Become a test audience

We provide schoolchildren, students and other special groups the opportunity to visit our Dress Rehearsals as a test audience. By special groups we refer to individuals for whom attending performances of the Opera and Ballet is challenging, for example due to socio-economic reasons. The test audience adds an element of excitement, which gives the performers a taste of the real performance atmosphere.

Application for the free Dress Rehearsals is done in advance according to the given schedule, which you can find on this page. Application is done using the online form that will be published on this page.

You can also attend Dress Rehearsals with a Culture Companion. Find more information about the Culture Companions.

APPLY to the Dress Rehearsals

Seats for our open Dress Rehearsals are allocated with priority given to first-time visitors. The maximum group size for schools is two school classes and 30 people for other groups due to restricted audience numbers. Please note that applications are only accepted via the application form and according to the schedule given below. Please see the instructions.

We will contact only the groups that have been allocated a place within a few weeks after the application period has ended.

Please note that the current schedule may change.

Open Dress Rehearsals in the 2025–2026 season at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet

Wed 25 Feb at 11.30 a.m. Don Quixote (total duration 2 h 35 min, incl. 2 intervals)
Age recommendation 10+
APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED

Thu 26 Feb at 11.30 a.m. Don Quixote (total duration 2 h 35 min, incl. 2 intervals)
Age recommendation 10+
APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED

Application period to the Dress Rehearsal of Festen will begin on 18 Feb at 9 a.m. Enrolment will end on 25 Feb at 6 p.m.

Mon 23 Mar at 6 p.m. Festen (total duration 1 h 45 min, no interval) Notice! This is an evening rehearsal.
The opera features distressing themes, such as child sexual abuse, suicide and addiction. There are depictions of racist behaviour, sex and violence.
Age recommendation 16+

Application period to the Dress Rehearsal of Pulse will begin on 4 Mar at 9 a.m. Enrolment will end on 11 Mar at 6 p.m.

Wed 22 Apr at 11.30 a.m. Pulse (total duration 2 h, incl. 1 interval)
Age recommendation 10+

Application period to the Dress Rehearsal of Luonnotar and Iolanta will begin on 25 Mar at 9 a.m. Enrolment will end on 1 Apr at 6 p.m.

Mon 11 May at 6 p.m. Luonnotar and Iolanta (total duration 1 h 50 min, no interval) Notice! This is an evening rehearsal.
Age recommendation 16+

Any questions? Contact us at yleisotyo[at]opera.fi

application instructions

To make it possible for as many groups as possible to attend, it is important to answer all the following questions on the form:

• Has the group previously attended a Dress Rehearsal? If so, when?
• Group contact details (name of group/school/year)
• Group size (adults and children separately, max. 2 school classes for schools and approx. 30 people for other groups)
• Group contact person, phone number and email address
• Reason why this group should be chosen to attend the rehearsal
• Reason why this group should be chosen to attend the rehearsal

Unfortunately, we are unable to process incomplete application forms or accept applications via email. We will contact only the groups that have been allocated a place in Dress Rehearsals within a few weeks after the application period has ended.

See also