Here are some of our most frequently asked questions along with our insider tips!

Buying Tickets

  • Where should I sit? How do I get the best seats?

    Everyone has a different opinion on what’s considered ‘the best’ seat, based on needs and preferences.  It also depends on the performance. However, we’re proud that every seat in the Port Theatre has great sightlines and excellent acoustics. If you have accessibility needs, please call our Ticket Centre for assistance. 
    TIP:  Call our Ticket Centre 250-754-8550 to get their advice. Or take a look at our seating chart.

  • How do I get a refund?

    There are no refunds or ticket exchanges. All sales are final. 
    Our team is happy to discuss unique circumstances and provide suggestions tailored to your needs.
    TIP:  Call our Ticket Centre 250-754-8550 for further info  

  • How far is the back of the main floor from the stage?

    It’s approximately 65’ from the front of the stage to the back wall on the main floor. The balcony overhangs the main floor at approximately row R or row S.

  • How do I get my tickets?

    We now offer e-tickets which you can print off or show at the door on your phone. Alternatively, you can pick up your tickets at the Ticket Centre or have them mailed to you.

  • When do I pick up my tickets?

    You can pick them up any time after you order them. If you wait until the show day, we suggest arriving at the Ticket Centre 15 minutes before the show time.

  • How do I get discounts on shows?

    TIP #1:  Become a member! Find out about our yearly membership to receive discounts on all Spotlight and Discovery shows as well as early purchase privileges on many of the touring acts.
    TIP #2:  Join our free email list. You’ll find out about special promotions throughout the year. Sign up on our Contact page.
    TIP #3:  We often have student/youth prices. Ask the Ticket Centre or look at the event page before buying your ticket!

Planning Ahead

  • What type of Accessibility & Special Accommodations are available?

    We’re committed to increasing access to live theatre for all audience members. If you have a specific request that will make your theatre experience more comfortable, please contact our Ticket Centre before purchasing your ticket. CALL 250-754-8550 or email tickets@porttheatre.com. Services available for patrons include: 

    • Hearing assistance devices 
    • Bariatric chairs 
    • Complimentary in-house wheelchairs 
    • One elevator 
    • Over 28 wheelchair / accessible seating options 
  • How can I get help with my seating?

    Assistance with seating (please arrive 30 minutes prior to start time and our Front Of House staff will be happy to assist you).

  • Can I bring my service dog/animal?

    Service dogs are welcome; however, due to potential severe allergic reactions of employees and other patrons, service dogs must be positioned in accessible areas of the theatre. Please contact the Ticket Centre to arrange your seating options.

  • How can I get my unique needs accommodated?

    Our team is happy to discuss additional requests and provide suggestions tailored to you. 
    Reminder: To access any of these services, please contact the Ticket Centre before purchasing your ticket.

  • What if I have difficulty with stairs?

    The Port Theatre does have an elevator.  If purchasing tickets online,  indicates self-serve accessible seating.  There are also a few accessible locations reserved on the main floor that can be booked in pairs by calling the Ticket Centre.   We do recommend calling the Ticket Centre 250-754-8550 before purchasing a ticket to discuss the best options available as many seats require some stairs. If you’ve already bought a ticket, you may still call the Ticket Centre or speak with Front of House staff. We want everyone to be as comfortable as possible.

  • How long is the show? When will the show end?

    Shows vary in length, but typically a show is approximately 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission, although there is a trend in some genres towards an 80-90 minute immersive performance with no break. Most Port Theatre shows have a 7:30pm start time. Please contact the Ticket Centre to confirm specific details.

  • How many shows are there each year?

    We host over 250 events a year. From symphony and dance to rock, pop and comedy—that’s a lot of variety! Approximately 60% of our activities are local community events.

  • What's a Spotlight show?

    The Port Theatre presents 16-20 shows each year as part of our nationally acclaimed Spotlight Series. We bring some of the most unique and exciting touring artists available to Nanaimo, every one of them showcasing artistic excellence and innovation. At the heart of the Spotlight Series is a passion to create access to diverse and authentic experiences for our audiences. As a non-profit society, we receive funding in order to introduce the mid-island region to high-quality performances at an affordable price that otherwise would not be showcased here.

  • There are so many shows, how do I choose?

    There are indeed many shows, which is both exciting and sometimes overwhelming. The good news is that each year, there are many opportunities to enjoy a variety of performances. Some people know exactly what they like and choose their known favourites. 
    TIP: We recommend stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing at least one show each year that’s new and different to you.

  • What can I bring to the theatre? 

    Please check our Theatre Policies page for prohibited items. 

Parking

At the Theatre

  • Where are the washrooms?

    The Port Theatre strives to be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all. We offer accessible single-occupancy gender-neutral washroom options on all levels of the facility. We are in the process of creating signage to better reflect the Port Theatre’s inclusive values.

    When entering the lobby, washrooms are located on the right-hand side of the building on the first and second floors. In the Harmac Room on the 3rd floor there are 2 single washrooms located on either side.

  • Can I stand and dance at the concert?

    We want everyone to safely enjoy each performance, including those who wish to dance.  Dancing may be permitted for some shows at your seat - as long as you’re not in the aisles and you’re not disrupting patrons around you. If you have questions about the theatre’s House policies, please speak to the House Manager on duty.

  • Where can I go for help?

    Our friendly Audience Service Desk, located in the centre of the main lobby, is where you will find answers to many of your theatre questions and concerns. Along with selling of concessions, these Volunteers will assist you with a complimentary coat check, booster seats, hearing assistance devices and in-house wheelchairs.  Audience Services includes our First Aid Station with AED unit, and the Lost & Found department. A direct phone line to AC Taxi is also available for your use.

  • Can I bring my baby?

    Babes-in-arms are not permitted for certain performances. The Ticket Centre policy states: 

    Infants under the age of 24 months may sit on the lap of an accompanying adult during family events and certain community performances.  Please check with the Ticket Centre for any specific event restrictions or additional guidelines.

  • Can my child sit on my lap?

    Your child will need a ticket and their own seat. 
    TIP:  You can ask an usher for a complimentary booster seat.

  • Can I bring my bag?

    You can bring a bag if it is small enough to fit under your seat.  Large bags are discouraged.
    Bags may be searched by security prior to entry.
    Large items and umbrellas must be left at the Audience Services counter in the lobby. 

  • What's your 'no scent' policy?

    The Port Theatre strives to be a scent-free environment. In consideration for those with asthma, allergies and other chemical and fragrance sensitivities, we ask that patrons please refrain from using scented products before and while attending performances.

  • What if I have special needs?

    We are committed to increasing access to live theatre for all audiences. Services providing support for patrons include: hearing assistance devices, bariatric chairs, in-house wheelchairs and over 28 wheelchair accessible seating options. Patrons requiring the use of these services are asked to inform the Ticket Centre at the time of purchasing a ticket. If purchasing online this symbol indicates self-serve accessible seating.  There are a few accessible locations reserved on the main floor that can be booked in pairs by calling the Ticket Centre. We do recommend calling the Ticket Centre 250-754-8550 before purchasing a ticket to discuss the best options available as many seats require some stairs.

  • Do you offer hearing assistance devices?

    Yes, you can call the ticket Centre ahead of time to reserve a hearing device for your event. You can also request the device on show day directly with the Audience Services Desk Volunteer. They are easy to use and very comfortable. They use an FM band transmitter and supply quality audio in all seats. We ask that you leave some form of identification in exchange for the device (e.g., library card...).

Food & Beverages

  • What do you sell at the concession?

    We have an audience services counter where we offer organic coffee and tea, hot chocolate, ice cream, candies, granola bars, chocolate bars, and assorted soft drinks. Our Lobby licensed bars offer quality V.Q.A. British Columbia Wines, along with international feature wines; domestic and imported beer; coolers and ciders. We also offer soft drinks, re-usable water bottles and assorted confectionaries.

    TIP #1:  We have free triple filtered water for your use at each Lobby water station. 
    TIP #2:  You can pre-order your drink before the show and it’ll be ready for you at intermission.

  • Does the Port Theatre Serve Alcohol?

    Before the show, enjoy our highly popular Pre-Order Service so that your drink is ready for you at the beginning of intermission. We feature international and VQA wines available by the glass and a selection of domestic and imported beers and ciders.  Please note alcohol is available for most performances.  Alcohol sales may be halted at the discretion of the promoter or the venue based on the unique needs of the event.

  • Can I take my drink into the theatre?

    We only allow bottled water in the auditorium. Alcohol is not permitted.

  • Do I need cash for merchandise (CDs, T-shirts, etc.)?

    At many of the commercial shows, performers will sell merchandise in the Lobby. Their sellers usually accept debit and credit cards, along with cash. If the sellers only accept cash, the theatre has a convenient ATM in the Lobby.

Volunteering

  • How can I volunteer at the Port Theatre?

    The Port Theatre welcomes volunteering inquiries. Please refer to our website for a Volunteer Application or come down to the Administrative Office to pick up a paper application. The Port Theatre conducts two orientations each year, drawing applicants from the wait list. More Information.