There's a strange stigma associated with the stage that often means people tend to shy away from classical concerts, ballet and theatre.
Maybe there's a feeling that the experience will be intimidating, or the assumption that there's an expected etiquette to be aware of - there are plenty of stereotypes surrounding performing art as elitist and inaccessible.
However, wash those preconceptions away - the next few months will see a collection of mind-bogglingly talented musicians, dancers and actors take to the stage to launch their seasons in Birmingham.
So, here's our pick of five shows that provide the perfect opportunity for you to broaden your mind and cast aside any preconceived ideas you might have about the stage...
Strauss' Salome
Rebecca Homer
At the start of September, the Symphony Hall launched its International Concert Season with a stunning performance from internationally acclaimed composer, Sir Simon Rattle. Think of him as the 'Morgan Freeman of classical music' – he's a pretty big deal.
Next up for the season is Strauss’ 'Salome'. Exploring psychedelic themes, this opera is famous for the controversial and erotic ‘Dance of the Seven Veils’, where Princess Salome dances with the severed head of John the Baptist.
From the eye-catching opening to its shocking conclusion, this is one of the most overwhelming experiences in opera. Incorporating Richard Strauss’s extraordinary score, t’s definitely one for those looking to try out classical music.
Strauss' 'Salome', Friday October 2, 7.30pm. Birmingham Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA.
Grimm Tales
Crescent Theatre
Tucked away behind Broad Street, the Crescent Theatre is one of the oldest theatre companies in Birmingham and boasts an extremely diverse breadth of shows. From classic Shakespeare to the UK Pole Doubles Championships, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy here.
'Grimm Tales' is a play adapted from the stories of the Brothers Grimm, where we discover that perhaps we don’t know familiar fairytales as well as we all thought.
Extra depth is added by setting the stories of 'Cinderella', 'Hansel and Gretel' and 'Snow White' to music using Connor Mitchell’s creepy and jaunting score - and enhanced even further by cruel twists in the storylines that will come as a surprise to audiences weaned on Disney.
'Grimm Tales', December 5-19. The Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham, B16 8AE.
Swan Lake
Birmingham Royal Ballet
A much loved venue in Birmingham, there are no doubts that an evening spent at the Hippodrome is an evening well spent.
There's something grandiose and lavish about going to the ballet – enough to make even the most stubborn victim of resting bitch-face squeal with excitement at the prospect of seeing a troupe of prima ballerina princesses in white tutu’s and tiaras.
This season is particularly special, as we see the return of probably the world’s best known ballet, 'Swan Lake'. Made even more popular thanks to Natalie Portman (and Mila Kunis obviously) in 'Black Swan', this is the timeless love story of ill-fated passion between the Prince and the Swan Princess. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky's legendary score, the company at the Birmingham Royal Ballet are renowned across the globe, and truly are breathtaking to watch.
If it’s never really crossed your mind before to get your glad rags on and go to the ballet, this really is the perfect opportunity – we promise you won’t be disappointed.
'Swan Lake', September 28-October 6. Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB.
R&J
Acting Out
You’d need to be a complete stranger to the city not to know that Birmingham has a very active LGBTQ community - after all, a night out on Hurst Street is probably one of the most memorable you’ll ever have.
Acting Out is a theatre group for the LGBT community, but open to everyone. This September, they'll be taking on Shakespeare's classic, 'Romeo and Juliet', but this time, both star-crossed lovers are female.
No matter how many times you've seen this classic tale of forbidden love, you won’t have ever experienced it quite like this! And what’s better, it’s completely free to attend.
R&J, September 26. The Wellington Hotel, 72 Bristol Street, Birmingham, B5 7AH.
Of Riders and Running Horses
Paul Blakemore
Always ones for thinking outside the box, productions by mac Birmingham never fail to astound or excite.
Their latest venture in their quest to bring the arts outdoors is ‘Of Riders and Running Horses’ - a stirring and visceral new dance event by Still House.
The production sees five female dancers and a live band take to urban spaces to conjure a new kind of dance, exploring what it means to move together. In this instance, the performance will happen on the rooftop of an iconic brutalist carpark with sweeping views of Birmingham’s skyline.
'Of Riders and Running Horses', Friday 25-26. NCP Carpark roof, 163 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 1SW.
Find more arts and performance events in Birmingham.