Frequently Asked Questions
What is Theatre Under the Stars?
Theatre Under the Stars is a not for profit society that entertains families through popular musical theatre shows while providing a vibrant outlet and training ground to develop amateur performers and technicians both young and old. TUTS values an atmosphere of inclusion and mentorship in order to build strong character and to promote positive values.
Theatre Under the Stars has presented 63 seasons of musical theatre at its outdoor venue in Stanley Park. It is a time-honored tradition for thousands of Lower Mainland families as well as attracting visitors from around the world. In 2007 our attendance was a record-setting 40,000 patrons, and in 2008 and 2009 we saw 35,000 each summer.
Is there Disability parking available?
There is a drop off location close to the theatre entrance and limited Disability parking close by.
How many people does the theatre seat?
Approximately 1000 to 1400 seats at capacity, and there is a grass area as well that can accommodate another 600 people.
Is there a dress code?
No. Casual dress is recommended with additional layers to add as the night progresses.
Can we bring a picnic dinner?
Yes. You can eat in your seat or on your blanket on the grass. Theatre Under the Stars also has a concession run by The Butler Did It Catering with hot and cold food, and we also have a coffee bar and a TUTS wine/beer bar.
Are there public washrooms close by? Handicapped Washrooms? Baby changing facility?
Yes. Portable washrooms are available on-site and in the Dining Pavilion just off-site. Portable handicapped washrooms are located on-site. A counter is available in the women’s washroom at the Dining Pavilion that could be used for a Baby changing area, although there is not a specific changing area set up for infants.
What happens if it rains?
We will distribute complimentary ponchos in the event of rain. Umbrellas are not to be used in the seats as they may block another’s view.
If the weather makes it unsafe to begin or continue a performance, general admission tickets with the original date will be honoured at the gate for another performance. Reserved tickets must be exchanged for new tickets at the TUTS box office or through the TUTS Info Line (604 687-0174) for best available seats in the equivalent price range at another performance.
For full details on our Rain-Out Policy click here
How long is each show?
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a twenty-minute intermission. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT runs approximately just under 2 hours, including a twenty-minute intermission.
Can tickets be exchanged for another night/show?
No. Tickets are final and non-transferable except for a cancelled performance.
Is the site wheelchair/ walker/ etc. accessible?
Yes, although the grounds are uneven. Assistance may be necessary. We have volunteer ushers who are happy to help. Special Needs seating must be arranged through TUTS at (604-734-1917)
Can we take pictures of the show with our cell phones, digital cameras or video cameras?
No.
Are there mosquitoes at the park?
Yes. It is advisable to dress accordingly and bring insect repellent with you.
Is there anything in either show that would be considered offensive for families or children?
Both shows are very popular Broadway musicals. “Offensive” is subjective depending on what you would personally find offensive. The Board of Directors takes great care to select shows that are suitable for everyone, but cannot be held responsible for personal tastes.
Is there parking available?
Pay parking is available throughout Stanley Park. The closest lots to Theatre Under the Stars are the Horse Barn Parking Lot, Children’s Zoo Parking Lot, and Stanley Park Drive Parking Lot. Parking is $2/ hour or $10/day.
Is there secure bicycle parking?
No. There is an area where bikes can be locked inside the fencing, but TUTS or the Parks Board is not responsible for the security or your bike.
Will there be taxis available/ accessible after the show?
Taxis are able to drive into Stanley Park. As it is very busy after the show, it is best to ask them to pick you up at the parking area beside the Stanley Park Dining Pavilion.
Is there a bus to the theatre?
#19 Stanley Park bus (http://tripplanning.translink.ca/) will take you out of the park. It can be found at the Bus Loop behind the Stanley Park Dining Pavilion.
Is there late admittance to the theatre after the performance has started (reserved/general seating)?
Yes – however ushers may require you to wait until an appropriate time of the performance. We recommend you give yourself lots of time for parking, etc as the park can be very busy in summer.
What are your in-and-out privileges?
You may leave and enter the theatre with a valid ticket stub.
What is the terrain of Malkin Bowl?
Malkin Bowl is a gently sloping grassy field.
On Fireworks nights, can you see the fireworks from the theatre?
No.
Is there a cloakroom/left luggage area?
No.
Is there Theatre Under The Stars merchandise available to buy?
Yes there is. We sell various TUTS merchandise including blankets ($15), t-shirts ($15), sweatshirts ($25) and stuffed racoons ($15).
How do we purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased through Tickets Tonight, online at www.ticketstonight.ca or by phone at 1-877-840-0457 (there is a $3.50 transaction fee for phone orders), or in person at the TUTS Box Office from 2pm until show time.
Group (10 AND MORE people) orders must be booked by calling TUTS (604-734-1917).
How do I receive my tickets from Tickets Tonight?
If you order your tickets online, you may choose to print them off at home and bring them to the theatre, or you can pick them up at Will Call.
Phone orders may be picked up at Will Call, or picked up directly from Tickets Tonight.
I didn’t receive an online confirmation. What do I do?
Please email Tickets Tonight at info@ticketstonight.ca with your order information. All successfully completed ticket transaction will receive an online ticket confirmation
I would like to buy tickets to the preview nights, but I can’t find where, on the website or on the Tickets Tonight’s website I can do this?
Preview performance tickets are sold through Tickets Tonight, the same ticket system as the regular performances. If you are having problems with the Tickets Tonight ticket system, call Tickets Tonight at 604-684-2787.
What forms of payment do you accept? Is there an ATM bank machine onsite?
Yes, there is a ATM bank machine onsite. Our box office accepts credit and debit cards only (no cash). Our bar and merchandise tent accepts cash, credit, and debit cards. The coffee bar and food concession is cash-only.
If we buy tickets for the Super Monday, Aug 2nd performance and the show is cancelled due to severe weather, how can I use my tickets?
In the event a Super Monday show is cancelled due to weather, tickets will be honoured for the best available seats in the equivalent section at any subsequent performance.
Can I put tickets on hold but pay for them the night I come to the show?
No. Tickets cannot be reserved without payment.
How soon do I have to be at the theatre if I have tickets waiting for me at Will Call?
The Box Office will be open from 2pm until show time each day (from July 6 to August 21). You may pick up your tickets anytime before the show. The gates to the seating will open 60 minutes before show time. Please have them picked up before the curtain goes up.
The weather looks pretty unstable and we have decided we aren’t going to come down to the theatre tonight because it is raining or threatening to rain… can we get a refund or rain cheque to exchange our tickets for another night?
We will distribute ponchos in the event of inclement weather. Unless the show is cancelled due to weather, tickets are final sale and non-transferable and non-refundable.
Where can I get information about the 2011 Theatre Under The Stars season?
We normally determine our summer season the previous fall. Once the new season has been chosen it will be posted on the website – http://www.tuts.ca
How can I be involved in the 2011 season (cast/production team/volunteers)?
Auditions will be held at the end of January/beginning of February 2011 to cast the two summer shows. All cast members must audition. An audition announcement will be posted on the website – http://www.tuts.ca - by the beginning of the new year. If you are interested in volunteering for TUTS, please go to the website and in the Volunteers area, download the Volunteer Application form. Once you have completed the application form, it can be sent or faxed to the TUTS office.
Where can I get a map and information about Stanley Park?
Information about Stanley Park can be found online at http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley