an adult woman in the theater holds up a program and looks over the shoulder of the young girl sitting next to her.

Getting Ready With Us: Theater Edition

Tue, Sep 3, 2024

Written by: Andy Sharfman

Have you secured tickets to an upcoming performance? Are you new to our venues or to the theater in general? If so, read on! We’re here to help you prepare so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying the performance.

Without further ado, let’s get ready!

At Home

  1. 1. Check your order details

    First, you’ll want to make sure you know your order delivery method, or how you’ll access your tickets. If you opted for mobile tickets, they’ll be sent to your phone 48 hours before the show. If you selected pick up, make sure to stop by the box office before the performance. Or, if you chose to have your tickets mailed, keep an eye on your mailbox. Once they arrive, keep them in a place where you can easily grab them before you walk out the door.

    While you’re at it, add your show date and time to your calendar and review your confirmation email for any additional details.

    *Learn about how parking passes will be delivered.

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  3. 2. Make Your Reservations

    A great night starts with a great meal. Downtown Pittsburgh offers a variety of dining options from upscale restaurants to cozy cafes and trendy bars. No matter where you pick, we recommend making dinner reservations in advance, especially on show nights.

    a beet salad on a white plate sits on a dark wood table with silverware
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  5. 3. Map Out Your Trip

    Planning your route ahead of time will save you a lot of stress. Whether you’re driving, taking public transit, or catching a ride-share, be sure to account for traffic and any possible delays. For those who are driving, several parking options are conveniently located near our venues. View detailed directions and parking information.

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  7. 4. Review Our Accessibility Services

    If you or your fellow guests need accessibility services, take a moment to check out the variety of options we have available before the show. You can also contact us at 412-456-6666 directly for specific accommodations.

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  9. 5. Decide What to Wear & Bring

    Don’t overthink it—your outfit should be fun and comfortable. Whether you’re dressing to the nines or keeping it casual, what matters most is that you feel good.

    When getting ready, keep in mind our list of prohibited items, including oversized bags that exceed 16” x 16” x 8”.

    *Pro tip: Layers are your friend—our theaters can feel chilly to some.

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    Before the Doors

  11. 6. Get Your Tickets Ready

    For a smooth entry, load your tickets (if you selected mobile tickets) onto your phone before you arrive and have them pulled up and ready.

    a man in a black vest and white button down scans the tickets of two women outside the theater
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  13. 7. Be On Time

    We all know how stressful it can be to rush around finding parking before the show, so give yourself time. Doors to our venues usually open 30 minutes before the performance starts. Arriving early allows you plenty of time to find your seats and settle in. And please note, latecomers may have to wait until intermission to be seated, depending on the show’s policy.

    *Pro tip: If you’re dining before the show, let your server know your show time—they’ll help you stay on track.

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    In Your Seat

  15. 8. Soak in the Moment

    Treat yourself to a drink or snack before the show or snap a perfect play bill pic—it’s all part of the fun!

    *Pro tip: With Noble, you can pre-order your intermission drinks and snacks right from your phone at the Benedum Center and Byham Theater.

    a hand holds up a Moulin Rouge program book with the Benedum stage in the background
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  17. 9. Turn Off Your Phone

    There’s just one thing left to do—silence your cell. Live theater is best enjoyed without distractions. Your fellow attendees and the artists will appreciate your mindfulness. Feel free to share your experience on social media before the show, during intermission, or after the final curtain call.

 

Now that you’re all set, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Once the curtain has fallen, start planning your next Cultural District event. Explore our full lineup of events and performances happening all year long.