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.

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

Open Dress Rehearsals in autumn 2026

Thu 20 Aug at 11.30 a.m. Swan Lake (total duration 2 h 45 min, incl. 2 intervals)
Age recommendation 7+
APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED

Tue 25 Aug at 11 a.m. Aida (total duration 2 h 55 min, incl. 1 interval)
Age recommendation 16+
APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED

Mon 14 Sep at 6 p.m. The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs (total duration 1 h 45 min, no interval). Notice! This is an evening rehearsal.
Age recommendation 10+
APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED

Wed 30 Sep at 11.30. a.m. Hamlet (total duration 2 h 10 min, incl. 1 interval)
Age recommendation 12+
APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED

We will announce the application schedule for the other Dress Rehearsals in the autumn 2026 at a later date.

Mon 19 Oct at 6 p.m. Le nozze di Figaro (total duration 3 h 20 min, incl. 1 interval). Notice! This is an evening rehearsal.
Age recommendation 12+

Thu 29 Oct at 11.30 a.m. Dracula (total duration 2 h 15 min, incl. 1 interval)
Age recommendation 10+

Thu 19 Nov at 6.30 p.m. Peter Grimes (total duration 3 h 15 min, incl. 2 intervals). Notice! This is an evening rehearsal.
Age recommendation 12+

Mon 30 Nov at 11.30 a.m. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (total duration 2 h 20 min, inc. 1 interval)
Age limit 5 years

Tue 1 Dec at 11.30 a.m. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (total duration 2 h 20 min, inc. 1 interval)
Age limit 5 years

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.

culture companions

Would you like to see an opera or ballet but can’t think of anyone to go with? Visit our Dress Rehearsals with a Culture Companion! Culture Companions are available free of charge.

Culture Companions operate in Helsinki and Espoo; in Vantaa, they are called Art and Culture Companions. Below you can read how and for which Dress Rehearsals you can be accompanied with a Culture Companion in the 2026–2027 season.

Open Dress Rehearsals for Culture Companions in the 2026–2027 season

PLEASE NOTE! Helsinki and Espoo Culture Companions and Vantaa Art and Culture Companions apply for Dress Rehearsals through their cities’ own Culture Companion services. Please see the instructions below. Culture Companions or seats for Dress Rehearsals cannot be booked through the Opera and Ballet customer service.

If you live in Helsinki

Thu 19 Nov at 6.30 p.m. Peter Grimes (total duration 3 h 15 min, incl. 2 intervals). Notice! This is an evening rehearsal.
Age recommendation 12+

Tue 1 Dec at 11.30 a.m. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (total duration 2 h 20 min, inc. 1 interval)
Age limit 5 years

How to request a cultural companion in Helsinki

See the instructions for requesting a Cultural Companion through HelsinkiMission’s online service.

If you live in Espoo

Mon 19 Oct at 6 p.m. Le nozze di Figaro (total duration 3 h 20 min, incl. 1 interval). Notice! This is an evening rehearsal.
Age recommendation 12+

Thu 29 Oct at 11.30 a.m. Dracula (total duration 2 h 15 min, incl. 1 interval)
Age recommendation 10+

How to request a Cultural Companion in Espoo

You can request a Cultural Companion to accompany you to the Opera and Ballet through the VESA programme if you are an Espoo resident aged 65 or over and experiencing loneliness. Please call 050 381 0999 Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., or send an email to keikka@hyte.fi.

If you live in Vantaa

Wed 30 Sep at 11.30. a.m. Hamlet (total duration 2 h 10 min, incl. 1 interval)
Age recommendation 12+

Mon 19 Oct at 6 p.m. Le nozze di Figaro (total duration 3 h 20 min, incl. 1 interval). Notice! This is an evening rehearsal.
Age recommendation 12+

Mon 30 Nov at 11.30 a.m. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (total duration 2 h 20 min, inc. 1 interval)
Age limit 5 years

How to request a Art and Cultural Companion in Vantaa

See instructions at vakehyva.fi.

See also