At the Center

Pre-Performance Discussions

Sponsored by the Friends of the Center for the Arts

White male wearing gray suit and white shirt speaking to an audience of opera patrons in a large room with floor to ceiling glass windows at the rear
Pre-performance discussions take place one hour prior to curtain.

Join us at the Center for the Arts one hour prior to many Great Performances at Mason events and enjoy our lively and popular Pre-Performance Discussions (PPD). These forums are led by local experts and, often, by the artists themselves. Here, patrons are encouraged to ask questions and are able to gain a bit of insight and knowledge about our world-renowned guest artists. Held on the Dr. Linda Apple Monson Grand Tier, these captivating exchanges provide a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes!

When available, information about the speaker(s), as well as post-performance discussions, or ancillary Artist-in-Residence events will be posted on the event listing for each performance.

Food and Drinks at the Center

An assortment of snacks and beverages are available for purchase at our concessions bars in the lobby beginning 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to curtain and at intermission. Food is only allowed in the lobby area. Beverages in approved covered containers, such as a water bottle or lidded, reusable cup (seen in the photo and available at concessions with the purchase of a beverage), may be taken to your seat. The Friends Area is located on Grand Tier II, on the second floor of the Concert Hall. As a reminder, the Friends-only refreshment area will be available during the Great Performances at Mason performances and will be open 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to curtain and during intermission. Lidded, reusable cups will also be available for Friends’ use. 

The Center for the Arts has partnered with Chartwells and OZZI to provide reusable cups for patrons to use and then return to designated bins in the lobby at the end of the performance. The cups are then collected, cleaned and sanitized, and returned to the Center for reuse at our concessions bars and Friends Area. This partnership furthers our mission to eliminate waste and reduce the use of single-use products in our venues.

Please note: Programs, artists, and dates are subject to change without notice.