Frequently Asked Questions: Patron Services

We hope you find the answer to your question here. If not, please feel free to call us during regular business hours at 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage). Please click a question below to display the answer.

Ticketing FAQ | Patron Services FAQ | General Info FAQ

1. What is “patron services"?

“Patron services” is a term the Center uses for information, programs, and special assistance we provide to patrons of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. View the Center’s patron services page for more information.

2. Do ACPA theatres have elevators?

ACPA has elevators to all levels of all theatres.
For the Atwood Concert Hall, the elevator is located in the Lorene Harrison Lobby, which faces Town Square Park (at F Street between 5th and 6th Avenues).
For the Discovery Theatre and Sydney Laurence Theatre, the elevators are located in the Carr-Gottstein Lobby, which faces 6th Avenue between F and G Streets. Each theatre has its own elevator that is clearly marked at street level.
For the Voth Hall, use the Discovery Theatre elevator described above.

3. I am coming to a performance at the Center and need some assistance. What should I do?

Once you purchase your tickets, call Julie Millington at 907-263-2902 or email her at jmillington@alaskapac.org to let her know when you are coming to the Center and what kind of assistance you’ll need.

a. I already purchased my tickets but now I need a seat on the aisle or a wheelchair-accessible seat. What should I do?

CenterTix is happy to exchange seats to an more accessible seat or a wheelchair-accessible seat as long as such seats are available. Click HERE to find out how to exchange tickets.

b. Does ACPA provide wheelchairs for patron use?

Yes, ACPA has a limited number of non-motorized wheelchairs available for patron use while in the building; these chairs cannot be taken past the curb of ACPA. To arrange to have a wheelchair waiting for you, please contact Julie Millington.

c. What is ACPA's policy on Service Animals?

Service dogs are welcome. They must be certified.

f. Are patrons with disabilities often encouraged to come early - at house open (1/2 hour) or are other accommodations available? If patrons attend the pre-concert lecture will they have to leave then re-enter the venue?

Patrons may have to leave for last minute technical reasons. Front of house does not control this issue. We wait until the Stage Manager turns the theatre to the House Manager. Sometimes we have to move the lecture to the lobby at the last minute.

e. Why does CenterTix suggest people with mobility disabilities to come early to accommodate parking, but requiring them to wait until the house opens to seat them?

A Person with Disabilities (PWD) can wait in the lobby as all patrons must do. It is critical that house does not open until Stage Manager releases it to House Manager.

g. What happens to Patron's mobility devices if these items cannot go into the theatre?

If items such as crutches or folding walkers can fit safely in an area close by, otherwise to the lobby. Strollers are kept in the lobby too.

4. What is the best seating for those with specific disabilities (i.e., blind, deaf, wheelchair)?

There is no "Best Seating" for these classified challenges. All concerns should be communicated as tickets are purchased so that appropriate seats can be selected. Patrons may also find appropriate seats online through CenterTix.net. For instance, shows with reserved seats have links which show the availability of wheelchair accessible seats in the various sections of the theatre. For ASL interpreted performances, the right side of the theatre is the best. Some seats are held in this area for ticket staff to sell seats with a view of the interpreter. Some patrons need to navigate as few stairs as possible. Some patrons may not be comfortable with considerable heights. ACPA staff will make every effort to fulfill all special requests.

5. How do I purchase a wheelchair-accessible seat?

In each of ACPA’s theatre spaces both accessible and wheelchair-accessible seats are available on all levels and in all price categories. Accessible seats are available to patrons whose needs require access without having to travel stairs, entrances requiring limited number of steps to seats, and for patrons using a wheelchair that are able to transfer into theatre seats. Wheelchair-accessible seats are available to patrons who will remain in their wheelchair for the event. These seats are available online at www.centertix.net, over the phone at 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage) or in person at the CenterTix box office.

When you purchase tickets over the phone or at the box office, please inform the sales associate of your needs. When you purchase tickets through www.centertix.net, select the performance you wish to see and then use the links in the information area at the top of the page or click on the text links in the picture of the theatre seating map. You will know you are in an wheelchair-accessible section because the section will end in “WC” (e.g. 700WC).

If the event is General Admission (i.e. no assigned seats), you may purchase any seat, but if you are attending an event in the Center and need a wheelchair-accessible seat, you should call Julie Millington at 907-263-2902 or email her at jmillington@alaskapac.org. Ticket holders for general admission non-Center events should contact the venue for information and/or assistance.

a. If all seats designated as wheelchair accessible are already sold, how can a patron in a wheelchair be accommodated?

Please contact ticket staff to help select an alternate seat that may serve. Some aisle seats have no stairs interfering with access. If a patron escort can transfer their patron friend into a permanent seat and be responsible for them, this may be a viable option.

b. What happens to the wheelchair if a patron transfers to a permanent seat?

The patron's wheelchair is moved by an usher to a lobby space as close as possible, out of the way of safety evacuation routes.

c. Who can help me get an ACPA provided wheelchair for use in the building?

When a show is about to begin, the House Manager can arrange a wheelchair for a patron. Please inquire at the box office or with any usher for assistance locating the House Manager. If arranged in advance, please contact patron services at 263-2902 or jmillington@alaskapac.org.

6. Is there a wheelchair-accessible entrance to the theatres?

The Pace Door is a wheelchair-accessible entrance to the Atwood Concert Hall. This door leads right in to the front of the Orchestra section of the theatre.
The theatres in the Carr-Gottstein Lobby are accessible via the elevators to these specific theatres.

a. What is the Pace Door?

The Pace Door is a separate entrance to the Center on 5th Avenue between F and G Streets that allows patrons with disabilities to access the orchestra level of the Atwood Concert Hall without navigating stairs. Only the front row of section 700 and the aisle between sections 500 and 700 are accessible through this door. The Pace Door is only open to the public immediately prior to an event in the Atwood Concert Hall. We recommend that you wait in the Lorene Harrison Lobby until the house is officially opened by the presenter which usually occurs 30 minutes prior to curtain. An announcement will be made in the lobby once the house is open for seating. The Pace Door does not allow access to restroom facilities or concessions.

b. Is there an usher standing outside the Pace door or do you knock or what?

An usher is stationed just inside the Pace Door immediately prior to and during Atwood Concert Hall events.

7. How do I find out if a performance is sign interpreted for the hearing impaired and where should I sit to see the interpreter?

Check the event and performance descriptions at www.centertix.net to see whether a performance is sign interpreted. You may also contact Julie Millington by calling 907-263-2902 (TDD 907-263-2903) or emailing her at jmillington@alaskapac.org. Or, you can call CenterTix at 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage) or 907-263-2717 TDD. You should buy your tickets over the phone or at the CenterTix box office to ensure you purchase seats in the appropriate section. In the Atwood Concert Hall, the interpreter is usually positioned in front of row E in section 700 (orchestra). In the Discovery Theatre, the interpreter is usually positioned in front of row E in section 500. In the Sydney Laurence Theatre, the interpreter is usually positioned in front of row A in section 300.

a. Who decides what shows will be interpreted for the hearing impaired?

Although several organizations that present events in ACPA arrange for ASL interpreters on a regular basis, additional shows may be interpreted if the promoter or presenter receives a request within approximately three (3) weeks.

b. Do you have assistive listening devices?

Yes, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts provides assistive listening devices for performances in the Atwood Concert Hall, Discovery Theatre and Sydney Laurence Theatre. Simply go to the box office window before entering the theatre. Your drivers license or a credit card will be held as collateral. After the performance, the house manager will be waiting for you in front of the box office with your license or credit card.
For performances outside the Center, please contact the venue directly to determine what assistance they can provide.