From evening dress to applause – etiquette on the lake stage

Operas go on for ever.
Very long operas do exist, of course. Some works, for instance by Richard Wagner, last four or five hours. However, the opera on the lake stage traditionally doesn't take nearly so long. The playing time of Der Freischütz, for example, is around two hours. The opera on the lake stage is performed without an interval.

Only snobs go to the opera.
The Bregenz Festival and its opera on the lake stage epitomise the idea of high-quality opera for everyone. The mix of visitors is highly diverse. And the price range is wide as well, with the cheapest tickets on the lake stage starting at just 30 euros. Tickets for a performance of Der Freischütz can be found here.

If it's outdoors, I can take anything I like.
Not exactly, because some items are taboo on the lake stage, too. They include food, selfie sticks, laptops, thermos flasks and glass bottles. Plastic bottles up to a maximum of 0.5 litres, seat cushions and bags on the other hand are permitted. Bags will be checked on entry.

Trolley cases and travel bags, stick umbrellas, professional photo and video equipment, motorbike helmets and child seats are too bulky and have no place in the auditorium. Animals must also stay at home. Assistance dogs with a certificate are excepted, subject to prior notification.

Smartphone photos don't bother anyone at such long distances.
Even though the temptation is great in view of the impressive stage design: no photos, smartphone videos or sound recordings during the performance! However, there is plenty of time to take photos beforehand – the lakeside seating area opens one hour before the show begins. The complete FAQ can be found here.

They just sing the whole time, I can't understand a word and get bored.
Der Freischütz by Carl Maria von Weber is sung – and spoken – in German. A full forty percent of the opera consists of modern dialogue. To ensure that the sung parts can be understood as well, surtitles in German and English are displayed on two large screens to the left and right of the stage. If you'd like to find out more about the opera, the plot and the production, you can go to introductory talks at 7 and 7.30 pm in the Festspielhaus on performance days. In addition, the lake stage productions are designed to facilitate spontaneous understanding of the plot, even for people who aren't opera freaks.

I'm bound to clap in the wrong places and make a fool of myself.
This issue used to be more complicated when the audience was only allowed to applaud, for instance, at the end of an act. Nowadays, as long as the applause doesn't burst into the middle of an aria, it's no longer a particularly delicate matter. If in doubt, just wait for the others to clap.

Without a dinner jacket or evening dress, I'm definitely underdressed.
Unlike the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace, when the secret agent chased some villains across the Bregenz lake stage, the range of clothing is really very broad. Apparently even flip-flops have been spotted. Of course, everyone can dress however they like without restrictions, because there's no dress code. That said, we advise against apparel that's too light and breezy, because even in midsummer, temperatures can drop below 20 degrees Celsius late in the evening. Our tip is to wear warm and weatherproof clothing. And don't worry: people won't look askance if you bring a light blanket. On the contrary – that's how you recognise the seasoned visitors.

It's hot, so I can wear flip-flops on the lake stage.
Our tours of the lake stage are very popular ‒ the chance to get a unique insight into the backstage area and to tread the boards oneself attracts many visitors. One problem that's not so obvious at first but comes up again and again is footwear. High heels, flip-flops, sandals, ballet shoes and other flimsy shoes are a no-no on the lake stage. So before visiting the stage,  remember to take your sturdy shoes, even in hot summer weather.

(tb/tl)