Do I have to be involved in the opera industry to rent at the National Opera Center?
Everyone is welcome to rent at the Opera Center, whether you work in the opera industry or not.
Our rooms and services are ideal for singers, actors, instrumentalists, directors, casting agents, producers, and administrators in any performing arts industry. We also invite for-profit and nonprofit businesses outside of the arts to use the facility for meetings, trainings, conferences, and other convenings.
The spaces at the Opera Center are not ideal for dance or major movement work. Our flooring includes standard wood flooring and concrete floors. However, some movement work is possible. For example, you can absolutely do the movement required to rehearse a play, work with your improv group, or include a stretching regimen in your warmup.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes, we happily accept walk-ins for all spaces and will do our best to accommodate your rental request.
We offer a special same-day rate for Marc A. Scorca Hall, Rehearsal Hall, and Charles MacKay Studio. Pending availability, these spaces may be booked the day-of for 50% off their regular rates.
Feel free to call us at 212.796.8630 to inquire about our availability before you stop by the Opera Center.
Do I need to buzz into the building or show ID?
The lobby at 330 Seventh Avenue has a doorperson Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. During those hours, no buzzer is required.
Monday through Friday between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., you will need to use the buzzer located to the right of the building’s front door. Press the “Call” button on the upper buzzer, wait 3–5 seconds, and pull the door for entry.
You may be asked to show your ID at the front desk of 330 Seventh Avenue during regular business hours (9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.), but ID is not required within the Opera Center.
I’m running late! Can I add more time to my studio rental?
If there is space available, we’d love to add more time to your studio rental, so please don’t hesitate to ask.
If your studio space is available after your booking, we can easily extend your rental. If your studio space is not available, we can investigate other room availability to extend your time. There’s no guarantee that we’ll be able to accommodate last-minute extensions, but we’ll do our best to find a space.
To extend your time in advance, call 212.796.8630 or email us at Reservations@operaamerica.org.
Do you have a loyalty program?
We offer loyalty cards for our studio spaces. These cards grant one free hour of time in any studio after you have paid for 10 hours of studio time.
Pick up your loyalty card today from the customer service associates at the reception desk, and don’t forget to get it stamped with each visit.
Please note that booked hours in Charles MacKay Studio, Rehearsal Hall, and Marc A. Scorca Hall are not included in this program. Invoiced accounts are not eligible for the loyalty card.
Is there a place where I can change clothes prior to an audition?
We have two single-occupant restrooms on the 7th floor that can be used for this purpose; however, please note that these spaces are functionally for use as restrooms, not changing stations.
I forgot something! Do you have a lost and found?
Yes. Give us a call at 212.796.8630 or email us at Reservations@operaamerica.org and we will happily check our lost and found for your item. Items saved in the lost and found are typically held for no longer than a month.
Is food allowed in the National Opera Center?
Food is allowed in most spaces at the Opera Center; however, we do not allow dark liquids, such as cola or red wine. No food or drink is allowed in Marc A. Scorca Hall.
Do you have snacks or beverages available for sale?
The Opera Center has three vending machines: one for cold drinks, one for snacks, and one for K-cups. All vending machines take credit or debit cards, and the cold drinks and snacks machines also take Apple Pay. There is also a complimentary water-filling station. The vending machines and water-filling station are all located in the 7th-floor artists’ canteen.
I will be performing in Marc A. Scorca Hall, what should I wear?
Marc A. Scorca Hall features a navy-blue background. To stand out from the wall color, we recommend performers do not wear navy blue.
For clients recording an event in Scorca Hall, we also advise performers to consider how different colors and patterns will appear on camera. Clothing in lighter colors can “glow” under the bright theatrical lights and appear diffused or exaggerated. Stripes, herringbone, and small intricate designs are not recommended, as such patterns are difficult for cameras to focus on.
Beyond those recommendations — your attire will depend on your event! We always encourage clients to wear what makes them feel best.
Are e-bikes and e-scooters allowed in the National Opera Center?
Electric micro-mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed anywhere in the facility, including anywhere in the building at 330 Seventh Avenue.
What safety measures are in place at the National Opera Center?
OPERA America’s National Opera Center is your home for performances, rehearsals, auditions, and more. Your health and safety are a top priority for us.
We continue to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State, and New York City.
At this time, mask usage by visitors is recommended but not required. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is not required for entry.
The National Opera Center is cleaned nightly by a custodial team trained in COVID-19 protocols. The facility's air system has been optimized with a high-efficiency filtration system and outfitted with I-Wave BI-Polar Ionizer air cleaners that actively treat and kill pathogens.
For more information, contact us at 212.796.8630 or Reservations@operaamerica.org.
Where can I find the National Opera Center's Rules and Regulations?
For a full overview of the National Opera Center's Rules and Regulations, please refer to the following link.
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