Theatre Etiquette
Guide to a Perfect Theatre Experience
The Imperial Theatre strives to provide you with a memorable theatre experience and we want you to help by remembering to show common courtesy to those around you. The following practices will ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the show.
At the Box Office
At time of purchase be sure to confirm the date and time on your tickets are the ones requested. Please note there are no refunds. Exchanges* are permitted at least one day prior to a performance for a nominal $2 per ticket on select shows. *Exchanges can only be made from one performance to another of the same production. (Theatre Sarnia Season Ticket holders are entitled to exchange tickets for two shows free of charge during the season.) We require time to process online ticket purchase. Tickets purchased online today, will be ready for pick up tomorrow.
Before Arriving at the Theatre
The Imperial Theatre has no official dress code for attending our shows. Please remember that many people are highly allergic to perfume or cologne. The theatre does not allow babes in arms into the auditorium. Everyone entering the theatre must have a ticket, regardless of age. Your infant is welcome to sit in your lap, but you must purchase a ticket for them. We encourage you to bring your children to age appropriate productions.
At the Theatre
- Turn Off All Electronic Devices: Please ensure that all cell phones, pagers, alarms, and similar devices are turned off before the performance begins, as any device that could disturb the performers or fellow audience members must be silenced. Using a cell phone to make video recordings during a performance is not only disruptive to those seated behind you but also constitutes a copyright violation and is inconsiderate to the performers.
- Be Considerate: Remember, you are attending a live show with a live audience, so please do not talk, whisper, sing, or hum during the performance unless the performers invite you to participate. Dancing or standing during a performance can obstruct the view of other patrons who have paid for an unobstructed experience. If anything disrupts your enjoyment of the show, please speak to a staff member or security for assistance. Kindly remove your hat while in the theatre to allow the person behind you an unobstructed view of the stage.
- Refreshments: Refreshments can be purchased at the licensed Capitol Bar or Nova Room Bar before the show and during intermission. Please note that the bars are closed during the performance. Only refreshments purchased at our bars may be brought into the auditorium.
- images: Photography of any kind, especially flash photography, is not permitted during the performance. Audio and video recordings are strictly prohibited under copyright law.
- Accessibility and Hearing Enhancement Devices: Accessible seating is available for patrons using wheelchairs or walkers, and we ask that you inform the Box Office staff of any accessibility needs when purchasing your tickets. The theatre has been upgraded with state of the art audio equipment. For this reason, we no longer provide hearing assist devices.
- Be on Time: Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to showtime to allow enough time to park, find your seats, and read the program before the performance begins. The time printed on your ticket is the actual start time of the performance. Entering the theatre after a performance has started disrupts both the performers and the audience. Please note: the main theatre entrance doors are locked once the performance begins. If you arrive after the doors have been locked, please give a gentle knock and be patient. The front of house staff will let you in. It is Imperial Theatre policy that latecomers will be seated during a suitable break at the discretion of the Front of House staff, and they may be asked to sit at the back until intermission.
- Show Your Appreciation: The performers value your applause and ovations as the highest reward for their artistic efforts. If you enjoyed the show, please share your experience with friends and encourage them to visit the Imperial Theatre!
- Complaints: Should any situation arise that requires attention, please speak to an Usher or a member of the Front of House staff. The staff and volunteers of the Imperial Theatre are dedicated to making your visit an enjoyable one, and we appreciate your support and love having you at the Theatre!