The Opera Centre

Overview

The Opera Centre is essentially the operations headquarters for Sydney's world-class opera scene. Setting foot inside is entering another world — all manner of artisan crafts and trades are on display here. The creation of an opera employs professionals from many different areas. You've got milliners (hat makers), wig makers, carpenters, scenic designers, cobblers and costumiers setting the scene. Then there are the performers and trainers — choreographers, language coaches, musicians, stage managers, conductors and singers — who all coming together to produce a live, visually and audibly spectacular production.

For a crash course in all things opera, The Opera Centre offers guided tours of their workshops and rehearsal studios so you can get an intimate look at all that goes into putting a show on the big stage. Tours run every weekday at 10am and 2pm for groups of two and up to 40 people. It's recommended you book two weeks in advance so a knowledgeable guide can be assigned to your group.