Orpheum Theatre FAQs

Where is the theatre and what are the Box Office Hours?

Can I make an exchange or get a refund?

How soon before a show should I purchase my ticket?

Are there elevators in the theatre?

Is there Accessible and Limited Mobility seating?

Are children allowed in the theatre?

Do you provide ASL and AudioVision performances?

Is there parking nearby?

Is there a drop-off area in front of the theatre?

When do the doors open?

How do I know which door to use when entering the theatre?

Is there a coat check?

Do you have listening devices for the hearing impaired?

What if I arrive after the curtain goes up?

Where are the restrooms located?

Can I take photos during the performance?

What happens if I forget to turn off my phone during the performance?

Can you take food or drinks into the theatre?

I think I left something at my seat, who do I contact?

Is there a good place nearby to eat before or after the theater?

Is there a dress code for attending the theatre?

Where is the theatre and what are the Box Office Hours?
The theatre is located at the corner of Hyde and Market Streets at 8th Street in San Francisco. See our Orpheum Theatre QuickGuide for directions. Box Office hours vary. Check here for hours or please call 415-551-2000 for recorded information.

Can I make an exchange or get a refund?
No, so be sure to check your order thoroughly before making your purchase.

How soon before a show should I purchase my ticket?
It’s best to buy your ticket as far in advance as possible to ensure the best seats. However, you can purchase tickets at the Box Office until curtain, if available.

Are there elevators in the theatre?
There are no elevators to the upper levels of the theatre. The Loge and Mezzanine are on the second floor; the Balcony is on the third level.

Is there Accessible and Limited Mobility seating?
Absolutely. There are two types of Accessible seating, both on the main floor: Integrated-Row R with spaces for wheelchairs and theatre seats for companions, and Platform-Row CC with spaces for wheelchairs and hardback chairs for companions. There are no elevators to service the upper theatre levels. Patrons who cannot do stairs may purchase Limited Mobility Orchestra seats. For Accessible and Limited Mobility patrons, two tickets may be purchased, for one Wheelchair or Limited Mobility patron and one companion, at the lowest regular price. Larger parties should inquire about special arrangements. Accessible restrooms are downstairs, accessed by elevator, and there is a Women’s Accessible rest room on the main floor. For Accessible or Limited Mobility tickets visit ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster Charge-by-phone (415) 512-7770, by mail, at Ticketmaster Ticket Centers or the theatre Box Office.

Are children allowed in the theatre?
The Broadway shows presented by SHN are generally intended for adults. Those musicals identified as suitable for children will be advertised as such, although parents should decide whether a show is appropriate for their children.
As a courtesy to others in the audience, children under five (including babes in arms) will not be admitted to the theatre.

Do you provide ASL and AudioVision performances?
Yes we do. As dates are confirmed, details will be listed on the appropriate show page?

Is there parking nearby?
Yes indeed. Although street parking is limited (meters run M-Sat until 6 p.m.), there are many public and private lots in the area such as Trinity Plaza Apartments on 8th just past Market Street, the Holiday Inn on 8th, and Civic Center Garage at 355 McAllister. View our Orpheum Theatre QuickGuide for details about local parking garages. Please be aware that during the Holidays parking is tight—we suggest using public transportation from Thanksgiving through New Years day.

Is there a drop-off area in front of the theatre?
Yes, the white zone on the east side of Hyde street before it intersects with Market. The main theatre entrance is a short walk around the corner.

When do the doors open?
The Lobby usually opens 45 minutes prior to the show; the House opens 30 minutes before the curtain.

How do I know which door to use when entering the theatre?
An usher will be happy to direct you to the proper door or staircase for your seating.

Is there a coat check?
Sorry, a coat check or storage area is not available. Packages, shopping bags or suitcases will not fit under your seat—please make other arrangements.

Do you have listening devices for the hearing impaired?
Yes, we have infrared listening headsets available free of charge on a first come, first served basis, available at the kiosk to the left inside the main lobby. One piece of ID with current address (driver’s license, state ID) is required as deposit for one headset; additional headsets for the same individual require one of the following credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card.

What if I arrive after the curtain goes up?
You will be held in the lobby until an appropriate time to be seated by an usher. Of course by then, everyone in the theater will know you were late.

Where are the restrooms located?
The largest main bathrooms for men and women are located in the basement level. As you enter the front doors from the street, you will find a staircase to your right, or an elevator to your left (next to the entrance to the VIP room) which will take you to these bathrooms. Both are fully accessible for patrons in wheelchairs.

On the main (orchestra) level, there is a woman's room opposite Door Two. There is one accessible stall in this bathroom. Please note: this bathroom has two levels, with additional facilities in the basement level reached by stairs.

On the mezzanine level, there is a woman's room in the corner of the lobby just past the windows.

On the balcony level, there is a woman's room in the corner of the lobby just past the windows, and a men's room just to the left before you enter the auditorium.

Please note: lines to the main basement bathrooms are sometimes long, but move quickly due to the large capacity of each room. Intermissions are sometimes only 15 minutes long, so plan accordingly. Orchestra level patrons seated on house left (as you face the stage) who are seeking the main basement bathrooms at intermission can use the rows closest to the stage to cross over to the far house right aisle. Go up the aisle to the lobby and turn left for the bathrooms, avoiding the crowd in the orchestra foyer.

Can I take photos during the performance?
Thanks for asking but no. The shows are copyrighted so the use of cameras/picture phones with or without flash or any other recording device is strictly prohibited. Violators are subject to confiscation of film, tape, disc, cards, etc., ejection from the theatre, and financial damages. For your protection, all cameras and picture phones should be placed in a pocket or purse (and kept there) when in the theatre. Orpheum Theatre FAQ’s—page 3

What happens if I forget to turn off my phone during the performance?
Cell phones, paging devices and other electronic equipment are disruptive to the performers and audience’s experience. Please take a moment to turn off all devices before entering the theatre.

Can you take food or drinks into the theatre?
Good question. You may bring only bottled water into the theatre.

I think I left something at my seat, who do I contact?
Please call Lost & Found at 415-551-2000, press 7.

Is there a good place nearby to eat before or after the theater?
Several, in fact. View our Orpheum Theatre QuickGuide for suggestions.

Is there a dress code for attending the theatre?
Not actually—any attire that compliments the spirit of this special occasion.