Why do you ask season ticket holders to renew in March or April?
With over 60,000 season ticket holders, renewing everyone at the Taper and Ahmanson is a major task - completed before we seat any new patrons. We review each season ticket order, improve seats when possible, then double check your tickets before mailing them in August.
How are my season tickets prioritized for seating assignment or improvements?
As your renewal or new season ticket order comes into our office, it is prioritized first by the date we receive your invoice and full payment, and second according to the number of years you have been a season ticket holder. We also take into account if a patron is a member of the Inner Circle (annual donations of $5,000 or more). New season ticket holders are seated after renewing season ticket holders but always in seats we’ve reserved before single tickets go on sale to the general public. The most popular performances are the low-priced previews, as well as the weekend matinees and Saturday nights.
Inside Tip
Over 80% of our season ticket holders renew their orders and most keep their same seats, especially those close to the center and front of each seating section where renewal is close to 98%. Next season, if you prefer to sit closer to the front, we may find better seating a few rows closer to the stage, but more toward the side. If you prefer to sit toward the center, we may find center seating a bit further back. Please indicate your preference on the renewal invoice we'll send you next spring. If we are unable to make the improvement you desire we will preserve your current seating.
Why are different people often in the seats next to my season ticket seats?
The season ticket holders who normally sit next to or in front of you may have exchanged their tickets for another performance, donated them back to Center Theatre Group, or given them to a lucky friend.
Why are seats added at the front of the theatre for some productions?
In the Ahmanson, seats are added over the orchestra pit or in the front aisles for large musicals. Seats are sometimes added at the front of the Taper to fill space not used by the production and to bring the audience closer to the action.
Why don't I get my same season ticket locations when I exchange my tickets for a different performance?
Someone else subscribes to your seats on a different night. We always exchange your tickets for the best available seats, but we cannot guarantee similar seats.
Why can't I change my address over the phone?
The personal information about your season tickets are important and for your protection we prefer to have those changes submitted in writing.
Why are productions replaced during the season?
Seasons are announced with productions planned up to fifteen months into the future. Many different reasons create a replacement. Sometimes a new play needs more time for the director and author to make it just right. An unforeseen event may delay a production. CTG also works with a number of Broadway producers and occasionally the extraordinary financing associated with large productions is withdrawn.
What is the difference between Center Orchestra and Front Orchestra Seats?
Center Orchestra seats include all centermost seats in rows A - N. Front Orchestra seats include all Orchestra seats from row AA - Q. Center and Front Orchestra seats are always excluded from any discount offer (including Passport Memberships).
Is there seating that can accommodate a very large patron at the Taper? At the Ahmanson?
Yes. At the Taper armless chairs can be used in some seat locations in row EE. At the Ahmanson, armless chairs can be placed in the box seats.
What side of the Ahmanson theatre is the Men’s room on? What side of the theatre is the Women’s room on?
On the Orchestra level there are restrooms for both sexes on both sides. For the Mezzanine and Front Balcony levels, the men’s room is on the right side if you’re facing the stage and the women’s room is on the left side if you’re facing the stage. The Rear Balcony (or 3rd floor) the restrooms for both sexes are on the right side if you’re facing the stage.
What is the Center Theatre Group mailing address?
601 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
What’s the address of our Theatres?
135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 for the Taper & Ahmanson Theatres. 9820 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232 for the Kirk Douglas Theatre.
Why is it different from the address of our Theatres?
The Music Center also has a Box Office and an Audience Services Department as well. To make sure Center Theatre Group and the Music Center organization’s mail don’t get mixed up we now have a different mailing address.
What’s our e-mail address?
Who does the patron contact if they’d like to be met with a wheelchair?
213.972.0777 or in-house extension is 7777.
Where can I find the Project DATE dates?
Located on the website along the left side of the show information.
Do we have discussions at the Taper every Tuesday?
No. Stage Talks occur after the show on Tuesdays in week 4 and 6 only. There is also a pre-show discussion for the Saturday Matinee Preview.
When are Target Family Performances and what are they?
Target Family Performances are an opportunity for families to experience the
thrill of live theatre. Families can choose from kid-friendly productions and
attend special post-show events at no additional cost. Target Family
Performance ticket prices begin at $20. Please call (213) 972-2772 for
information about the next Target Family Performance.
How does a patron get an assistive listening device?
Can they be reserved in advance? Theatres do not reserve devices in advance, as it is on a first-come, first-served basis. As of May, 2003, our theatres upgraded to the Phonic Ear system which is a high band frequency and not an infra-red system found in some “T.V. Ears”. You will need to leave a CA Driver’s License or CA I.D. as a deposit when using the device.
What if a patron lost something at our theatres?
All items found in the theatre are turned into Music Center Security immediately following a performance. After that time, please call the Lost and Found Clerk at 213-972-7676. Hours are Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm.
Is there a coat check room at the Taper or Ahmanson?
There is at the Ahmanson on the Orchestra level. Opposite of the elevator on the right hand side (if you are facing the stage.) There is no coat check at the Taper.
How much is binocular rental at the Ahmanson?
Binocular rental is $5.00 as well as a CA Driver’s License left as a deposit.
Who can I call for information about Youth programs?
Performing for Los Angeles Youth at 213.972.0720.
What is Gold Star Events?
It is a membership website, not affiliated with Center Theatre Group, where special offers (normally discounted tickets) can be purchased. Patrons buy a voucher and they do not get a ticket until they come to the Box Office.
What is L.A. Stage Alliance (Theatre L.A.)?
This is a service organization for LA area theatres (of which CTG is a member). Through their website, Webtix, discounted ticket vouchers can be purchased for available performances. Patrons get their tickets at the Box Office. They are given tickets shortly before curtain.
What is the height clearance of the Parking Garage?
6 feet 6 inches.
When does Valet Parking open?
12PM if there are matinees and 5:30PM if the show begins at 8PM
What is the difference between the Music Center and Center Theatre Group?
Center Theatre Group is a resident company of the Music Center that produces work at the Mark Taper Forum, Ahmanson Theatre and the Kirk Douglas Theatre. The Music Center is the entire complex including the Taper, Ahmanson, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The other resident companies of the Music Center include the LA Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera and the Master Chorale. The Music Center occasionally produces events at the Ahmanson Theatre (such as Alvin Ailey, Complexions and American Ballet Theatre).
What’s the number to Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles Philharmonic)?
323.850.2000.
Photo Credit
Debra Monk, Michael McCormick, and Karen Ziemba in "Curtains."
Photo by Craig Schwartz.
Inset photos, top to bottom
Firdous Bamji and Maggie Gyllenhaal in "Homebody/Kabul."Photo by Craig Schwartz.
Ellen McLaughlin in "Angels in America." Photo by Jay Thompson.
Michele Simmons (center) and company in "Mass."
James Earl Jones in "Othello."
