energy light and welcoming, reinforcing that this is a space meant to be enjoyed, not tiptoed through.

The Chapters Community at Lyric play a meaningful role in this year’s Explore Your Lyric event, generously volunteering their time and expertise to enrich the experience for all who attend. They have curated a special exhibit highlighting the history of Lyric and the visionary leaders who have shaped its legacy over the years. This thoughtful addition offers guests a deeper appreciation of the company’s artistic journey and enduring impact, reflecting the Chapters’ ongoing commitment to celebrating and preserving Lyric’s rich history.

To get the most out of the experience, pacing matters. A good approach is to start with a performance, then explore a mix of interactive and behind-the-scenes activities before winding down with something more relaxed. It’s less about seeing everything and more about engaging deeply with a few memorable moments.

What makes Explore Your Lyric special isn’t just the entertainment value — it’s the sense of access and belonging it creates. By opening its doors in this way, Lyric Opera of Chicago reframes what opera can be: not just a performance to watch, but a world to step into.

In the end, the best way to approach the day is with curiosity. Follow the music, try something unexpected, and don’t worry about doing it all. The magic of Explore Your Lyric is that it meets you wherever you are — and invites you a little further in.

View the full list of activities at lyricopera.org/explore or download the event map here.