Going to the Operas

The Journal Theatre at the National Hispanic Cultural Center

The Journal Theatre is a breathtakingly beautiful room with state-of-the-art acoustics and production facilities. At 640 seats, it is actually 10 seats smaller than our old home at the KiMo Theatre, preserving the wonderful intimacy that has become an Opera Southwest trademark. Excellent audience amenities include wide and comfortable seats, wide rows, ample restrooms and plenty of free parking, all less than 5 minutes from Interstate 25 at the Cesar Chavez exit. The street address of the NHCC is 1701 Fourth Street, SW, at the intersection of 4th Street, SW and Avenida Cesar Chavez (Bridge Boulevard).

Directions

From I-25, exit Avenida César Chávez, follow west over railroad tracks. Enter the campus on 4th Street or 8th Street.

From Downtown, follow 4th Street south to Avenida César Chávez.

Parking

Plenty of free, well lit parking is available in the Center’s lots.  The lots are patrolled by security guards for extra safety.  A shuttle runs for each performance from the parking lot directly to the front door of the theatre for those patrons with limited mobility.

Etiquette

When to Arrive
All Opera Southwest performances begin at 7:30 p.m. sharp for evening performances and 2:00 p.m. for Sunday matinees. Out of respect for the performers and for patrons who have arrived on time, latecomers (as well as people leaving the auditorium during a performance) will not be seated until a suitable break.  Remember to attend our Pre-Performance Talks 45 minutes prior to curtain time.

What on Earth Will I Wear?
It’s Burque, so as with any event, anything goes. For many, an evening at the Opera gives them an opportunity to dress up in their fancy best and have a night out on the town. Others choose to wear suits and dresses, and still others prefer to go a bit more casual. Most importantly, be comfortable and make the choice of what most suits you!

Is There Food?
The NHCC sells wine, beer and other beverages as well as snacks before the opera and during intermissions.  There is an adjacent restaurant, La Fonda del Bosque which serves brunch prior to Sunday matinee performances.

When Should I Clap?
The performers love to hear your applause! It lets them know that you’re enjoying the show. People tend to applaud after an aria and when there is a definite climax to the action. If you’re in doubt, wait until other audience members clap; they’ll usually let you know when the moment is right.

Personal Electronic Devices
As a courtesy to the artists and other audience members, please silence all pagers, cell phones, etc. while in the theatre. The performers and your fellow patrons appreciate the consideration.

Children
If you are planning to bring a child, please be sure that he or she is mature enough to sit still. Should your child act up, please leave the theatre at once so as not to disturb others.

Supertitles

For all productions not sung in English, Opera Southwest uses supertitles, which are quick and easy translations projected above the stage. Supertitles ensure you won’t miss any of the jokes or action, regardless of the opera’s original language.