Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I am shooting for one of the bands this Friday at the Opera House.
I've done lots of gigs before, but not there.
Are there any of you who have shot there before and if so, what are the house rules and any quirks of the place.
I am meeting with the mgmt. on Friday before the show, so I will find out then but it is always good to know in advance.
Any help is appreciated.
Tim

First Time I went to the Opera House for a show, 10 years ago, someone had pepper spray and thought it was funny to spray the circle pit with it.

Beware of pepper spray.

make sure you have a photo pass. Security won't let you in with the camera otherwise.

lighting will be okay to lousy, depending on the act. There's usually lots of backlighting, which is always a pain and depending on where you are, tough to shoot around without flare on account of the rear lights shining right into your lens.

stage is about torso-high, you can generally get up close to the performer. There's no pit so arrive early (if it's going to be a busy show) to get up front. I generally camp out just left or right of centre, where there's the drainage grates. I find those more comfortable to stand on than the hard brick floor.

though if you're meeting with management, you can ask them for decent front-lighting. if they're asking you to shoot, they should help you out so that everyone wins.