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 spring 2026

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 12+
APPLICATION PERIOD HAS ENDED

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

Open Dress Rehearsals in autumn 2026

Application period for the Dress Rehearsal of Swan Lake will begin on Friday 8 May at 9 a.m. The application period will end on Tuesday 19 May at 6 p.m.

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

Application period for the Dress Rehearsal of Aida will begin on Monday 11 May at 9 a.m. The application period will end on Wednesday 20 May at 6 p.m.

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

Application period for the Dress Rehearsals of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs and Hamlet will begin in August.

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+

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

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.

You can apply for a Culture Companion through HelsinkiMissio by following the instructions below. Culture Companions or seats for Dress Rehearsals cannot be booked through the Opera and Ballet customer service.

In spring 2026, you can attend the following Dress Rehearsals with a Culture Companion:

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 12+

We will provide information on this page at a later date about the Open Dress Rehearsals for the 2026–2027 season that can be attended with a Culture Companion.

Would you like to have a Culture Companion in Helsinki?

Fill out the form at helsinkimissio.fi. You can also call to (09) 23 120 375 (callback service) or send email to kulttuurikaveri@helsinkimissio.fi. Give your contact information and tell which dress rehearsal you would like to attend. The companion will book the ticket and call you. You agree on where and when to meet. Enjoy the cultural experience!

See also