Things to Know Before You Go

An afternoon or evening at the ballet is a special event, and with some advanced planning your ballet experience can be one you will remember forever

If you have not made a visit to a ballet performance before, you might wish to consider a few things before you buy your tickets. These are not hard and fast rules; but just suggestions you might wish to consider.

• Weekend matinee programs tend to have greater numbers of children in attendance than evening performances.
• If you have never seen a ballet before, many people choose to start with a full-length ballet such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty or Coppélia. These masterpieces from the 19^th century all have storylines, recognizable characters, sumptuous music, costumes and sets. Some of them are dramatic and others are wonderful comedies. These works show the grand tradition of ballet as we have always imagined it during the age of the czars and great courts of Europe

Children at the Ballet

The Nutcracker is the perfect way to introduce young children to the power and beauty of classical dance. Story ballets with familiar characters such as Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and Cinderella are also wonderful productions for children

These ballets such as The Nutcracker and the more familiar story ballets are recommended for children 4 and up. As a general rule, if your young child has been to the movies and been able to sit quietly for a reasonable period of time, they should do well at the ballet. It is important to judge your child’s maturity and their ability to enjoy the show without disruption to other patrons. Infants and babies in arms are not permitted at the theatre, nor are children under the age of three.

Please note that all children need a ticket.

The days of formal attire at the ballet, opera or symphony are long past. Today, most patrons come dressed in what might best be described as “dressy casual” clothes in which they are comfortable. Suit jackets and ties are not required for men. Jeans are acceptable, especially when worn with a dressy top or jacket. Individuals having an elegant “night out on the town” will come dressed for exactly that type of occasion. When there is an opportunity to have photographs taken with one of the characters from the performances, such as The Nutcracker, some families will come dressed in holiday finery or dressier clothing.

It is recommended you arrive at the Civic Theatre at least 30 minutes prior to the curtain time. Please allow sufficient time for unexpected traffic, especially during concurrent events downtown, and to secure parking. There is usually ample and convenient parking available if you arrive early. Should you arrive at the Theatre late or after curtain, you may be held in the lobby until there is a suitable seating break during the performance.

Parking for Balboa Theatre events generally requires arriving at least 60 minutes prior to curtain to avoid traffic delays in and around the Gaslamp District.

Audience members are admitted to the auditorium one half-hour (30 minutes) prior to the start of the performance. If audience members are picking up tickets at the Box Office, they should allow at least 20 minutes to do so, should there be long reservation lines

Tickets for children: No one, including small children, will be admitted to any performance without a ticket.

Cameras: The use of cameras and recording equipment is strictly prohibited during the performance.

House Opens: 30 minutes before the start of performance

Wheelchair Access Seating: Wheelchair access seating is available in all theaters. Please contact the box office at: 858-560-6741.

Directions and Parking:

Balboa Theatre
Civic Theatre
Poway Center for the Performing Arts

Seating Charts

Balboa Theatre (Level 1 / Level 2)
Civic Theatre
Poway Center for the Performing Arts