Ticket & Theater Guidelines

Playhouse Square is dedicated to the security and enjoyment of our guests at every event. Please remember to be a good neighbor to those seated around you.

Arriving Late

Each individual show’s producer or artist determines the seating guidelines for late arriving guests. In some instances, if you arrive after the show begins, you may be asked to wait until there is a natural break in the act before going to your seat.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not permitted in Playhouse Square theaters. Please leave them in your car or at home.

  • Backpacks and other large bags (diaper bags are permitted but may be inspected upon entry)
  • Cameras
  • Audio and/or video recorders of any kind
  • Outside food and beverage 
  • Laser pointers
  • Whistles
  • In accordance with Ohio’s “concealed carry” law and the right for private entities to ban handguns on their premises, firearms and other weapons of any kind are strictly forbidden at Playhouse Square. Only on-duty law enforcement officials are permitted to possess or carry a firearm on the premises.

Photography

We encourage you to take photos outside and in our lobbies.

Most performances forbid the taking of photos and/or videos inside the theater once the show begins. Anyone found to be recording or photographing a performance without permission may be ejected without refund.

Mobile Devices

It can wait! Enjoy the performance you've been anticipating. Sounds and lights from mobile phones, tablets and smart watches are distracting to the performers and guests seated around you. Make sure you silence and put away your devices before the performance begins. Guests using mobile devices during a performance may be ejected without refund.

Content Advisory/Child Policy

Playhouse Square prides itself on offering a diverse selection of arts entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

We encourage parents to use their discretion when deciding if a show is appropriate for their child.

In general, and regardless of age, all children must have a ticket and be seated with an adult.

Children under one year of age may sit on a lap, but will still require a ticket for admission.

Weather Policy

Performances are not canceled and refunds are not provided due to weather conditions. 

Smoking/Vaping

Smoking, including electronic smoking or "vaping," is not permitted indoors at Playhouse Square.

Is There a Dress Code?

There is no dress code! Wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Playhouse Square is your performing arts center and we want you to feel most welcome, regardless of wardrobe.

The type of performance can sometimes be the best indicator of what is most often worn by others. For example, the audiences might be dressier for a live theater event than they might be for a pop/rock concert, comedy or family show. 

Proper footwear may be a consideration, as most of our historic theaters do not have elevator, and you may need to access your seats via stairs.

Fraudulent Tickets

Playhouse Square is not able to verify the authenticity of tickets purchased through third parties. Learn more about how to protect yourself from purchasing fraudulent tickets. 

Ticket Refunds

If a performance is canceled, guests can choose to receive credit on their Playhouse Square account, to donate the value of tickets back to Playhouse Square's not-for-profit mission or to receive a refund. Guests who purchase tickets from a third party will need to contact that third party for a refund. Unless Playhouse Square links to a third party from our official website (playhousesquare.org), purchasing tickets from third parties is not recommended.

If a performance is rescheduled, tickets for that performance will be honored on the new date.