Overture Center for the Arts
Madison Opera is a resident company of the Overture Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art civic cultural center located in downtown Madison. Designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Cesar Pelli, the Overture Center was built with a historic multi-million-dollar gift from local businessman W. Jerome Frautschi and opened in 2004 on the site of the former Madison Civic Center. Madison Opera performs in Overture Hall and the Capitol Theater.
The Overture Center for the Arts is at 201 State Street, Madison, WI 53703.
Parking
Many parking facilities are located within a couple blocks of the Overture Center.
Please be aware that there is no late seating at Madison Opera performances, so allow plenty of time to find parking, as downtown Madison can get quite busy with performances, sporting events, and other vibrant activities.
Accessibility
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Wheelchair seating is available in both Overture Hall and the Capitol Theater. To reserve wheelchair and companion seats as part of a subscription, contact Madison Opera at 608.238.8085. To make wheelchair arrangements for single ticket purchases, contact the Overture Center for the Arts at 608.258.4141.
Audio Description
Madison Opera is pleased to offer Audio Description of the Sunday matinees of The Barber of Seville and Don Giovanni.
Audio Description is the art of talking pictorially to enable audience members who are blind or have low vision to hear descriptions of actions, costumes, scenery and other aspects of the production not usually conveyed by voices from the stage.
FM receivers and headsets are available at the Overture Center Information Desk in the Rotunda. These receivers are used in conjunction with a person who sits in a booth and describes action that is taking place in real time on stage.
Tips to Enjoy the Opera
Pre-Show Talks
Pre-show talks are given by General Director Kathryn Smith one hour before curtain, and are the perfect way to learn about the history of the opera you are about to see. These entertaining half-hour multimedia talks take place in the Wisconsin Studio on the 3rd floor of Overture Center.
What to Wear
Come in clothes that make you comfortable! Some audience members dress in casual clothes, while others dress for an elegant night out.
Theatre Amenities
A coat-check is available in the main entrance to the Overture Center for the Arts.
Drinks are available for purchase before the opera and during intermission. They may be taken into the theatre unless a mandated mask policy is in place.
