Bewitching Ways for Young Adults to Engage with Lyric

Students and young professionals looking for ways to support their favorite arts organization, network with other young opera fans, and gain new experiences need look no further! From College Night events to glamorous fundraising galas and board leadership opportunities, there are many ways for young adults to engage with Lyric. 

On October 27, Lyric’s annual Halloween Masquerade Gala will be held in the historic Art-Deco Rice Grand Foyer of the Lyric Opera House. The event will be packed with masquerading Lyric Young Professionals Members and their guests, dancing and partying the night away for a purpose. This year’s theme is "Gilded," and the evening will feature live music from DJ Fess Grandiose, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a costume contest, and the most fun you can have while supporting the arts.

General admission tickets are just $125 ($75 for Lyric Young Professionals members), and all proceeds from this scary-fun Halloween celebration benefit The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Lyric’s own artist-development program. 

Named one of the best young professional groups in Chicago by Make It Better, Lyric Young Professionals (LYP) isn’t just all parties and costumes. LYP is a growing group of opera lovers, ages 21 to 45, who are dedicated to building the next generation of supporters for Lyric Opera of Chicago. Members pay annual dues from $150 to $400, unlocking exclusive benefits like invitations to rehearsals and backstage tours; events like "Cocktails and Conversations," where members can engage with Lyric stars; intermission and post-performance meetups in the foyer; and other networking opportunities throughout the season. LYP Members also gain access to exclusive $35 ticket packages through the LYP Medley program.

You don’t have to be a young professional to enjoy perks at Lyric, however. Through the NEXT program, full-time college students can unlock $20 tickets for performances throughout the season. These aren’t the nosebleeds seats, either – students are placed in the best available seats at the time of purchase (regularly up to $200). 

Students sign up online to receive email notifications when NEXT tickets become available. They may also choose a NEXT Now package with three or more performances, at the same $20 ticket price and exclusive access to NEXT events, like the upcoming Rigoletto College Night in November, where students will be able to meet in the Opera Club before the performance for snacks and a Q&A session with a member of Lyric’s creative team. Students who identify as leaders, social influencers, and Lyric fans can also apply to the Lyric University Ambassadors program. 

There are so many ways younger audiences can engage with Lyric – and the best part is that we’re ensuring a bright future for a wondrous art form!