Lyric Opera 2024-2025 Issue 8 - The Listeners

71 | Lyric Opera of Chicago Between the two performances, attendees have a rare opportunity to “Peek in the Pit.” The activity, running from noon to 1 p.m., 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. Those planning to attend the event would do well to take a look at the menu of options they will encounter. Here’s a partial list: Photo Booth/Costume Design A mini-museum containing elaborate costumes, and a chance to create a keepsake photo. ¡Anímate! Studio/Set Building An interactive installation about the skillsets involved in building opera sets. Mobile Street Art Cart/Set Design Artist William Estrada will be on hand, helping guests to create make-and-take art. Audio Engineering Alongside a display of audio equipment, DJ Jawon will provide live music for the entire event. The Magic of the Spellbinder Live performance of family-friendly tricks, featuring Walter King. Stage Combat Safe, expert sessions teaching this critical aspect of theatrical performance. Two 20-minute sessions, at 12:05 p.m. and 12:35 p.m Jasmin Cardenas Multiple workshops offered throughout the day by expert storyteller Jasmin Cardenas, for different groups organized by age. Renaming the event Explore Your Lyric was an intentional choice by Afton Battle, Vice President, Lyric Unlimited & Artistic Operations, meant to signal that the space is truly open to all. “This is an opportunity for anyone to actually come into the opera house and learn who we are, what we do, and why we do it, and hopefully become greater connoisseurs of art,” Keyton adds. “We don’t at all want to exclude people who don’t have little ones.” Lyric Opera of Chicago strives to define the concept of “accessibility” in the broadest terms — the ticket price for the day is quite affordable, for instance — and Explore Your Lyric is a good example of the approach. “I’ve come to realize over time that when you say the word ‘accessibility,’ people think of ADA compliance. But it’s larger than that. It’s about a sense of being welcome. Opera doesn’t have to mean putting on a fur coat or a ball gown. You can bring people who may not be opera lovers yet, but they’ll get a taste of it and then leave loving it.” The day is filled with hands-on fun — and accessible,exciting performances. All photos Todd Rosenberg