participation
For schools
On this page, you’ll find different ways for school groups to explore the world of opera and ballet. In addition to attending performances, you can explore these art forms through a variety of workshops. We look forward to welcoming you onboard.
For primary schools
In the repertoire
Watch and read on Stage24
ballet day for schools 17 dec 2025
Ballet Day will be celebrated across Finland on 17 December, when the Finnish National Ballet invites every comprehensive school in the country to enjoy The Nutcracker and the Mouse King together online. The event is completely free for schools.
For secondary and vocational schools
In the repertoire
Watch and read on Stage24
art testers
Art Testers is the largest culture education program in Finland, offering all 8th graders and their teachers 1–2 annual visits in esteemed cultural institutions. You can explore the performances being tested at the Opera and Ballet this season below. You’ll also find tips for your visit to the Opera House.
Welcome to the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, Art Testers!
This is what you’ll be testing
Tips for visitors
- Please feel free to use either the main entrance on the Mannerheimintie side or the Töölönlahti entrance. Read more about arriving at the Opera House.
- You can leave jackets, large bags, etc. in the free, supervised cloakroom.
- You’ll hear a fanfare as the performance is about to start. Ours is from Finland’s first ever opera, the Hunt of King Charles.
- Please consider the performers and the rest of the audience and don’t share your thoughts with your friends before the interval.
- Please don’t bring sweets, bottled drinks, crisps, etc. into the auditorium.
- If you need to leave the auditorium during the performance, you can only get back after the interval.
- The Opera House has service counters where you can buy treats before the performance and during the interval. The prices are a little higher than in a typical coffee shop.
- If you’re attending a performance during the day, please bring your own snacks, as the cafes aren’t open yet.
Art Tester, take note of the following:
- How does the show work if you don’t listen to the music? How about if you close your eyes?
- How do the sets change during the performance? How do these changes move the story forward?
- How do the costumes change? Does the characters’ behaviour change when their costumes change?
- What kind of atmospheres does the lighting create?
- What happens backstage during the performance?
- How does an orchestra work?
- Which instruments do you recognise in the orchestra pit?
- Can you see where the prompter is sitting at the front of the stage?
- Why are there TV screens all around the auditorium? What’s their purpose?
- If you’re watching a ballet, what is the little red light on the first balcony? Who is keeping an eye on it, and when in particular?
