Capitol Center for the Arts

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When is the Box Office open?
The Box Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. Between Labor Day and Memorial Day, the Box Office is also open on Saturdays, 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. Additionally, the Box Office is open one hour prior to each show for ticket sales exclusively to that performance and closes one-half hour after the performance begins.

Where can I view a seating chart?
Seating charts are available at the Box Office and online. Visit ccanh.com, then click on "About the CCA" and then "Seat chart." For reserved seating performances you will select your seats on the seat map when ordering tickets.

Can I make a reservation?
No. The Capitol Center requires full payment for all shows. The only exceptions are for large groups (see Group Sales) or School Series performances.

Can I return my tickets?
All sales are final. We do not offer refunds. Members of the Capitol Center for the Arts, may exchange tickets for credit towards future performances by returning the tickets to the Box Office at least 24 hours in advance of the performance. For more information about the benefits of membership, please visit ccanh.com and click on "Support the CCA."

What do I do if the show is cancelled?
In the event of a cancellation we will make every effort to notify patrons beforehand, often by telephone. You will be instructed to return your tickets to the Box Office for a refund. If you purchased your tickets with a credit card, your account will be credited. If you purchased your tickets with cash or a check, you will be mailed a refund check. Refunds cannot be processed for cash.

What if I can't make it because of the weather?
If the show goes on as scheduled we are contractually obligated to pay the performers. Therefore, we do not offer weather-related refunds.

What can I do with my unused tickets if I am not a member?
For sold out shows the Box Office will attempt to resell unused tickets. The tickets must be delivered to the Box Office before we can offer them for resale. If we are able to resell the tickets a payment will be issued equal to the value of the tickets, either by crediting the credit card through which the payment was originally made or via check. If a performance is not sold out, tickets may be donated up to 24 hours before the event to the Capitol Center for resale. Upon resale of those tickets, a receipt for tax purposes will be sent to you.

As a member, is there anything special for me if I can't use my tickets?
If a conflict arises, you may exchange your tickets for credit toward future events. Tickets must be presented at the Box Office no later than 24 hours in advance of the performance.

Why is there a ticketing fee?
The Capitol Center invested in a sophisticated ticketing computer system that allows patrons to choose their own seats when ordering via telephone or the Internet. To help offset the cost of this system we instituted a $4 processing fee for each ticket purchased by telephone or online. There is no fee for tickets purchased in-person at the Box Office during regular business hours.

Does my infant need a ticket if she is going to sit in my lap during a performance?
Yes. Every person attending a performance is required to have a ticket, including babes in arms. This allows us to keep track of the number of people at an event in case of emergency.

If I purchase multiple tickets to a performance, will my seats be together?
Our staff will always select consecutive seats when filling your order, unless you have specifically requested otherwise. If there is any problem placing your seats together a Box Office representative will contact you before processing your order.

When I received my tickets they were seats 14, 16, and 18. Are my seats together?
Yes. All seats on the right side of the theatre are even numbered and seats on the left side of the theatre are odd numbered. Seats in the center are numbered consecutively. This numbering system helps our ushers direct you to your seats quickly and efficiently.

What's the difference between mezzanine and balcony?
The mezzanine is the first three rows of the theater's upper level. The balcony is everything behind the mezzanine. The two sections are divided by a wide walkway.

How will I know if I can see the stage from my seats?
The Box Office will always advise you about obstructed-view seats.

Is this show reserved seating or general admission?
The Capitol Center rarely sells general-admission tickets to shows. Therefore, if you purchased a ticket from the Capitol Center, it is most likely for reserved seating (indicated by section, row and seat numbers). Occasionally, such as in the case of military bands, The Spotlight Cafe, and some William H. Gile Concert Series performances, we may issue general-admission tickets.

Can I buy tickets for another performance while I'm at the theater to see a show?
The Box Office is staffed for performances so that it may efficiently serve patrons attending the show and cannot sell tickets to other shows. However, there is an automated ticket kiosk in the vestibule that is available whenever the theater is open.

Do you have rush seats/discounts?
We generally do not offer discounted “rush” tickets. Occasionally, promotional discounts will be offered, with notification through advertising and to members of the Capitol Center's email club. (To join the email club, visit ccanh.com and click on “Get Show Updates.”)

How early should I come for free shows to get a seat?
The theater usually opens 45 minutes before show time for all free shows, including those presented by the William H. Gile Concert Series. Depending on the popularity of the show, people sometimes begin lining up as early as two hours before show time, as free shows are almost always general admission. You can check with the Box Office at (603) 225-1111 for an indication of the show's popularity.

Why do I have to wait in line for free shows?
Until shortly before show time, performers and stage crew members are setting up the theater and conducting sound and light checks, and cannot work with patrons in the audience. As a courtesy, we make every effort to let patrons wait indoors, especially on cold or rainy nights. However, fire capacity laws limit the number of patrons in the lobby, so when that capacity is reached we must ask late-arriving patrons to wait outside.

Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes. You can purchase gift certificates in any amount at the Box Office or by phone at (603) 225-1111. Gift certificates for selected set amounts are available online in the "Find show/Event" menu.

Can I redeem my gift certificate over the phone?
Yes. Gift certificates with a redemption number may be redeemed online or over the phone. Gift certificates without a redemption number must be submitted to the Box Office either in person or by mail.

GENERAL CONVENIENCE

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Where do I park?
There is free on-street parking after 5 p.m. and a parking garage located three blocks north of the Capitol Center at Capitol Commons. The garage entrance is on Storrs Street.

Where is the handicapped parking?
The City of Concord has designated two spaces directly in front of the Capitol Center for handicapped parking. Additional spaces are available prior to and during most performances.

Where is the closest ATM?
There is an ATM in the lobby of the Capitol Center.

Where are the closest restaurants?
There are many fine restaurants within walking distance of the Capitol Center. Many support the Capitol Center through our Restaurant Sponsor program, and we encourage you to patronize those establishments. A list of Restaurant Sponsors is located in the back of your program and is also online at ccanh.com.

PROGRAMMING/MARKETING

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Where can I see an up-to-date list of all shows coming to the Capitol Center?
Current listings can be found in the display rack in the vestibule to the left of the Box Office and online at ccanh.com. Join our email club and have show information emailed right to you! Visit ccanh.com and click on “Get Show Updates.”

Who is responsible for deciding which shows will be booked?
The majority of shows presented at the Capitol Center are booked by the Center's programming department. However, many shows are presented by outside promoters who rent the theater and are responsible for setting the ticket prices, advertising and the quality of the production.

Why don't you bring in (insert your favorite artists here)?
There are many factors that go into deciding what artists to book — artist fees and availability, the size of the show (will it fit on our small stage?), how many people will attend and how much will they pay. Oftentimes, artists either don't have a big enough following or are so popular that we can't afford them.

The performance was different from the advertising. Why did this happen?
We strive to provide accurate information at all times about upcoming performances. Occasionally information provided to us by artists does not accurately reflect the performance presented because artists reserve the right to make last-minute changes or because information sent to us is outdated.

Is this an art museum?
No. The Capitol Center is a performing arts center.

Do you offer classes?
The Capitol Center's Education Department offers a number of professional development workshops for educators who use performing arts as a teaching tool in the classroom. For more information, call the Director of Education at (603) 225-1111, ext. 108. We presently do not offer theater classes or summer camps.

I have an idea for an artist I think will do well at the Capitol Center. Are you interested?
Absolutely! You can email our Director of Programming, at friends@ccanh.com with your suggestions.

Why didn't I know who was the opening act?
Opening acts are often booked long after the main act is announced and advertised. You can always call the Box Office at (603) 225-1111 to find out who is opening. We will also post the information at ccanh.com as soon as it is available.

I notice occasional political events at the Capitol Center. Why do you do that?
As part of its mission to be a resource to the entire community, the Capitol Center is available for rent by any organization. The Center does not discriminate on any grounds, including political affiliation. The Capitol Center is never the official presenter of political events. We encourage all poitical organizations to consider renting our facilities. For more information, please contact our events manager at (603) 225-1111, ext. 114, or click on "Rent the CCA" at ccanh.com.

YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE SHOW

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Why is the sound so loud? And its flip-side, why can't I hear?
The Capitol Center has a state-of-the-art sound system that is calibrated to provide appropriate sound levels to all areas of the theater. Artists and their staff have specific requirements about how their shows should sound. The Capitol Center staff works closely with the artists to ensure that the levels are appropriate. However, from time to time, some audience members may find the levels either too loud or too soft for their personal taste. The Capitol Center has personal earplugs available for the audience; please contact an usher if you would like a pair. The Capitol Center has a listening enhancement system provided to patrons at no charge. You may pick up a headset at the box office, or ask any usher for assistance.

Can I bring food or drinks into the theater?
Yes, food and drinks from our concessions are allowed, except for alcoholic beverages or hot drinks.

Why is it so hot? Why is it so cold?
Regulating the temperature of a large building filled with as many as 1,300 people is a tricky matter, as all those bodies raise the air temperature by several degrees. If you find it cool when you enter the building, you can expect the temperature will rise quickly as the theater fills. Please let an usher know if you believe the theater is too warm or too cool.

Are cameras/recording devices allowed at the performance?
No. Cameras (with or without a flash), video equipment or recording devices are not allowed unless the performer grants special permission. Unauthorized equipment is subject to confiscation. If you would like to check your equipment during the performance, please speak to an usher or the House Manager.

Do you provide a wheelchair for patrons?
We do have one wheelchair. Please ask an usher for assistance.

Why isn't there more leg room?
When the theater was built in 1927, the average American male was around five-feet, six-inches tall. When we renovated the building in 1995 we increased leg room in the orchestra by removing two rows. In the balcony, however, each row is on its own concrete level, and the seats were already pushed back as far as they would go. Expanding leg room in the balcony would require demolishing the current balcony and rebuilding it from scratch.

Who do I see if I have a problem during the performance?
Direct your question first to an usher. If he or she can't help, you will be directed to the House Manager.

Why do you allow standing up in front during concerts?
Our ushers are instructed to make every effort to keep people in their seats, but performers often encourage their fans to gather in front of the stage.

What should I do if I'm being disturbed by the behavior of nearby patrons?
Don't hesitate to notify an usher, who has been trained to deal with most issues. They are there to assist you.

I'm sitting behind a large wheelchair and can't see. Can I switch seats?
We recognize that some motorized wheelchairs block the view of patrons sitting in the next row. Please see an usher.

Can I meet the artists? Get autographs?
Occasionally artists will agree to meet with fans after the show, and will usually do so in the lobby or The Governor's Hall. Otherwise, audience members are not allowed backstage.

Why do I have to wait in the lobby if I'm late? Why no late seating?
Each show has its own policy for late seating, and we are contractually obligated to oblige. The House manager and ushers are following with the artists' instructions and appreciate your understanding.

Can I move into unoccupied seats?
We do not encourage audience members to move into unoccupied seats, as those seats may belong to late-arriving patrons.

Where do I put my coat?
The Capitol Center does not have a coat check and is unable to assume responsibility for any items left unattended. We ask that you not drape coats over the balcony walls.

Where is the lost and found?
The lost and found is located in the Box Office. You may ask an usher to look for a lost item or call the Box Office the next business day.

MEMBERSHIP/DONOR RELATIONS

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How do I become a member?
Lots of ways! Look for a remittance envelope in your playbill or in the lobby. Sign up on line at ccanh.com by clicking on "Support the CCA." For more information on membership, call (603) 225-1111, ext. 104.

How do I become an usher?
You can sign up online at ccanh.com by clicking on "Volunteer," call (603) 225-1111, ext. 115, or ask an usher or House Manager at any performance.

Why do you ask for money beyond ticket costs?
Ticket revenue covers only about 60 percent of the Center's expenses, so we rely heavily on donations from individuals and corporate members. The Capitol Center is a non-profit organization and must continually raise money to support its mission to bring high-quality performances and educational opportunities to the community.

Why do members get better seats?
The Capitol Center is grateful to our many members who so generously support the theater each year. Their valuable investment in the CCA and their belief in our role as a vital commmunity resource is critical to our future. We are happy to thank them by providing them with the best seats in the house. If you are not a current CCA member we invite you to join and receive this great member benefit at every show!

Can I sit in the seat with my name on it? For free?
No. The Capitol Center honors donors of $500 or more with a plaque on the back of a theater seat. While you can certainly ask to sit in those seats when purchasing tickets, donors are not entitled to sit in "their own seats," nor do we offer discounts to seat donors. The Box Office has a book indicating the location of all named seats. For more information on buying a seat, contact the Development Department at (603) 225-1111, ext. 105 or 106.

Why is there a range of membership levels?
Membership starts at as little as $50 per year at the Chorus level and increases incrementally up to the Executive Producer level for donations of up to $5,000. We created a range within each level to allow donors to set their own donation amount, but you can always donate at each level's minimum amount and still enjoy the full benefits.

What is the Ovation Society?
Pledging $5,000 or more qualifies donors as members of the Ovation Society, the premier group of individuals who support the ongoing work of the Capitol Center. Minimum entry is $1,000 per year for five years. Members enjoy exclusive privileges and receive special recognition including automatic membership at the Producer or Executive Producer level. Call the Director of Development for more information at (603) 225-1111 x106.

ABOUT THE FACILITY

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What are the funny painted squares on the wall?
Those are pieces of the original stenciling from 1927, when the theater was built. We left them exposed to give patrons a sense of what the theater looked like before it was renovated in 1995. There are plaques near each exposed section of stenciling explaining their origins.

What is the history of this building?
The Capitol Theatre, as it was then known, opened January 30, 1927 as a vaudeville and movie house. The theater was purchased by the non-profit Capitol Center for the Arts in the early 1990s and renovated in 1995 and again in 2003. You can read more at ccanh.com by clicking on "About the CCA."

Why do you spell Capitol with an "o" instead of an "a?"
We assume that the owners of the Capitol Theatre simply spelled capital incorrectly. When the Capitol Center for the Arts purchased the theater it was easier to just continue spelling capital with an "o."

How do I get into the theater?
Enter the vestibule at the end of the brick walkway. To your left you will see a staircase that leads to the orchestra and balcony. To your right you will see the Box Office and several doors that lead to the main lobby. In the lobby there are doors to the left and right that lead to a flight of stairs to the orchestra. At the back of the orchestra there are two additional flights of stairs (one to the left, and one to the right) that lead to the balcony. You can reach the orchestra (but not the balcony) via the elevator that is located in the front right corner of the main lobby.

I'm standing in the main lobby. Where is the theater?
The theater is located directly above the lobby. If you are facing The Governor's Hall (straight ahead), there are doors to your left and right leading to the stairs to the theater. You do not have to enter on the side where your seats are located; ushers at the top of the stairs can lead you to your seats. There is also an elevator located in the right hand corner of the lobby that will take you to the orchestra (but not the balcony). Stairs to the balcony are located at the back of the orchestra.

Where are the bathrooms?
The main bathrooms are located in the lobby, women's on the left, men's on the right. Both are wheelchair accessible. There are also bathrooms in the balcony hallway, women's on the left, men's on the right.

Where is the telephone?
There is a courtesy phone, from which you can make local calls or long-distance calls with a phone card, located on the extreme left-hand wall of the vestibule.

Where can I find a water fountain?
There are fountains located outside each of the lobby bathrooms. There is also a vending machine stocked with bottled water in the center of the balcony hallway.

Where are the concessions?
Depending on the show, the concession booth, at which you can purchase snacks and drinks, will be located either in the main lobby or at the back of The Governor's Hall, the large function room behind the lobby. Visiting artists sometimes set up their own concession booths. Those will be located either in the lobby or on the right side of The Governor's Hall.

How many stairs are in the theater?
From the lobby to the orchestra there are 26 stairs, but there is an elevator that will take you from the lobby to the orchestra. From the orchestra level to the balcony there are 31 stairs. Once you are at the balcony level there are stairs to each row.

How much is the stage elevated? How far is the first row in the orchestra from the stage?
The stage is elevated three-feet, two-inches from the orchestra floor and the first row of the orchestra is about six feet from the stage.

What number do I leave the baby-sitter?
If you are attending a performance or a private event at the Capitol Center, tell your caregiver to call 603.545.7786 and leave a message. If you are attending a performance be sure to include your section, row and seat number in the message.

What other kinds of activities take place at the Capitol Center?
The Center hosts weddings, business conferences, benefits, holiday parties, reunions, trade shows and other private events. For rental information, call (603) 225-1111, ext. 114.

What is The Kimball House? Is it part of the Kimball Jenkins Estate?
The Kimball House is a stately 19th-century Victorian mansion that is eligible for the National Register of Historic places. It serves as administrative office space for the Capitol Center and has played host to intimate dinner parties, business retreats and meetings. For rental information, call (603) 225-1111, ext. 114. It is not part of the Kimball Jenkins Estate.

Do you do tours? Can I see the theater?
Yes. You can arrange a tour by calling (603) 225-1111, ext. 114.