Winspear Opera House Rules

To ensure the safety of all patrons and guests, Winspear Opera House has created the following code of conduct and policy guidelines. Please review and follow the rules and policies below as failure to abide by them may result in expulsion from the venue without refund.

When you attend a performance at the Winspear Opera House, you’re practically guaranteed an enjoyable experience. But it’s important to make sure that you follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth visit.

If you have any questions, please contact the box office at 214-880-0202.

Accessibility Policy

Winspear Opera House is proud to offer the following accommodations.

For more information or to discuss specific needs, please call 214-978-3632 at least two weeks before your ticketed event’s start date.

» Accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating are available throughout the venue

» Sign Language Interpretation is available for certain shows

» Assisted Listening Devices are available free of charge with a valid form of ID

» Open Captioning is available at certain shows

» Accessible Parking is available at all levels in clearly marked spaces

Arrival Policy

Showtimes start promptly at the time listed on your ticket. If a guest arrives late, they may be asked to wait in the lobby until an appropriate break period or during intermission. For certain shows, there may be no intermission period.

Punctuality is important to ensure that you get the best possible experience and enjoy your chosen performance. It also shows respect for other patrons and allows you to be relaxed, avoiding any rushing and last-minute panic.

The lobby opens 90 minutes before showtime, and theater doors open 30 minutes before. Arriving early gives you time for parking, security checks, and settling into your seat. Latecomers might need to wait until there’s an appropriate break in the performance to be seated.

Bag Policy

Large bags are not allowed in the venue. All bags (camera bags, purses, backpacks, etc) are subject to search upon entering Winspear Opera House. For safety, all bags are searched before you can enter the venue. Large bags are discouraged, so it’s best to just carry essentials. You can’t bring in any outside food and drink, professional cameras, or recording devices. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is also not allowed inside the venue.

Camera Policy

Cameras are not allowed in the theatre without prior written consent. If a specific show or event allows cameras, then it will be detailed in the event or program guide.

Cancellation Policy

If an event is canceled due to inclement weather or artist cancellation, then ticket holders will be informed as soon as possible through media and the website. Please contact the venue at 214-880-0202  to ask about refunds or postponements.

Children Policy

Children are welcome at most events, however, every patron must have a ticket regardless of age or seating requirements. As a courtesy to other guests, patrons are asked to bear in mind that it is not appropriate for small children to attend events where silence is necessary to fully enjoy the performance. In all cases, infants in arms are not permitted.

Children aged five and above are welcome at appropriate performances. Each child must have a ticket, and it’s a good idea to review the show’s content beforehand. So that everyone has an enjoyable atmosphere, ensure that young attendees are able to remain quiet and attentive during the performance.

Please note on performances where children are in attendance, strollers, baby carriers, car seats and/or booster seats are not permitted in the theater seating area.

Dress Code Policy

There’s no strict dress code at Winspear, but people usually dress to match the occasion. Patrons typically wear business or business-casual, with more formal dress common on opening nights and weekends. Comfort is key, so choose clothing that suits both the occasion and your personal style.

Food and Beverage Policy

Outside food and beverages are not allowed within Winspear Opera House. You can purchase refreshments from the concessions stand before the show or during intermissions. Some shows and performances will allow concessions to be brought into the theatre. Please check the program guide for details.

Handgun Policy

The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center prohibits the open carrying of handguns on the premises (Texas Penal Code 30.07) and prohibits concealed carrying of handguns at certain events (30.06).

Lost and Found 

Lost something during a show? Contact event staff for help with finding the lost and found station for The Winspear Opera House. After the show, please contact the venue at 214-978-3620.

Winspear Opera House does not claim responsibility for lost or missing items.

Prohibited Items

This is a partial list of items that are not allowed within the venue.

» Weapons of any type—including firearms, knives, sharp-edged objects
mace and pepper spray

» Weapons with a carry permit are also prohibited

» Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in the venue

» Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances or paraphernalia associated with drug use

» Backpacks, briefcases, or purses larger than 12”x12”x6”• Outside food and beverage
Computers, laptops or tablets

» Animals. Only certified service animals, or service animals in training, will be allowed. Must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times

» Noise making devices: air horns, drums, whistles

» Audio or video recording devices, professional cameras or cameras with removable lenses, selfie sticks or tripods

» No professional photography without authorization

» Laser pens/pointers of any type

» Flag poles or any support frames for banners/signs• Fireworks or any other incendiary devices

» Strollers are not permitted into the seating areas

» Any other item deemed unacceptable by the event/building management team

Subject to change without notice

Reentry Policy

Those who leave during the performance will not be readmitted until the end of the work or at intermission.

Smoking Policy

The Winspear Opera House is a smoke-free venue. Smoking, including pipes, cigars, vapes, and any other smoking paraphernelia is strictly prohibited within the venue.

Electronic devices

It’s important that all electronic devices are silenced before the show begins. If the performance is interrupted by phone calls and notification sounds, it can ruin the experience for other viewers. Photography and recording are generally prohibited unless specified otherwise.

By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you contribute to a respectful and enjoyable environment for everyone. 

Emergency procedures at Winspear Opera House

Ensuring the safety of all visitors to the Winspear Opera House is paramount. Read on for important guidelines on how to help you prepare for emergencies during your visit:

Familiarize yourself with exits

When you arrive, take note of the nearest emergency exits. The opera house is designed with multiple clearly marked exits, providing a quick evacuation if necessary.

Follow staff instructions

In the event of an emergency, promptly follow the instructions given by the venue staff. They are trained to manage various situations and will guide you to safety.

Stay calm and assist others

Try to stay calm, which will help to ensure a swift and orderly evacuation. If possible, help others around you, especially individuals with disabilities or those who may need additional help.

Emergency services coordination

The Winspear Opera House coordinates with local emergency services to ensure rapid response times. In case of a major incident, follow the guidance of both the venue staff and emergency personnel.

Winspear’s commitment to inclusivity

The Opera House is dedicated to creating an environment that reflects its diverse community. Its aim is to recognize that the art form, industry, and city thrive through equity, diversity, access, inclusion and belonging.

• Equity – Winspear works to create a fair and respectful culture by implementing policies that remove prejudice and discrimination. Their goal is that everyone is valued, regardless of their background or identity.

• Diversity – The Dallas Opera values diversity, believing that it supports creativity and enriches performances. Through this belief, the organization creates authentic productions that connect with the community, and keeps opera inclusive for everyone. 

• Access – It’s important to make opera accessible to everyone, regardless of the challenges. Winspear makes sure that disabled and neurodivergent individuals are accommodated across its physical spaces, performances and events.

• Inclusion – Attitudes and barriers are addressed to ensure opera can connect with modern American life and culture. Winspear partners with various organizations to welcome newcomers from diverse settings and value their input. 

• Belonging – The Dallas Opera’s goal is to create a culture in which everyone feels valued. Whether it’s artists, board members, staff, or audience, the organization makes sure that every contribution is recognized as essential to its success. 

By upholding these commitments, The Dallas Opera works to create a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone.