How do I register and purchase tickets??
Registration for our School-Time Performance season opens in June every year. To register, visit the performance page on the School-Time Performances section of our website and click the link that says “buy tickets.” The link will take you to a registration page that provides us with all the information we need to ensure your students have the best experience. Once you have submitted your registration form, you’ll receive a confirmation email and an invoice if you selected “pay by check” or “invoice me.”
How do I pay?
Ovations requires a deposit within 2 weeks of registration to hold your tickets. If that time frame is challenging for you, reach out to us at offstage@portlandovations.org and explain your specific situation. We can often make accommodations. You can pay by credit card online through the registration page, or by check made out to Portland Ovations and mailed to us at 120 Exchange Street Suite 110, Portland, ME 04101.
I have a performance credit, how do I use it?
Check the box on the registration form indicating you have unused credit you’d like to apply to this transaction and select “invoice me.” We’ll send you an invoice with your credit applied to the total cost of your tickets and arrange payment of any remaining balance.
How much do tickets cost?
Field-trip performances cost $10 per ticket for students and adults. In-school performances cost $1250 per performance, most of which goes directly to the artist.
What financial support is available?
Portland Ovations offers up to $400 toward the cost of transportation through our program, Destination Portland. Find information on it and other funding opportunities on our Funding Your Field Trip page.
How do I ensure my students accessibility needs are met?
Ovations welcomes people of all abilities at our performances. All of our venues are ADA compliant and many of our performances are ASL interpreted. We also offer sensory information about the performance in our Educator Guides to help you prepare. Note that the balcony in Merrill Auditorium can feel high to some students. If you’re concerned about heights, please note that in your accessibility request. To request accommodations or discuss specific accessibility needs, contact Liz Schildkret at offstage@portlandovations.org or by calling (207) 773-3150 x3.
The number of students and/or adults attending with my group has changed. How do I update registration numbers?
You can update your registration numbers up to 2 weeks before the performance. Reach out to us at offstage@portlandovations.org with your updated numbers. Keep in mind that Ovations cannot refund tickets. If you anticipate your numbers may change, please hold the remainder of your registration fee until your numbers are confirmed.
Is there a deadline to register for tickets?
Registration typically closes 2 weeks before the performance. Many performances do sell out.
Can I cancel my registration?
You can cancel your registration up to 2 weeks before the performance. Ovations cannot issue refunds for tickets already purchased, but we can offer you a performance credit for a future performance. Reach out to us at offstage@portlandovations.org to discuss cancellation.
Does Portland Ovations allow homeschools to attend School-Time Performances?
Yes! We welcome homeschool families and groups in all our School-Time Performances.
How do I schedule In-School Pre/Post-show Workshops?
Ovations offers pre and post-show workshops with Ovations teaching artists for all of our performances. Many of our visiting artists are also available to give workshops (depending on their travel and performance schedule). Workshops are typically 1 hour in length, serve up to 30 students, and can be tailored to your curriculum and classroom needs. Workshop pricing begins at $125 (some visiting artists charge more). Reach out to us at offstage@portlandovations.org to schedule a pre or post-show workshop in your school.
I’m interested in an in-school performance. How can I learn more?
To arrange an in-school performance, reach out to Liz Schildkret at offstage@portlandovations.org or call (207) 773-3150 x3.
The performance I want to attend is sold out, what should I do?
Email us at offstage@portlandovations.org to be added to the waiting list. If another group modifies or cancels their registration and space becomes available, we move groups off the waiting list on a first come, first served basis. We keep the waiting list open until 2 weeks before the performance. Notifications can come at the last minute, but we’ll always do our best to notify you of available seats as early as possible.
When are Educator Guides available?
Educator Guides are available 4 weeks before the performance. You can find all our current and past educator guides here: Educator Guides
What time should I arrive?
We suggest arriving 30 minutes before the performance time to give your group plenty of time to park and get settled in your seats. Most School-Time Performances begin at 10 AM. Suggested arrival time is between 9:30 AM and 9:45 for 10 AM performances.
How does bus unloading and loading work?
Ovations has dedicated bus drop-off, pick-up and parking at all our School-Time Performance venues. Staff will be on hand to assist in unloading, direct you where to park, and to help you find your bus after the performance. At Merrill Auditorium, Myrtle Street is held for bus drop-off and parking. At Westbrook Performing Arts Center, busses drop off outside the venue and park in the upper parking lot.
I’m arriving by car, where should I park?
- Merrill Auditorium: directions and parking information available HERE.
- Westbrook Performing Arts Center: Driving directions available HERE. Parking available in any open visitor space.
How do I check in and find my seats?
- If you are arriving by bus: Please remain on the bus when you arrive. A staff member will greet you and direct you to your seats in the theater.
- If you are arriving by car: Check in at the table in the lobby of the theater. Staff will show you to your seats.
How are seats assigned for School-Time Performances?
We assign seats for School-Time Performances based on accessibility needs and grade level. Your group will be seated together in a section of the auditorium that meets your access requirements with other students of similar grade levels. We do seat students in the balcony at Merrill Auditorium, which can feel steep to some people. If heights are a problem for your group, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Do you have space for my students to eat lunch?
We have limited space for groups to eat lunch at Merrill Auditorium. If you’d like an indoor space to eat, reach out to us at offstage@portlandovations.org and we’ll do our best to meet your needs. We cannot guarantee available space.
How are groups dismissed?
At the end of the performance, groups will be dismissed individually by staff. Please stay in your seat until your group’s name is called.
What is Ovations’ inclement weather policy?
- While School-Time Performances usually go as planned, Ovations monitors weather and school closings and does occasionally cancel performances to ensure everyone’s safety. In rare circumstances when we must cancel a performance due to inclement weather or other reasons, Ovations will contact all performance attendees via email the morning of the performance (usually no later than 7:30 AM). Cancellations are also posted on our website and social media. All groups will have the option to apply their registration fee to a future performance as a performance credit. Ovations can also issue refunds for cancelled performances. A cancelled performance is the only circumstance in which we are able to issue refunds.
- If your school is cancelled or delayed on a day when the performance is continuing as planned, reach out to Liz Schildkret at offstage@portlandovations.org or by phone at (207) 773-3150 x3 to exchange your tickets for a future performance.
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