Concert FAQs
Not sure what to expect during your first performance with us?
Read on for answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Have more questions that aren’t answered here? Call us at 807.474.2284 for more information.
What if I can’t make it?
If you can’t attend your concert, you can return your ticket to the TBCA Box Office 24 hours prior to the event to exchange your ticket for another TBSO series concert, excluding Specials. There is a $4.00 charge per ticket for this service.
What if I lose my tickets?
If you lose your ticket(s), contact the TBCA Box Office, 807.684.4444 or 1.800.463.8817. There is a $4.00 charge per ticket for this service.
Where do I get my tickets?
You can pick up your subscriptions and single tickets from the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Box Office during their office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you order your single tickets on-line, you will get an email to download and print your tickets.
How do I choose my seat?
Concerts held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium have assigned seating. You must choose your seating when purchasing your tickets. Reserved seating choices are first given to subscribers renewing their subscriptions; followed by subscription renewals with changes; followed by new subscribers based on the date the paid order is received. After subscriptions are finalized the remaining seats are available to purchase for single ticket sales.
Concerts held at all other venues are seated on a first come, first seated basis.
Are there any services for people with disabilities?
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium:
If you’re in need of special assistance or seating, please call the TBCA at 807.684.4444 or 1.800.463.8817. They’ll give you information on seating options and answer any other questions you may have. Parking is available in the TBCA parking lot. Wheelchairs can enter through the TBCA main doors.
All other concert locations:
If you’re in need of special assistance or seating, please call the TBSO Office at 807.474.2284. We can provide you with information on seating options and answer any other questions you may have. Parking is available at all of our locations and all locations are wheelchair accessible.
Do you offer student discounts?
Student discounts are available for all subscriptions and single tickets to anyone in full-time attendance at an educational institution. Student subscriptions and single tickets can only be purchased at the TBCA Box Office, 1 Paul Shaffer Drive. Your Student ID is required to purchase your tickets at student pricing.
Can I bring my kids?
You’re welcome to bring any children old enough to enjoy the performance. We do ask that you avoid bringing babes-in-arms, and that you make sure your kids are seated next to you. All children must have a ticket.
Kids will be sure to enjoy this season’s Family Concert Series, created especially for our audience members ages 4 and up: Halloween Spooktacular, Peter and the Wolf, and Under the Moon with Aunt Birdie.
For more information about kid-friendly shows, contact us at 807-474-2284 or visit our website www.tbso.ca.
Where are your concert venues?
- Masterworks and Pops concerts are held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Drive.
- Classical Plus concerts are held at Hilldale Lutheran Church, 321 Hilldale Road.
- Cabaret concerts are held at the Italian Cultural Centre, 132 Algoma Street South.
- Family concerts are held at the Grassroots Church, 1250 Balmoral Street.
- Special concerts are held at different locations throughout the city. These venues are indicated in the program guide and on our website, www.tbso.ca.
Where can I park?
All of our venues have lots of free parking.
When should I get there?
Concerts start promptly at the indicated time. We recommend giving yourself at least 15 minutes before the posted start time to find parking, purchase your tickets, and locate your seat.
What if I’m late?
If you are late our ushers will help you find your seat during the next break in the concert program.
What should I wear?
Whatever you want! Most people wear dressy casual clothes, but you will see everything from jeans to cocktail dresses. The most important part is that you show up and have fun!
We share the air—Go scent free.
Please be considerate of those in the audience who may have allergies and/or multiple chemical sensitivities and refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or other scented products.
How long is a typical performance?
Most of our concerts are between two and two-and-a-half hours long, including one 20-minute intermission. Family concerts are approximately an hour long with no intermission.
When do I clap?
Although our musicians don’t object to applause at any time, most audiences wait until the end of an entire piece to clap. If you’re not sure when a piece ends, just check your program. Beneath the name of each piece, it will list the piece’s movements, or sections. The audience usually waits until the last movement is over to clap.
If you’re still not sure, you can keep an eye on the conductor – when the piece is over, he will put his arms down and turn to the audience. Or, you can just wait until the clapping begins and then join in!
What if I have to cough?
If you have a cold, please bring some cough drops and water with you to help you avoid coughing during the performance. But if you begin to cough a lot, it’s acceptable and appropriate to quietly exit the auditorium. The ushers will seat you during the next pause in the performance.
Can I take photos?
Since cameras and other recording devices can be distracting for musicians, please do not take photos, audio or video during the performance. If you’d like a photo of a performer, contact us at 807.474.2284.
Can I bring my cell phone?
If you bring your cell phone, pager or other electronic devices be sure to turn them off before the performance begins.
What else do I need to know?
Remember concert etiquette for your enjoyment and the enjoyment of people around you. Talking, humming, tapping to the music, turning pages, or unwrapping cough drops may disturb the performers as well as other audience members.
Will there be refreshments?
- Thunder Bay Community Auditorium – Beverages are available prior to concerts and during intermission. Please note that no food or drink is allowed in the auditorium.
- Hilldale Lutheran Church – Beverages and snacks are available during intermission.
- Italian Cultural Centre – Beverages are available prior to concerts and during intermission.
- Grassroots Church – There are no refreshments available at this location.
- St. Paul’s United Church – There are no refreshments available at this location.
