FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENTLE REMINDERS:

Latecomers: Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager.

Courtesy to others: Talking, candy wrappers and coughing are distracting to fellow patrons and actors. We ask each patron to please keep noise to a minimum during a performance. Thank you for your cooperation.

Scents and Allergies: A number of Prairie Theatre Exchange patrons have expressed concerns regarding medical reactions caused by scented products, so much so that they can’t enjoy a show. Please consider others before using items such as colognes, perfumes and hairspray. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.

Prohibited: The use of cameras and recording devices is strictly prohibited. Pagers and cellular phones must be turned off. To be contacted in an emergency, leave your name and seat number with the House Manager.

Warnings: On occasion, Prairie Theatre Exchange’s productions may contain script-specific smoking of non-tobacco products, special effects and language/content warnings. For more information, please refer to the play pages on the website.

Additional Audience Advisories

PTE is proud to be a theatre that hosts new stories and new voices, and we hope everyone has a positive experience on their journey with our productions.

We want to acknowledge that, regardless of whether the performance is light-hearted or serious, there can be themes, images or language that may affect people negatively. As a theatre, we provide audience advisories and content warnings to prepare and care for our audience.

In many cases, a general warning of content is given to prepare audiences. However, general warning of themes may not be enough in every case. PTE honours the integrity of the playwrights and does not censor their choices, but in cases where we can anticipate some patrons may have more specific concerns, our website and box office encourage audiences to request specific advisories from our box office staff prior to arriving at the theatre. You can make that inquiry at 204-942-5483, Monday to Saturday, noon to 6, or by emailing boxoffice@pte.mb.ca.

You will also find those specific advisories on the website page of each play, under the heading ADDITIONAL ADVISORIES.

For some, the described content may have no effect, but for others these advisories are an essential part of keeping their reception of the play a safe experience. We recognize that we will never be able to fully anticipate what might be challenging material for every individual, but our team here at the theatre is working with a consultant to generate these advisories to the best of our abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

BOX OFFICE
(204) 942-5483
Email: boxoffice@pte.mb.ca

Box Office Hours:

September 3, 2019 to May 3, 2020
Monday to Saturday, 12 - 6pm

During the run of a play, the Box Office will be open 1 hour before showtime.

Closed during statutory holidays

Holiday Hours:
December 1 - January 5: Monday to Saturday, 12 - 6
(7 pm on evening show days)
December 26: 12 - 1:30
January 5: 12 - 3
CLOSED December 24, 25 & 31, January 1

Where are you located?

You’ll find PTE on the third floor of the Portage Place Shopping Centre, around the corner from the clock tower.

>> Click here for a map

Where can I park?

There is convenient heated, underground parking in Portage Place, with entrances off Carlton and Vaughan Streets. The elevator near the Carlton entrance goes all the way up to PTE on the third floor – you’ll recognize it from the lighted PTE poster on the side of the elevator foyer.

Parking in the Portage Place lot must be paid in advance, similar to outdoor lots, at one of 12 payment machines located all through both levels of the lot, including at the elevators. Look for the big blue and green signs hanging from the ceiling to help you find the machines.

All subscribers get free parking with their subscriptions. Casual ticket buyers must pay for their own parking, but are offered a discount on Jets game nights.

>> More information about parking at Portage Place

Does PTE offer acting classes?

Prairie Theatre Exchange offers several skill-specific classes for adults, plus two performance training classes - Youth Acting Conservatory for ages 14-18, and Adult Company. As well, PTE will be offering master classes for professional development through the year, with guests artists.

>> More Info

Where can I find information about the plays like show times, dates, length and intermission?

You’ll find all that information, plus links to behind the scenes information and reviews/audience reactions on the page for each play on our website.

>> Click here for the directory of the plays

How do I buy tickets online?

On the page of play you'd like to book, click on any red date in the calendar, and it will take you to the online sales for that particular date.

Or >> Click here to go to our online sales for all the performances at PTE. You can search for the play you want there.

You can browse anonymously, but you’ll need to either login, if you already have an account, or set up an account in order to purchase tickets.

Once browsing, you’ll be able to search particular months, plays or venues.

When on the main PTE website, you can also click on the BUY NOW button on each play page, or ORDER TICKETS in the list of plays in the right hand column on your screen, which will take you directly to a listing of only that play.

Note : Printing your tickets at home

You will have the option of either printing your tickets on your own printer or picking them up at the Box Office. If you don’t select “E-ticket/print at home” on the credit card screen during purchasing, you will not be able to print them later. Printing your tickets at home means that you won’t have to stand in line at the Box Office to pick them up before your performance.

Your home-printed ticket is your real ticket, and you must bring it to the performance so that the QR code can be scanned for entrance. Any document that doesn’t have a QR code on it is not a ticket. We can also scan the QR on your phone, if you store the ticket there.

Be aware that the identification code on any PTE ticket, printed at home or by the Box Office, can only be scanned once at the door. Additional copies of that ticket will be denied entrance.

If you experience any problems purchasing online, do not receive your confirmation email or need assistance, please call 204-942-5483 during regular Box Office hours (at the top of this page), and we’ll be happy to help you.

Can I make a donation online?

Making a donation online is simple. You can...

.... click the DONATE button at the upper right corner of the website, which will take you to a page with more information about donating to PTE, including donor benefits for personal gifts, and links to the online donation page... or

... choose to give a gift when you're buying tickets. You'll be given the opportunity to donate after you’ve selected your seats... or

>> Click here to go straight to the online donation page

Do I have to climb stairs to my seat?

In our theatre, Row A is ground level with no stairs. However, be aware that there are limited seats in that row. There are two steps to each of the next rows, with the highest row, Row K, having 20 stairs. Every row has a wide platform for a step, with railings to assist you. If you're uncertain about whether a seat is accessible enough for you, call our Box Office at (204) 942-5483 and speak to a Customer Service Rep.

Do you have wheelchair seating?

Yes. Please call our box office at 204-942-5483 for tickets for wheelchair seating. Those seats can't be purchased online.

Do you have hearing-assistance devices?

Yes. We have Infared Assisted Hearing Devices, which are free of charge to all PTE patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a limited number available. You can find the devices at the lobby Café.

How do I pick up my tickets?

Your tickets are available at the PTE Box Office on the third floor of Portage Place. Please try to pick up your tickets at least 20 minutes prior to your performance start time, as the lines at the Box Office can get quite long as showtime approaches. They will be filed under your name. You can also pick them up in advance, during regular Box Office hours. Or you can request the Box Office email you your tickets, if you've purchased by phone.

Do I need ID to pick up my tickets?

Tickets will be filed under your name, and you won’t need to show ID unless you have purchased at the Student or Senior rate. Students must show valid ID from a high school, University or College. Seniors only need to show proof of age with the first ticket purchase – once in the system as a senior, further ID will not be required for subsequent purchases.

What if I cannot attend a performance that I have booked?

We are happy to exchange your ticket to another performance of the same play, subject to availability. Please call the box office to inquire about whether an exchange to another date is possible. Single tickets may be exchanged to another performance of the same play for an exchange fee of $2.50 per ticket, plus GST. If the performance or seat you’re exchanging into is more expensive, you will need to pay for the difference. There is no exchange fee for subscribers, but subscribers must pay the difference if exchanging into a more expensive seat or performance. Sorry, but there are no refunds for tickets.

Can I get a refund for unused tickets?

Tickets are non-refundable. However, subscribers may request a tax receipt for the value of unused subscription tickets by returning them to the Box Office at least 48 hours* prior to your scheduled performance. Please contact the box office at 204-942-5483.

*Canada Revenue Agency regulations state that PTE must have the opportunity to re-sell the ticket, and that tax receipts CANNOT be issued for missed performances after the fact.

Can I change my performance date after booking?

Yes, but conditions do apply. You can change your tickets for a performance of the same show only and you must call or visit the box office before your original performance date. If you purchased single tickets, you will be charged a $2.50 fee for each ticket exchange, plus GST (subscriber exchanges are free). If the performance or seat you’re exchanging into is more expensive, you will need to pay for the difference. Exchanges are always subject to availability in the show you want to exchange into.

What If I lose my tickets?

We will replace lost tickets at no charge at the Box Office. We may ask for proof of purchase. Call 204-942-5483 or visit our box office to have your tickets reprinted.

What if I arrive after the performance has started?

Whenever possible, latecomers will be seated at the back of the theatre during appropriateintervals in the performance to avoid disturbing the actors and other audience members. Latecomers may move to their assigned seats during intermission. Please allow for ample time to park, and remember that there is often a line-up at the box office in the hour prior to show time.

I have a group who would like to attend a show. Is there a discount and how do I book tickets?

Groups of 7 or more receive a discount of 15% for tickets to an adult show. Currently, our website will only sell 10 tickets at a time to a show. For larger groups, or for questions and personal service, contact the Director of Marketing at 204-925-5256 or marketdev@pte.mb.ca.

There are no group discounts for the Family Holiday Show, beyond the Family Four-Pack option. However, there is a discounted price for day cares or schools wanting to bring a group of children. Call the PTE Box Office at 204-942-5483 for more information.

I am a teacher and would like to book tickets for a large student group. How do I do that?

There are a couple of different options for student groups. Each year, two plays are scheduled with a special matinee for school groups at $10 per ticket, and with a Study Guide provided (teachers come free with groups of 25 or more).

>> Click here for more information or call Haanita Seval at 204-925-5256.

It is also possible, depending on availability, to arrange for a group of students to attend a regular performance at a discount. To inquire about discounts that may be available, please call Haanita Seval at 204-925-5256 or email marketdev@pte.mb.ca.

Can I bring my infant or child with me to a show?

Babes in arms are not permitted in our adult productions, out of consideration for the entire audience and the actors. Because of the adult content, we suggest that our plays may be unsuitable for children under 14. If you have questions about the suitability of one of our adult plays for your child, please call the Director of Marketing at 204-925-5256.

For our Family Holiday Show, we welcome guests of all ages. Children under the age of two do not need to have a separate ticket for that show.

How can I avoid the line-up at the Café and Lounge during intermission?

Order and pay at the bar before the performance and your drink(s) will be waiting for you at intermission.

For those shows without intermission, consider coming a bit early to purchase your beverage, and take it into the theatre with you. Intermission information will be on each play’s page on our website.

>> Click here for links to the play pages