Theater and drama are everyday occurrences in New Orleans, a city where costume closets are a must and dressing up happens on a myriad of occasions. When it comes to more serious theatrical arts, New Orleans boasts impressive firsts, from the first documented performance of opera in America, back in 1796 to the first-ever commercial movie theater, which opened 100 years later on Canal Street.The birthplace of jazz is also home to a world-class philharmonic orchestra, ballet and other dance companies, both touring and locally-produced theater, and a rich array of museums and art exhibitions.