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FAQ

Plan your visit FAQ’s

What is appropriate theatre etiquette?

  • Arrive Early
    If you are late, you may be held out or reseated until an appropriate time for you to get to your assigned seat. People who arrive late disturb the performers on stage and audience members. It is best to arrive about 30 minutes early so that you have time to purchase concessions, take care of personal needs (drinks of water or restroom), find your seat and read the program before the show starts.

  • Leaving Early
    Leaving while the show is in progress or before the actors have taken their final bows is discourteous and disruptive. Please wait until the performance is over and exit with the audience.

  • Seating
    Please sit in the seat you are assigned so you do not cause confusion for other audience members.

  • Electronic Devices
    Please silence or turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones, beepers, and watch alarms. We encourage you to share your experience at the Saenger Theatre via social media, but please refrain from doing so or texting during performances; the glow from your device is distracting.

  • What if I’m late to the performance? Do you allow late seating?
    If you are late, you may be held out or reseated until an appropriate time for you to get to your assigned seat. People who arrive late disturb the performers on stage and audience members. It is best to arrive about 30 minutes early so that you have time to purchase concessions, take care of personal needs (drinks of water or restroom), find your seat and read the program before the show starts.

  • May I use my electronic devices (cell phone, camera, etc) during the performance?
    If you are late, you may be held out or reseated until an appropriate time for you to get to your assigned seat. People who arrive late disturb the performers on stage and audience members. It is best to arrive about 30 minutes early so that you have time to purchase concessions, take care of personal needs (drinks of water or restroom), find your seat and read the program before the show starts.

May I use my electronic devices (cell phone, camera, etc) during the performance?

Please silence or turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones, beepers, and watch alarms. We encourage you to share your experience at the Saenger Theatre via social media, but please refrain from doing so or texting during performances; the glow from your device is distracting.

Are recording devices & cameras permitted in the theatre?

Recording devices and cameras are not permitted in the theatre.

What is appropriate theatre attire?

There is no specific dress code for attending shows at the Saenger Theatre. Guests should wear what is appropriate for the show they are attending. We usually suggest business casual attire.

May I bring a child to the theatre?

Children under the age of six are encouraged to attend only special children’s theatre events. Everyone entering the theatre must have a ticket regardless of age. For the comfort and enjoyment of all guests, children who are disruptive to other guests will be asked to leave the seating area. Parents should use their discretion when deciding what shows are appropriate for children.

Are refreshments available?

A Full-Service Bar is offered at all performances. Beverages include wine, beer, soft drinks, mixed drinks, champagne, margaritas, coffee, juice and water. Candy is also available. Outside food and beverage are not permitted in the theatre.

How can I purchase merchandise from a show?

Merchandise is sold in the theatre lobby, if the tour is selling merchandise.

Is smoking permitted in the theatre?

Smoking is not permitted in any area of the theater. Smoking patios are designated outside the main entrance.

Are assistive listening devices available?

Assistive listening devices are available for the hearing impaired. Patrons must present a valid driver's license or valid state identification when checking out units.

Are live interpreters offered for performances?

For Live interpreting dates and times for specific performances, please inquire at the Theatre Box Office. Productions without dialogue may not offer Open Captioning.

Is the Mahalia Jackson Theater handicap accessible?

The Mahalia Jackson Theater does offer accessible seating. Accessible seats may be purchased by phone or online through Ticketmaster.

What is the policy with regards to inclement weather?

We rarely cancel performances due to weather. In cases of inclement weather, we strongly recommend that patrons use public transportation where possible, travel safely and allow plenty of time to arrive at the theatre on time. During inclement weather, updates will also be posted on our website and Facebook page. We recommend that patrons check these sites frequently if there is a pending or occurring storm.

Are concealed weapons permit holders allowed to carry within the building?

  • Firearms are prohibited within the theatre

  • Backpacks are prohibited. Bags and purses are subject to search.

Ticket FAQs

Why should I buy from the Official and Authorized Ticket Resources?

  • We strongly urge all of our patrons to purchase their tickets through an Authorized Ticket Source which are the Saenger Theatre Box Office and Ticketmaster. We do not recommend that patrons purchase tickets through unauthorized outlets, online resellers or other ticket sales operations.

  • Tickets obtained from sources other than the Saenger Theatre Box Office or Ticketmaster may be lost, stolen or counterfeit and will not be honored. Please know whom you are purchasing your tickets from.

  • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Saenger Theatre Box Office prior to purchasing at 504-287-0351

When will tickets go on sale to the general public for a specific show?

Tickets go on sale to the general public throughout the year, typically a few months prior to the performance. The best way to be notified when shows go on sale is to join the eNews. Sign up today!

May I exchange or refund my single tickets?

All sales are final. No exchanges or refunds are given. Click here for more information.

What do I do if a performance is cancelled?

Tickets may be purchased at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, located at 1111 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday 12PM to 4PM. On performance days, the box office opens at 12 noon and closes at show time. For more information, contact us.

May I purchase tickets in person? What are the Theatre box office hours? When do the doors open prior to a performance? Are there walk-up sales on the night of the show?

Tickets can be purchased at the Saenger Theatre Box Office located at 1111 Canal St. in New Orleans from 9 AM - 5 PM Monday - Friday. Doors open 1 hour prior to performance time unless otherwise stated. You can purchase tickets at the Mahalia Jackson Theater Box Office on the night of the show, subject to availability.

I have lost my tickets. What should I do?

If you cannot find your tickets and have purchased them through an Authorized Ticket Source (Theatre Box Office, Ticketmaster or Broadway In New Orleans) we have a record of your sales transaction and can accommodate you. Please return to your point of purchase as soon as you as you discover you have misplaced your ticket(s). We will confirm your seating and issue a “Location Pass”, which you will pick up at the Will Call window one hour before your performance. For security purposes Location Passes will not be mailed. Identification and payment verification will be needed when you pick up the tickets. If tickets were purchased through an unauthorized ticket reseller, we cannot guarantee replacement.