At the Theatre

Etiquette & General Questions

Are your shows suitable for children?

Do you allow babes-in-arms?

Do you offer booster seats for children?

Is there a dress code?

How can I be courteous to my fellow audience members?

Can I take photos inside the theatre?

Can I text or tweet during the show?

Can I bring my own food or drink into the theatre?

What time does the show begin?

How early should I arrive?

What if I’m late for the show?

I have a comment about the performance, my experience at the theatre, or Theatre Calgary’s programming. Who should I contact?

I have a question that isn’t addressed here. Who should I ask?

Are your shows suitable for children?

With the exception of A Christmas Carol and other performances advertised specifically as 'for the whole family,' our shows are intended for an adult audience.  You are the best judge as to whether or not a production will be appropriate or of interest to your child, but our sales staff would be glad to advise you—call (403) 294-7447. We have no firm minimum age, but for the benefit of all in attendance, we do ask that your child be able to sit calmly and quietly in the theatre for up to 90 minutes at a time. Children unable to do so (along with their accompanying adult) will be asked to leave the theatre.

Do you allow babes-in-arms?

Due to fire regulations, we cannot allow babes-in-arms. Every patron in the theatre, regardless of age, requires their own ticket. All children in attendance—even at family-friendly productions such as A Christmas Carol—must be able to sit quietly in their own seat for up to 90 minutes at a time.

Do you offer booster seats for children?

We do have a limited number of boosters. Please ask our front-of-house staff when you arrive at the theatre.

Is there a dress code?

We do not have a dress code. You`ll find that many of our patrons wear 'business casual' clothes to the theatre, but you could see anything from jeans to formal wear. Come as you are! We want you to be comfortable. The first Friday evening of each production is an Opening Night Celebration, so we encourage you to dress for the occasion.

How can I be courteous to my fellow audience members?

Thanks for asking! Good theatre etiquette benefits everyone. Here are a few guidelines:
-Please do not talk, whisper, or unwrap candies during the performance. Our theatre is designed to transmit sound, so even quiet noises can be intrusive to those around you.
-Cellular phones, pagers, and watches can intrude on other patrons’ enjoyment of the play. Before the house lights go down, please ensure that these devices will not ring, beep, or vibrate during the performance. Alternatively, you may leave them with our staff at the coat check.
-Please consider others before using strongly scented products such as cologne, perfume, or hairspray. Some patrons have medical reactions to these products that interfere with their enjoyment of the show.
-At the end of the performance, please remain in your seat until the curtain call is finished and the house lights are turned on.
-If you have a complaint about another guest, please speak with an usher or house manager rather than approaching the person yourself.

Can I take photos inside the theatre?

No. Cameras, videocameras, audio/video recording smartphones and all other recording devices are strictly prohibited inside the theatre.

Can I text or tweet during the show?

The light from your cell phone disrupts the performers and your fellow audience members, so please refrain from texting or tweeting during the performance. You’re welcome to tweet at intermission and after the show (we’re @theatrecalgary).

Can I bring my own food or drink into the theatre?

No, but you can bring beverages purchased at the lobby bar into the theatre. We can’t allow glass inside the theatre, so please ask the bartender for a plastic cup.

What time does the show begin?

Please check your ticket to confirm your show time! Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening performances begin at 7:30pm. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8pm, with the exception of A Christmas Carol, which starts at 7:30pm. Saturday and Sunday matinee performances begin at 2pm. On the first Sunday of each Subscription Series production, we have a 7:30pm evening show in lieu of a matinee. There are no performances on Mondays.

How early should I arrive?

The Max Bell Theatre lobby doors and ticket pick-up table open one hour before the performance begins. Our shows start promptly, so we recommend that you arrive as early as possible so that you can find parking, enjoy the theatre bar, and take your seats without feeling rushed.

What if I’m late for the show?

Latecomers will only be seated at the discretion of the house manager, who may need to place you in alternate seats. So as to disturb your fellow audience members as little as possible, you will have to wait for a suitable moment (the “latecomers’ call”) that has been chosen by the play’s director. If you arrive after latecomers’ call has passed, you may have to wait until intermission to enter the theatre. We don’t want that to happen, so please give yourself ample time to park, pick up your tickets, and take your seats before the performance begins.

I have a comment about the performance, my experience at the theatre, or Theatre Calgary’s programming. Who should I contact?

Kate Beck, our Director of Sales & Customer Service, welcomes your comments and will pass them along to the appropriate Theatre Calgary staff member. You can contact her at (403) 294-7440 x1056 or kbeck@theatrecalgary.com.

I have a question that isn’t addressed here. Who should I ask?

Feel free to call our sales staff at (403) 294-7447, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. At the theatre, please speak to our friendly front-of-house staff and volunteers, who will be glad to assist you.