accessibility services | customer service survey | frequently asked questions

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.

General Informaiton

1. Where is the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts?

ACPA occupies the entire block between 5th and 6th Avenues and F and G Streets in downtown Anchorage. ACPA has two separate lobbies. The Lorene Harrison Lobby services the Atwood Concert Hall and is located on the F Street side of the building facing Town Square Park with entrances on 5th and 6th Avenues. The Carr-Gottstein Lobby services the Discovery Theatre, the Sydney Laurence Theatre, and the Voth Hall and is located on 6th Avenue across from Humpy's Restaurant.

2. How can I be contacted in case of an emergency?

For Emergency Calls during performances, dial 263-2916. Please leave the following information in order to be contacted in the facility: the event, theatre, seat number, and name.

3. If I arrive late for the performance, will I still be able to get into the theatre?

It depends. Late seating is determined on an event-by-event basis by the presenter of the event. When the presenter permits late seating, the stage manager will signal the house manager that it is OK to let people into the theater. When the presenter prohibits late seating, ushers will not allow entry into the theatre until intermission (if there is an intermission). These late seating policies also apply to Center patrons who leave the theatre for any reason during the performance. A television monitor is positioned outside the Atwood Concert Hall, Discovery Theatre and Sydney Laurence Theatre so you can watch the performance in progress.

4. Where may I park?

Click HERE to view parking information. Please obey all posted signs.

5. What is The Center’s dress code?

Casual clothing is acceptable for all events. Although not required, patrons of the arts frequently dress up for opening nights and gala events.

6. Do you have a coat check?

The Center offers a coat check service from October 1 through May 1. Alternate venues should be contacted directly about their coat check facilities.

7. Are bags allowed in The Center?

Although bags are allowed on the premises of The Center, they are subject to search. At the discretion of the venue’s representatives, bags may be required to be checked during the performance and not allowed into the theater.

8. May I bring my camera or video camera to the show?

Cameras, video cameras and other recording devices are not allowed inside the performance spaces of The Center. Any photographic, video or recording devices discovered inside the theatres may be confiscated. Exceptions to this policy will be posted at CenterTix.net.

9. I want an audio recording of the performance. Can I bring my own recording device?

Audio recording is strictly prohibited in The Center. Any recording devices brought into the theatre may be confiscated. Please remember that copyright laws are federal laws and carry strict penalties when broken. Many artists provide their own merchandise including performance recordings for sale in the lobby of the venue.

10. May we bring food to the theater?

Generally, food that is purchased off site is not allowed inside the venue. Although The Center provides concessions for most events at The Center, food is not allowed in the seating area of the theatres.

11. How can I become an usher?

Please visit the Ushering in the Arts page for information about joining the volunteer usher corps.

12. How do I get in touch with your lost and found?

If you lost something in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, call The Center’s administrative office at 907-263-2900 during regular administrative hours (M-F, 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm). For alternate venues, contact the venue directly to inquire about their lost and found procedure.

13. Do you have a mailing list?

You can sign up to be on a mailing list by clicking on the Sign Up for CenterMail button on the left or the "Join" link at the bottom of all webpages. The form asks you to provide mailing and email addresses, and to indicate your general interests in the performing arts. We then send notification of performing arts interests that coincide with your preferences.

Ticketing Information

1. Where is The Center's box office?

During regular business hours and during performances in the Discovery Theatre, Sydney Laurence Theatre or Elvera Voth Hall, CenterTix opens the box office in the Carr-Gottstein Lobby which faces 6th Avenue (next to Kaladi Brothers). Just look for the doors on the south side of the building with the big white CenterTix For performances in the Atwood Concert Hall, CenterTix opens the box office in the Lorene Harrison Lobby which faces Town Square Park. Entrances to this lobby are off both 5th and 6th Avenue at F Street. The Lorene Harrison Lobby box office opens 90 minutes before Atwood performances. a. Why can't I purchase my tickets at Carrs Tix? Carrs Tix is no longer in business. Carrs Quality Centers sold the operation of their ticket department to Tickets.com, a California-based company, several years ago. In order to bring ticketing back home to Anchorage, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. decided to open its own ticket service. Now, when you call CenterTix at 907-263-ARTS, you speak to someone who lives and works here in Anchorage. And with the launch of www.centertix.net, not only can you purchase your tickets online at any time of the day or night, you get to pick the seats you want, see a view of the stage from your section and even print your tickets at home!

2. I am having trouble with buying tickets online. What should I try?

We are always working to improve any issues that arise. Please see if the following is able to help you with your issues. Please let us know if you run across an issue not listed below and we will work to find a resolution. a. I cannot select my seats online. What should I try? CenterTix.net is best viewed with Internet Explorer version 5.x and above. MacIntosh’s Safari browser works in version OS 10.4 and above (lower OS versions may experience minor difficulties, particularly seat selection where clicked seats don’t appear to be selected until you advance to the next screen.) Other internet browsers such as Firefox, Mozilla and Netscape are not supported and may also experience some difficulties. b. I use Internet Explorer version 5.x and above, but I still have trouble navigating CenterTix.net. To take advantage of all the features of CenterTix.net, please be sure that Internet Explorer is configured to enable popup windows and to accept cookies.    If you use Internet Explorer 7.0, click here.    If you use Mozilla Firefox or an lesser version of Internet Explorer, click here.    If you use a MAC computer, click here. c. I am losing tickets in my shopping cart. What is happening? If problems occur when purchasing tickets or logging into CenterTix.net, then the cookie settings are set at too high of a level. In order to fix this, enable the cookies in the Internet browser.    If using Internet Explorer 7.0, click here.    If using Mozilla Firefox or an lesser version of Internet Explorer, click here.    If using a MAC computer, click here.

3. Why am I having problems processing my Credit Card?

a. When I click “Place Order” I am returned to the “Checkout” screen. Is the order complete? Complete orders end with an “Order Placed” screen that clearly states that “Your order is complete.” Several different situations could prevent an order from finishing. Please read the error message printed in red text at the top of the “Checkout” screen for specific information. If any one of the following messages appear, please do not attempt to finish the order again without updating your information. Address verification (street address) failed. The Billing Street Address must match the street address on your Credit Card Statement. Address Verification (Zip Code) failed. The Billing Adress Zip Code must match the Zip Code on your Credit Card Statement. Credit Card Declined. b. What security checks does CenterTix perform during checkout? For your security, shopping on CenterTix requires successful passage of several security checks. Among other things, these checks include: 1) Street Address, 2) Zip Code, 3) CVV2 Number and 4) Expiration Date. CenterTix cannot see any of this confidential information as it appears on your account with your lender. When you click “Place Order,” CenterTix encrypts the information provided during checkout and sends it to your lender who then replies whether this information matches the confidential information on file in your account. CenterTix will not complete an order if any information does not match. In the case of both successful and unsuccessful security matches, your lender holds sufficient funds from your account to complete the order. c. Is the security information case-sensitive? Credit card security checks are not case-sensitive (any combination of uppercase and lowercase letters can pass security checks). Please do not attempt to finish an order multiple times with changes only to the lettering case as each attempt will both fail and tie up funds. d. Why does your site require these security measures when other sites do not? CenterTix is very concerned about credit card fraud. Due to the time-sensitive nature of event ticketing, any attempt to identify fraudulent charges must be made as soon as possible. Fraudulent charges that are reversed after an event performs penalize either the facility that settled the event with the artist or the non-profit organization that presented the event. e. Why was my credit card charged multiple times for the same order? If an attempt to buy tickets fails for any reason, the funds associated with that attempt remain in a pending status on the account associated with the credit card. Pending transactions automatically clear from the account within several business days of the attempted charge. During that time, these funds are not available.  Only the funds associated with orders that were successfully completed actually post to the credit card account. You can check your successfully completed orders by logging onto My Account.

4. Are there any other charges or fees associated with ticket prices?

CenterTix has some of the lowest fees in the industry. Because our fees are the same whether you shop online, over the phone or at our box office, you can choose the best option for you. Service Charges: All single ticket sales made through CenterTix are subject to an eight-percent (8%) service charge (rounded up), with a maximum charge of $5.00 per ticket – whether at the Box Office Window, through the Call Center or online. This fee applies to all sales. Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) Fee: For every paid admission for the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts which is intended for use by an adult aged 19 to 61 years, the Municipality of Anchorage requires that CenterTix collects a $2.50 fee. Tickets for youth (ages 18 and younger) and Seniors (ages 62 and older) are exempt from this MOA Fee. Be sure to use the Apply Discount button online to adjust the ticket discount for each Youth and Senior attending an event in The Center. Priority Mailing Fee: Although most deliver options are free, you may choose to receive your tickets via USPS Priority Mail. This option adds a fee of $6.00 to your ticket purchase. USPS Priority Mail is not available for orders placed less than five (5) days before the show. Ticket Reprint Fee: In the event that tickets must be reprinted, the replacement tickets will only be released to the purchasing patron (or an approved third party) immediately prior to the event in question. Reprinted tickets will never be issued in advance. Each reprinted ticket is subject to a $1.00 fee at the box office window.

5. I didn’t receive my confirmation email (or my print@home tickets). What should I do?

Call CenterTix at 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage) or email us at CenterTix@alaskapac.org. Please have your order number ready if possible. We can double-check the email address provided during the purchase process and resend the confirmation. If you purchased your tickets online, you can also log into your account by clicking “My Account” at the top right corner of The CenterTix.net homepage. From there, you can download your tickets directly from the website. a. I received my confirmation email, but my tickets were supposed to arrive by email, too. Where are they? The confirmation email contains a link that reads, “click here to print your tickets.” Clicking that link will open an Adobe PDF file. Print this entire document (one page per ticket). Each ticket has a unique barcode in the center of the page. Please call us at 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage) if you cannot see the link or did not receive your confirmation email. b. I clicked the link to print my tickets but nothing happened. Adobe Reader may not be installed or it may not have the latest version of the software. Adobe Reader is free and you can download it at www.adobe.com (click on the “Get Adobe Reader” button on the left of your confirmation email). c. I printed my tickets at home. Where should I go when I get to the theatre? As long as what you printed has a barcode on it and you have one bar coded page per ticket, you can go right into the theater! An usher will scan the tickets at the door. (Please be sure to print all the pages in the order instead of the first page multiple times.)

6. What is Will Call?

Choose "Will Call" if you would like to pick up your tickets rather than having them delivered via mail or email. Will Call tickets may be picked up at The Center box office prior to the day of the show during regular business hours; or at the performance venue within 1 hour of curtain. If you choose the latter, please try to arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes prior to curtain to avoid waiting in long lines. Remember, an ID is required to pick up tickets. a. Why do I have to show my ID when I pick up tickets? We want to make sure that the person who purchased the tickets is the one who receives the tickets. Exceptions can be made by contacting CenterTix Management staff prior to the event at 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage). b. Someone else is picking up my Will Call tickets. What do I need to do so they won’t have any problems getting the tickets? We can leave Will Call tickets under an alternate name only at the request of the credit card holder.  Please either call 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage) and ask for the manager on duty, or email us in advance of the performance to make the change. c. My tickets are waiting for me at Will Call. How early should I arrive to claim my tickets? We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to the performance to claim tickets as there may be a long line of people waiting to purchase or pick up their tickets as well. You may also pick up your tickets before the day of the show at The Center box office during regular business hours. d. I purchased my tickets through CenterTix but the performance is in another venue. Where and when should I pick up my Will Call tickets? Usually, Will Call tickets will be available at the venue at least 60 minutes prior to curtain time. Exceptions will be posted on CenterTix.net. Before the performance date, tickets are available for pickup at The Center box office during regular business hours. Check www.centertix.net or call 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage) for more detailed information about any performance.

7. I can’t use my tickets. May I have a refund?

Refund Policy: All tickets sold through CenterTix are final. No Refunds will be allowed. If you are unable to use your tickets you may still have several options available to you: Donate the tickets back to the presenter – Tickets to events presented by most non-profit arts organizations (e.g., Anchorage Concert Association, Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, etc.) can be donated back to the presenting organization. To donate your tickets or to determine if an event’s presenter is a non-profit organization, come to CenterTix or call us at 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage). Ticket donations must be completed before the date and time printed on the tickets. CenterTix will forward the donation information to the presenting organization who will send you documentation regarding your tax-deductible gift. Resell the tickets – Alaska has no statutes banning the resale of tickets. Gift the tickets – Gifting the tickets to someone else will show your friends and family how much you care as well as put a smile on someone’s face. Exchange the tickets – CenterTix strives to make exchanges available to accommodate a variety of personal needs. Please call CenterTix at 907-263-ARTS (1-877-ARTS-TIX outside Anchorage) to determine if your tickets are eligible for exchange. In all cases, exchanges must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the event date and time printed on the tickets. Generally, tickets may be exchanged for different seats in the same performance or to a different performance of the same event (e.g. Friday’s Hamlet to Saturday’s Hamlet) provided seats are available. However, most promoters do not allow you to exchange from one event to a different event (e.g. Hamlet to Henry V). Only subscription tickets purchased directly from the Anchorage Concert Association or Anchorage Symphony Orchestra may be exchanged in this manner. Exchange fees and/or upgrade charges may apply. Complimentary tickets are not eligible for exchange. i. How do I exchange my tickets? If it has been determined that your tickets are eligible to be exchanged, bring them to The CenterTix box office during regular business hours. You may also exchange your tickets by fax. Simply download our fax exchange form (free Adobe Reader required) or call CenterTix during regular business hours and ask us to fax you an exchange form. Please read the form carefully then follow the instructions for sending the fax. While you may indicate a seating preference on the form, we cannot guarantee the seats you request will be available when we process the exchange. We will contact you if the show has sold out or if seats in your price level are unavailable. Fax Exchange Form ii. What do you charge for exchanges? Single ticket buyers must pay $3.00 per ticket for an exchange. Subscribers only have to pay $1.00 per ticket for an exchange. Upgrade charges will apply if the total value of the new tickets is greater than the total value of the original tickets.

8. What is a single ticket?

A single ticket is a ticket purchased for a single performance or event.

9. What is a subscription ticket?

A subscription ticket is part of a package of tickets purchased simultaneously as a special promotion. A subscription package usually consists of tickets to three or more shows presented by the same organization (e.g. the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra). Usually these tickets are sold at a discount and come with additional subscriber benefits. Not all promoters offer subscription tickets.

10. I have a youth ticket but an adult is going to use it instead. Is this OK?

Please bring the ticket to the box office so we may exchange the ticket to reflect the adult price and include the Municipality of Anchorage fee. The MOA requires that all adults pay this fee. The difference in the total price of the ticket will also be collected at the time of the exchange.

11. My tickets were lost or stolen. What should I do?

CenterTix will happily reprint tickets and hold them at Will Call -- there is a $1.00 per ticket fee for this service. Please contact us by email or telephone with as much of the following information possible: order number place of purchase name of the purchaser payment information (e.g. credit card number, payment total, etc.) event purchased including day, date and time number of tickets purchased approximate seat location purchased Once we find a matching transaction in our database, the lost tickets will be reprinted and placed in will call for you.

12. Why do babies need tickets?

For most events, babies need tickets to enter the theatre. Parents may hold children younger than two (2) years on their laps. Exceptions are determined on a show-by-show basis by the event’s promoter. The Center strongly recommends that children six (6) and younger not be brought to The Center except for family events specifically described as such by the event’s promoter. When young children come to an event at the theatre, the accompanying adult is responsible for making sure the youngster does not disturb the patrons seated nearby. Contact alternate venues to inquire about their policy regarding admitting babies and young children.

Accessiblity Information

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, Sydney Laurence Theatre and Voth Hall, 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.

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.