What are the Box Office Hours?
Box Office hours are:
Monday through Saturday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
and 4 hours before every performance
Closed on Statutory Holidays
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How do I purchase tickets?
You can purchase tickets using the following methods:
Online: tickets.chemainustheatrefestival.ca
By phone: 1-800-565-7738 or 250-246-9820
In person at our Box Office: 9737 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus BC
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Is there a dress code?
You are welcome to come as you are. We do not have a dress code but when asked, we suggest Business Casual.
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What if I buy tickets but can't go?
All tickets are non-refundable, however you may exchange your tickets for another date within the same production provided 48 hours notice is given. One complimentary exchange per production is granted. A $5 exchange fee applies for any subsequent exchanges. Exchanges within 48 hours of a performance may be possible. Additional exchange fees may apply.
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When should I arrive?
We like to see you at the theatre at least 30 minutes before the performance, or if you are booked in the Playbill Dining Room, a few minutes before the start of your seating time. We will make every effort to seat you as quickly as possible during your selected seating.
You are more than welcome to arrive earlier and enjoy a pre-show drink at our concession in the lobby, browse the art collection and gifts in The Gallery Gift Shop, or check out the famous murals and many shops around the boutique village of Chemainus.
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Do you have wheelchair access?
The Chemainus Theatre Festival is fully wheelchair accessible. As space within the theatre is limited, we ask you to book wheelchair seating in advance. Please let us know if you have an attendance with whom you wish to sit.
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Where do I find parking?
The theatre has a dedicated parking lot for patrons directly behind the building. It often fills up so we suggest the free street parking in Chemainus.
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How do I pick up my tickets?
Your tickets will be held at the Box Office under the name of the person that booked the tickets. You can also request to have them mailed to you for a fee of $2.00.
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Do you offer discounts on tickets?
We offer a variety of discounts every season, as listed below:
- Children ages 4 - 12 are half price for our Mainstage productions.
- Students (with valid ID) are $22. A special student rate is offered on Wednesday evenings and Sunday matinees for $12.00.
- Season Tickets are a great way to save, with up to 20% in savings.
- Season ticket holders may purchase additional tickets throughout the season with a 15% discount.
- Various promotions are offered throughout the season. Join our e-Newsletter to receive notification of these right away, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
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What is the CIF fee?
It is common practice for professional theatres to have a Capital Improvement Fee or CIF charged on each individual ticket. The CIF helps the Chemainus Theatre Festival sustain the upkeep of our theatre building and maintain services we are able to provide to our patrons.
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What are your Getaway Packages?
We offer luxurious theatre getaway packages that include a pre-show buffet in the Playbill Dining Room, a theatre performance, accommodations at the Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn or one of our charming Bed & Breakfasts, and a delicious breakfast in the morning.
There is lots to do in the beautiful seaside town of Chemainus! Take a tour of the world famous murals, browse through dozens of artisan's shops, studios and antique stores. Enjoy the natural splendor of the Cowichan Region - and relax into 'Island Time'.
Click here or call the Box Office for more information.
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Do you have group rates?
Special group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. The Chemainus Theatre provides the ideal opportunity for your group to get together for something entertaining and different. You can customize your booking to include dinner or lunch in the Playbill Dining Room, or make it a memorable Getaway Package.
Contact our Group Sales Office if you have any questions or require further information about your next group function at 1-877-247-4161 or .
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Do you sell Gift Certificates?
Chemainus Theatre Gift Certificates can be purchased in any denomination and have no expiry date. They are available online or by calling our Box Office. Gift Certificates make a great gift for any occasion... a perfect way to give the gift of live theatre!
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What are the buffet seating times?
Lunch:
First Seating - 11:30am-12:00pm
Second Seating - 12:00pm-12:30pm
Third Seating - 12:30pm
Dinner (Wednesday & Thursday evening):
First Seating - 5:00pm-5:30pm
Second Seating - 5:30pm-6:00pm
Third Seating - 6:00pm
Dinner (Friday & Saturday evening):
First Seating - 5:30pm-6:00pm
Second Seating - 6:00pm-6:30pm
Third Seating - 6:30pm
Please note that these are seating start times. We will make every effort to seat you as quickly as possible during your selected seating. Your table remains yours until you are ready to go into the theatre.
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Can I bring my children?
Please ask us for play and age recommendations, as some productions may not be suitable for all ages. Tickets must be purchased for any child attending a performance and children must be seated with a parent or guardian. Please note that babes-in-arms are not permitted in the theatre, except for our KidzPlay productions.
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Can I take photographs or video in the theatre?
Cameras, video cameras and any other image or sound-recording devices are strictly prohibited in the theatre due to copyright laws.
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Can I wear perfume or cologne in the theatre?
Many patrons suffer from allergies relating to fragrances. We ask that you refrain from using perfumes for the health and well-being of your fellow patrons.
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What is the run time of the play?
The run time of a play is the time from the opening act to the end of the performance. This changes with each production. For specific run times of a show, please call the Box Office or visit our website.
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What happens if I miss a performance?
All tickets are non refundable. If you know that you are unable to attend a performance, please call the box office to let us know. With at least 48 hours notice before the performance, we can exchange your tickets to another date within the same production. Ticket exchange fees may apply.
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What if I arrive late to the theatre?
Performances begin promptly at the scheduled start time. If you arrive late you will be seated at an appropriate break in designated seats close to the door. After intermission you may move to your booked seats.
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Are there different prices for different seats in the Theatre?
All seats for a given performance are the same price. The price changes depending on the type of show (i.e. if it is a musical), and on the day of the week or show time.
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Are there any volunteer opportunities at the theatre?
The theatre has over 110 volunteers coming from Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Crofton, Duncan, Cowichan Bay and Cobble Hill, regularly giving their time and energy to our not-for-profit Society. The roles our volunteers fulfill are in many areas such as, administration, costume department, health and safety, and of course at the theatre.
If you are interested in the performing arts and would like to become a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 250-246-9800 ext 7070 or email
.
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Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
It is not mandatory but highly recommended. Availability is often directly related to how far in advance of the performance the tickets are booked.
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How can I get to the theatre?
The Chemainus Theatre Festival is situated in the mural town of Chemainus on Vancouver Island. Our address is 9737 Chemainus Road, Chemainus, British Columbia.
By Car:
We are located 77 km north of (downtown) Victoria. Depending on how fast you drive and traffic conditions, it could take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. We are 34 km south of Nanaimo (about 45 minutes from the ferry terminal).
From the Island Highway, take the Henry Road exit. The Theatre is just north of the traffic circle at the Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn, which is at the Chemainus Road and Henry Road intersection.
Click here for directions >
By Bus:
There are several bus lines that offer transportation to Chemainus. Information can be found on the following websites:
www.greyhound.ca
www.grayline.ca
www.pacificcoach.com
The following offer bus tours:
www.wilsonstransportation.com
www.forestbustours.com
www.lizardadventuretravel.com
www.wellsgraytours.com
By Ferry:
Ferry Terminal locations in Victoria and Nanaimo connect to Vancouver (Tsawwassen & Horseshoe Bay) and the USA (Port Angeles, Anacortes and Seattle). Please visit the BC Ferries website for schedules: www.bcferries.com.
By Plane:
Victoria International Airport: www.victoriaairport.com
Nanaimo Airport: www.nanaimoairport.com
Harbour Air (various locations): www.harbour-air.com
Tofino Air: www.tofinoair.ca
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Do you offer hearing-assistance devices?
For those who require it, hearing assistance head sets are available at the coat check at no charge.
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What happens if I lose my tickets?
Luckily we have your ticket account information on file, which will allow us to reprint your tickets for you at no extra charge.
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Ok, I have the right phone number but I keep getting a recorded message that you are with other customers.
It can be very difficult to anticipate call volumes. Generally the mornings are busiest, while if you call in the afternoon you can often get through on the first try. We try to answer every call as quickly as we can without compromising the service we offer our ticket buying patrons.
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Why do I have to set up a ticket account?
Your ticket account helps us provide the best possible service to you. It allows us to track your special needs, preferences, and contact information. Should there be a problem with your tickets, we can reach you to solve the problem prior to your arrival. Should your tickets be lost, stolen or forgotten, we can replace them for you if you have a ticket account with us. Your information is secure and will not be sold or distributed.
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Will you sell my ticket account information?
No. It is illegal for us, or anyone else, to sell your account information.
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How can I support the theatre?
We pride ourselves in being one of the hardest working theatres in the country earning almost all our revenue at the box office and in the dining room and gift shop but every year it gets harder to balance the budget and deliver you the experience you deserve.
You can support the Chemainus Theatre Festival by participating in any one of our Membership Programs: Individual Membership, Corporate Support, Capital Campaign, Planned Giving or Golden Neighbour Program - together we can accomplish great things!
To become a member, or for information on Member benefits, contact our Fund Development Manager at or 250-246-9800 ext 7100.
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How do I add the buffet to my ticket order when I book online?
On the page that shows the seats offered to you by the system, you will see a drop down menu with an arrow above reading: "Select your Ticket Type Here". If you click on the arrow, you will be given the options that include: Adult Theatre & Buffet, Adult Theatre Only, Child Theatre & Buffet, etc. Please make the appropriate choice for each ticket you have purchased.
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I have asked to have my password sent to me but I haven't received it. Have you sent it?
Please check your spam or trash folder. Some systems are set up to send things that look like junk mail directly to the trash. If you still are unable to locate it, please call the Box Office and a ticket agent will be happy to re-send your confirmation to you.
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The password sent to me doesn't seem to work. Am I doing something wrong?
Some symbols in the passwords can be difficult to distinguish. If you are having trouble, try copying and pasting your password from the email sent to you to the password location on the page. If the password still doesn't work, please contact the Box Office and a ticket agent will be happy to assist you.
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How do I release unwanted tickets from my online shopping cart?
Click on the Shopping Cart button at the top of the screen. This will take you to a listing of all the tickets you have selected in your current session. Simply click on the check box to the right of the tickets and click the "Remove from Shopping Cart" button to release any unwanted tickets.
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Suggestions?
We are always happy to receive feedback and suggestions from our patrons. Please email us at: info@chemainustheatre.ca.
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