Beginners Guide

Welcome to our beginner’s guide to the Riverway Arts Centre. As a new centre we are very excited to have you join us for our first program of events. This guide is designed to provide you with helpful hints on how to ensure a successful visit, and answer all those questions you never thought you could ask.

Some of the information is included for those who may be attending a performance for the very first time and who may want to know the 'inside information' known only to regular theatregoers.

1. Buying tickets

The best and most effective way of booking your tickets is online. Go to the Events Programme section, choose "Buy Tickets Now". From this point you will be guided step-by-step through the process. You will need your credit card details handy in order to pay for your seats.

You may also choose to visit the box office in person. This way you are able to see the theatre layout and view the selection of seats available. You will also be able to pay by either cash or credit/debit card.

If you find you don't have the time to visit the box office, then the quickest way is simply to give us a call on (07) 4773 8889. You will need to have your credit/debit card details ready before you ring. It will also be useful to have an idea of where you would like to sit in the theatre (you can always ask the box office staff for advice).

There is also the possibility to buy your tickets on the night, enabling you to go to the theatre at the last minute without the need to pre-book. However, this does have drawbacks. It does not guarantee that you will get your favourite seat or, if it is a very popular production, you may not get a seat at all!

2. Arriving at the theatre

It is probably best to arrive at the theatre at least half an hour before the performance starts. This will give you some extra time to collect your booked tickets, buy any pre-performance drinks and programs that you may require, and generally get comfortable before show time.

The time on your ticket refers to the time when the performance begins, not when you should arrive at the theatre. It is always important to check the starting time on your ticket as they do vary from performance to performance. Unlike a cinema, no adverts are shown before the show, so you must arrive on time.

3. At the theatre

If you wish to dine out prior to the show, then take a seat by the lagoons at C Bar Café.

Drinks are available at the fully licensed Foyer Bar one hour prior to the performance (please note that drink glasses are not allowed inside the Performance Space). You can also order your interval drinks in advance which is a great way to avoid the queues.

4. Theatre etiquette

One of the most unwelcome things in the theatre is when a mobile phone rings. Mobile phones (along with anything else that bleeps, buzzes or makes any kind of electrical noise) should be switched off well in advance so your first visit to the theatre is not an unwelcome one.

Latecomers will not be admitted into the Performance Space until a suitable break or the interval so performers and the rest of the audience are not distracted.

Cameras, video and tape recorders are strictly prohibited in the Performance Space.

Once you have taken your seats in the Performance Space, you are advised to remain in them until the interval as you will not be allowed back in until a suitable break in the performance. Make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need before the performance begins.

Children are welcome to attend the theatre but it is important that they know what behaviour is expected of them. Although the performance tends to be exciting and enjoyable, noise from the audience can be very distracting for the performers, so children will be expected to sit quietly in their seats during the performance. It is worth asking the staff in the box office's advice about whether the performance is suitable for children.

5. What to wear

Make sure that you are comfortable. Some people do dress fairly smartly, simply in order to make an evening out slightly more special, but it really is no longer a requirement. Most clothing is acceptable.

The theatre is far more accessible than it ever used to be and so there really is nothing to stop you going along to see a production straight from home or work and experiencing some real magic of the theatre first hand.

Remember, you are at Riverway to be entertained. So enjoy!