Attending a show at asc
What about safety?
updated 8.4.2022
Beginning with the opening of Pass Over on August 11, 2022 the ASC will no longer require proof of vaccination or universal masking. We strongly encourage patrons to mask when possible. ASC is monitoring local, state, and federal guidelines and will update this policy as necessary. Read more about safety here.
What seats are available?
The Blackfriars Playhouse has returned to near full capacity. Our front row and Gallant Stools will remain off-sale due to Actor’s Equity distancing requirements (these are black dots on our ticket page and are unable to be purchased). You may pick your seats online or by calling the box office (open Tuesday-Friday 1:00 – 5:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12:00 – 4:00 PM).
Visit our Plan Your Visit page for accessibility and directions.
Are there discounts?
Visit our Ticket Policy Page for ticket information including Blue Star Family (Military), Group, Local, and other discounts. You can also join our Blackfriars Circle to receive 25% off every ticket purchase. We also periodically send sale information via our email list. Sign up to receive up-to-date sale information and upcoming shows.
will there be concessions?
Our bar is back! Visit the upstairs lobby (accessible via stairs and elevator) preshow for snacks and beverages. We will open a downstairs bar on busy nights. Starting August 11, patrons will be able to take purchased concessions into the Playhouse. We do not allow any outside food or drink, including water bottles.
what if Weather/illness do not allow for the shows to go on?
For weather related issues, performances continue as scheduled unless we experience a loss of power or extremely dangerous conditions at the Blackfriars Playhouse. For health related issues, ASC follows the guidance and restrictions from our local, state, and national officials and regularly monitor the health of our Company. In either case, if we are unable to produce as planned, you will receive a text message at your provided number and an email at the address you provide during checkout as soon as possible. Options with what to do with your tickets—including receiving a ticket credit, giving a tax-deductible donation, or a refund will be sent in the email.
what if I am sick when i am supposed to attend a show?
We are unable to let anyone who is currently ill, has experienced symptoms within two weeks of their show, or has been exposed to someone with COVID19 within two weeks to attend performances. Please call the Box Office to re-book, refund, or credit your tickets.
I need to cancel or change my tickets.
We are happy to change your reservation to a new date or placeholder (good for a year to any ASC show), if your plans have changed. We are only able to fully refund and cancel your order due to a COVID related reason.
I have a placeholder from 2022, how do i use that?
Placeholders are what we place in your account when you are unable to use a ticket purchased for another show. These are good for any ASC show for a full year from the date of issuance. To change these placeholders into new tickets, please email or call our Box Office with your name (and order number, if you have it) and let us know you would like to use a placeholder from 2022 and the date, title, and seating preference for the new show.
Where should I stay or eat in town?
What are the run times? Are these shows appropriate for children?
Our Shakespeare titles usually run around 2 to 2.5 hours and our contemporary shows often range from 90 minutes to 2 hours. A more specific run time can be given by our Box Office after the opening of each title.
No matter the title, Shakespeare’s language often includes a racy joke or bawdy comedic bit- and, if it’s a history or tragedy, there will be a sword fight and at least one character is very likely to die. Our contemporary shows cover a wide range of topics and age appropriateness. We make the best effort to include appropriate content warnings in our materials and pre-show speeches but do not guarantee our content is always entirely family-friendly. We are happy to invite children aged 7 and up to the Playhouse (and 3+ to A Christmas Carol), but appropriateness of the content is at the parent or guardian discretion. For a more in-depth look at the shows, though it may not be the most scholarly answer, Wikipedia often has a detailed synopsis of the plays (with, of course, plenty of spoilers).
have more questions?
Email our Box Office at tickets@americanshakespearecenter.com