Seating of the Orpheum as viewed from the stage
General Patron Information
Seating Maps: Queen Elizabeth Theatre | Vancouver Playhouse | Orpheum
General Patron Information: Seating Policies | Courtesies | Washrooms | Problems? | Services
On-Site Food & Beverages | Around the Lobbies | Photography and Recording Performances | Smoking
Tickets | Lost and Found | Contact Us
Seating Policies
Latecomers
Latecomers will be seated by ushers at a convenient break in the performance as established by the presenter. Out of consideration for those who have arrived on time, late patrons may be seated at the back of the Mezzanine or Balcony until the first intermission when they can move to their ticketed seats.
For some performances, seating will not be possible until intermission. While awaiting admission to the auditorium, you may follow the action on stage on the video monitors located in the lobbies.
Children
Please note that as of January 1, 2012, Vancouver Civic Theatres requires that all audience members, including children, must have a ticket. There are no exemptions to this policy regardless of the child’s age.
If you bring young children to a performance, please be respectful of other patrons by encouraging them to observe proper theatre etiquette such as sitting still and not talking during the performance. If children become restless during the performance, you may be asked to take them into the lobby.
Courtesies
As a courtesy to your fellow patrons, please:
- Avoid the use of perfumes, aftershaves or strong deodorants
- Leave wheelchair accessible washrooms for the use of those who need them
- Avoid removing candy wrappers during the show
- Wait until after the performance to talk to your neighbour
- Turn off cell phones, beepers and watch alarms before the performance or leave them at Coat Check
Washrooms
- At the QET, there are wheelchair accessible washrooms on the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels.
- At the Orpheum, there are wheelchair accessible washrooms on the Orchestra and 3rd Floor levels.
- At the Playhouse, there are wheelchair accessible washrooms on the Orchestra level.
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What If I Have a Problem?
If you encounter difficulties of any kind or experience discomfort during a performance, please ask for assistance immediately from a uniformed staff member. We will do our best to address the situation so you can enjoy the rest of the show.
Services
Wheelchairs
The theatres are wheelchair accessible with designated seating and accessible washrooms.
- In the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, there is wheelchair seating on both the Orchestra and Mezzanine Levels with special ‘Companion Seats’ which provide wheelchair spaces adjacent to regular theatre seats.
- In the Orpheum, there is wheelchair seating on both the Orchestra and Dress Circle Levels.
- In the Vancouver Playhouse, there is wheelchair seating on the Orchestra level.
Elevators
- At the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, an elevator next to the main entrance operates between the Main Lobby, the Mezzanine Level and the Upper Balcony.
- At the Orpheum, enter through the Smithe Street entrance and staff will direct you to the elevator.
- At the Vancouver Playhouse, an elevator in the main lobby operates between the Main Lobby and the Balcony.
Hearing Assist Equipment
Complimentary receivers for the Sennheiser Infrared Transmission System are available at no charge at the Lobby Coat Check. Quantities are limited. A valid driver’s licence or credit card is required.
Binoculars
Binoculars may be rented at the Main Lobby Coat Check.
Pager/Beeper Check
Patrons ‘on call’ may leave their beeper and their seating location at the coat check. If necessary, a staff member will alert you during an appropriate break in the performance.
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On-Site Food & Beverages
Theatre Concessions
The theatres are proud to offer a tempting array of special coffees, alcoholic beverages, cold drinks and candies for your enjoyment. Come early for a coffee and have time to leisurely browse through the evening’s program.
Intermission Beverage Pre-Order Service
Avoid the line-up and sip with leisure. Place your order at the bar before the show and your beverage will be waiting for you at intermission.
Around the Lobbies
Display Racks
All three theatres have brochure racks that offer copies of the latest Playboard Magazine as well as brochures and flyers on upcoming events at our venues.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre Art Gallery
Curated by Emily Carr University, the gallery features work by new or emerging artists. Exhibits change bi-monthly.
BC Entertainment Hall of Fame
The Orpheum is home to the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame
. The Starwall Gallery on the 2nd floor off the Granville Street staircase features members of the Hall of Fame. Outside the Orpheum is Starwalk, a parade of plaques installed in the sidewalk along Granville Street to honour these artists.
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Photography and Recording Performances
Taking photographs in the theatre and recording performances are both prohibited by Vancouver Civic Theatres unless authorized by the promoter/producer. Cameras and recording devices may be confiscated by theatre staff for the duration of the show.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited at all Vancouver Civic Theatres.
Tickets
Admission
Everyone who wishes to attend an event at any of the theatres requires a valid ticket, including children over the age of 12 months and attendants/companions of persons with disabilities.
Refunds or Exchanges
Please note, Vancouver Civic Theatres does not handle ticketing for any of the events presented in the theatres. For enquiries, exchanges or refund requests, contact the ticket representative where you purchased your tickets. In the event of a cancellation or unique situation, such as a snow storm, refunds are at the discretion of the presenter. The decision as to which are the “best”, VIP or premium seats is at the discretion of the promoter of each event as are the ticket prices.
Lost or Stolen Tickets
You should report lost or stolen tickets immediately to the agent where you bought them. If you charged them to a credit card, they will normally provide you with replacement tickets before the performance upon presentation of valid ID. Even at the last minute, ticket sales agents at the theatre can help you.
Lost and Found
For inquiries regarding lost items at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the Vancouver Playhouse, please call 604.665.2193. For the Lost and Found at the Orpheum, please call 604.665.3035.
Contact Us
For general inquiries or comments, please send an email to vctinfo@vancouver.ca.
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