Free Student Dress Rehearsals

Free Student Dress Rehearsals offer complimentary passes to the final dress rehearsal of select productions to groups of students in grades 6-12. Student dress rehearsals are available to all qualifying CPS and Big Shoulders schools. Reservations are limited. A wait list of schools will be generated once availability is depleted. Schools must complete a simple application, and may apply for a bus scholarship. 

New this year, the Student Dress Rehearsal program includes Beyond the Curtain, which brings a professional Lyric teaching artist into classrooms before students attend a  Student Dress Rehearsal, free of charge. Each engaging 45-minute presentation introduces students to the opera-going experience, while addressing the plot, important themes, musical highlights, and production elements of the opera students will see at Lyric. To extend the learning , teachers will receive  reflection questions to discuss with students following their visit to the opera.

For more information leading up to your field trip to Lyric Opera of Chicago, download details here

Middle School and High School titles (Grades 6-12)

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 1pm

The Marriage of Figaro

The Marriage of Figaro

Servants Figaro and Susanna, along with the Countess, tangle with Count Almaviva in Mozart's rollicking study of human nature, The Marriage of Figaro. An internationally celebrated cast leads this production directed by Chicago legend Barbara Gaines and conducted by Erina Yashima in her Lyric debut.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 1pm

La Bohème

La Bohème

The ultimate operatic love story, La Bohème at Lyric features a stellar cast, including sopranos Ailyn Pérez and Gabriella Reyes, tenor Pene Pati in his Lyric debut, and vibrant baritone Will Liverman. An unforgettable La Bohème performance awaits.

High School titles (Grade 9-12)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 1pm

Rigoletto

Rigoletto

Giuseppe Verdi brings astounding intensity to the court jester Rigoletto, tragically obsessed with avenging his daughter Gilda’s dishonor. Music Director Enrique Mazzola conducts an outstanding cast including returning baritone Igor Golovatenko and Mane Galoyan and Javier Camarena in their Lyric debuts.

Monday, September 23, 2024 at 1pm

Fidelio

Fidelio

Enrique Mazzola conducts Beethoven's timeless political thriller in Matthew Ozawa’s production, praised as “transformative… a thoughtful examination of how we strive for the ideals of justice and freedom.” The radiant soprano Elza van den Heever is joined by tenor Russell Thomas and baritone Brian Mulligan.

Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 1pm

Blue

Blue

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Blue, by Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori and librettist Tazewell Thompson, the poignant tale of a Harlem family shattered by tragedy. The moving production stars bass Kenneth Kellogg and acclaimed artists Zoie Reams and Norman Garrett in this anticipated Chicago premiere.

Reserve Dress Rehearsal tickets

This request is for complimentary passes to Free Student Dress Rehearsals for groups of students in grades 6-12. Please fill out the form and a member of the Learning & Creative Engagement team will contact you within 5 business days to confirm your order details.
Student performance special request
How would you like to receive your tickets

This program includes Behind the Curtain, a 45-minute presentation in your classroom, given by one of Lyric’s professional teaching artists.

Performances for Students Sponsors

Major Lyric Unlimited support provided by the Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund. 

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance

Mrs. James S. Aagaard

Anonymous Donor

John and Rosemary Brown Family Foundation

Eisen Family Foundation

Dan J. Epstein

Judy Guitelman

Dan J. Epstein Family Foundation

Shirley and Benjamin Gould Endowment Fund

Dan and Caroline Grossman

John Hart and Carol Prins

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Matt and Carrie Parr/ PJT Partners

Dr. Scholl Foundation

Segal Family Foundation

Lyric Unlimited Chicago Public Schools Bus Scholarships are supported by the U.S. Bank Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. William C. Vance. 

Lyric Unlimited - Learning & Civic Engagement Sponsors

Anonymous Donor

Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund

Dr. Scholl Foundation

BMO Bank Logo

Walter Family Foundation

The Richard P. & Susan Kiphart Family

Shure Charitable Trust

Eisen Family Foundation

Robert and Evelyn McCullen

Marsha Serlin and Jerry Sloan

Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.

Terry J. Medhurst

Mazza Foundation

Buehler Family Foundation

Wintrust Community Banks

Helen Brach Foundation

The Siragusa Family Foundation

Polk Bros. Foundation

Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Raynette and Ned Boshell

John and Rosemary Brown Family Foundation

John Hart and Carol Prins

The Simon Family Foundation

Photo: Kyle Flubacker