Don't be mistaken: the Sydney Opera House isn’t just one auditorium and stage. The iconic theater is actually a vast performing arts complex complete with several performance spaces, recording studios, rehearsal rooms and everything required to present world-class dramatic and musical entertainment. Not surprisingly, a Sydney Opera House tour is on many bucket lists.

In such a busy building, quiet time is hard to find. My tour started bright and early, with a warm greeting from my guide and a quick trip right onto the main stage. Even though the 2,000 seats in the auditorium before me were empty, I was still quite awestruck and a little bit intimidated. From there, we made our way to the equally impressive orchestra pit, set below the floor in front of the stage, where the conductor reigns supreme. From the audience perspective, it is not obvious how much of the orchestra is hidden from view and at the same time, unable to see beyond the conductor to the action on stage. My guide encouraged me to take up the baton in the conductor’s spot and attempt to feel the thrill of presiding over the musicians making their way through the two-volume score for the musical “My Fair Lady” which sat on the stand in front of me.

Our next stop was another essential work space, the main rehearsal room. The floor was covered with a dizzying array of symbols, which I learned was the blocking for the performance on the main stage. Again stepping into the shoes of one of the Opera House performers, I was invited to try warming up for a dance at the ballet bar along the wall. My visit to one of the V.I.P. dressing rooms, with a beautiful view of Sydney Harbour followed and I was really beginning to feel like a star.

There’s more to the Opera House than what happens on stage and I was awed by a visit backstage to see where the giant set pieces move on and off during a performance. Up on one of the catwalks, I got to see more of the equipment that stars alongside the actors and musicians who grace the Opera House stage. It was an altogether amazing experience that made me even more excited to take in a show later in the day. While viewing the audience from the stage seemed terrifying, viewing the stage and the amazing performers from the audience was a real treat that I will not soon forget.