FAQ / First Time Guide
Attending a Performance FAQs
Where do CATCO performances take place?
CATCO performs in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, located at 77 South High Street on the northwest corner of State and High Streets, across from the Statehouse.
There are four performance spaces in the Riffe Center – The 227-seat Studio One, the 183-seat Studio Two, the 60-seat Studio Three, and the 903-seat Capitol Theatre. CATCO typically performs in Studios One, Two and Three.
Where can I get tickets?
There are three easy ways to order tickets for CATCO performances and to get information:
- Call the Ticket Office at (614) 469-0939.
- Drop by the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office – avoid the service charge and pay by cash, check or credit card.
- Log on to find out about the latest shows and buy your tickets online: www.catcoistheatre.com
Where is the CATCO ticket office?
CATCO shares ticket offices with CAPA, whose main ticket office is located in the Ohio Theatre, 39 East State Street across from the State House.
Also for your convenience, the studio theatre ticket office in the lobby outside Studios One, Two and Three opens two hours prior to showtime.
When is the box office open?
Ohio Theatre Ticket Office, 39 East State Street
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Studio Theatre Ticket Office
Day of Show: 2 Hours prior to Showtime
Can I get my tickets mailed to me?
CATCO will gladly mail your tickets or hold them for you at Will Call. For phone orders through the CAPA Ticket Office (614-469-0939) there is a $2.50 per ticket fee.
What happens when I leave a message at the ticket office?
When leaving messages for the ticket office staff, give as much contact information as possible including your full name, daytime phone number, and evening phone number. Messages will be returned in the order in which they were received. Unpaid reservations are not accepted on our voicemail or via email.
What do tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on the day of the performance. For specific prices call the ticket office.
All non-subscription phone orders carry a $2.50 / ticket handling charge; for internet purchases Ticketmaster charges will apply.
You can avoid the handling charges by purchasing your tickets in-person at the ticket office.
How can I get a special deal?
CATCO offers several discounted performances and series.
Take advantage of any of these great options to save!
Previews
Preview performances are available at a reduced rate and may be reserved in advance. Preview performances are very popular with CATCO subscribers so availability is limited.
Group Tickets
For group rates and information contact Jolane Campbell at (614) 719-6900.
Can I get a refund on my ticket?
No refunds can be made on any ticket. All ticket sales are final. Prices, shows, times, dates, venues and performers are subject to change without notice. CATCO reserves the right not to sell tickets to any individual and/or group or to limit the number of tickets that can be purchased. Only if CATCO cancels your performance will your ticket be exchanged or refunded.
Can I exchange my ticket for another performance?
All ticket sales are final. Single tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. Ticket exchange is a Subscriber benefit only and must be completed no later than 48 hours prior to the performance.
Subscribers may exchange their tickets for another performance of the same play. CATCO CANNOT EXCHANGE TICKETS ON OR AFTER THE DATE OF THE PERFORMANCE LISTED ON THE TICKET. Exchanges can be arranged in person or over the phone during regular business hours. If you are changing to a more expensive seating area or performance night, the difference in price will be collected. However, no refund is given when the new tickets are at a lower price.
What happens if I lose or forget my tickets?
If you should lose or forget your tickets, you can still attend your scheduled performance. Call the Ticket Office in advance or arrive at least 30 minutes before the show time and check in at the ticket office. Duplicate tickets can be reprinted for the scheduled performance. Duplicate tickets cannot be mailed. Once duplicate tickets have been issued, CATCO cannot honor the original tickets.
When does the theatre open before a performance?
It is CATCO’s policy to open the house for seating 30 minutes prior to curtain time. However, later rehearsals, sound/light checks or other issues may delay seating.
When should I get to the theatre?
The patron should arrive at the scheduled performance on time. Seating begins one-half hour prior to curtain time. If you require any special accommodations, please make that known at the time of your ticket purchase, and arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to curtain time for your scheduled performance.
Can I get in if I'm late?
CATCO does not guarantee late seating due to the intimate nature of Studios I, II and III.
To minimize the interruption of the performance, latecomers are seated at a time and in a location deemed appropriate by the theater manager, which may not be your ticketed seat location.
CATCO regrets that no refunds or price adjustments can be made if you arrive late for a performance.
Where can I eat before or after the show?
Within walking distance of CATCO:
Café Napolitana
40 N. High St. /614-224-3013
Reasonably priced pizza and Italian cuisine.
Due Amici
76 E. Gay Street /614-224-9373
Old world Italian Cuisine
El Arepazo
47 N. Pearl St. / 614-228-4830
Offering the best in traditional Latin foods.
Elevator Brewery & Draught House
161 N. High Street / 614-228-0500
Modern American with all-world influences
The Jury Room
22 E. Mound St. / 614-224-7777
Casual favorites such as pizza, appetizers and wings
Latitude 41
50 North Third St.
A cuisine based around the simplicity of the freshest, organic ingredients; crafted from seasonal local fare.
Mitchell's Steakhouse
45 N. Third / 614-621-2333
Fine dining in the New York steakhouse tradition.
Ringside Café
19 N. Pearl St. / 614-228-7464
Columbus’ oldest sports bar, known for their hamburgers named after famous boxers. Ringside serves reasonably priced American comfort food.
San Francisco Oven
65 E. State Street / 614-220-5600
Made-to-order gourmet pizzas baked on a hearth in a brick oven plus great sandwiches, salads and soups.
The High Street Grill
Westin Great Southern
310 S. High Street / 614-220-7007
An eclectic, modern menu selection in a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.
The Plaza Restaurant and Darby’s Sports Bar
Hyatt on Capitol Sq.
75 E. State Street / 614-365-4550
Creative American cuisine
Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails
73 E. Gay St.
Tipsy downtown neighborhood bar featuring Ohio comfort food, coffee and pies.
In nearby neighborhoods:
Betty’s Fine Food & Spirits
680 N. High Street / 614-228-6191
Features American eclectic cuisine including some unusual choices as jerk pork or blue-corn tortillas.
M
2 Miranova Place Ste. 100 / 614-629-0000
Upscale, dramatic twenty-first century dining.
Slammers Bar and Pizzeria
202 E. Long St. / 614-221-8880
Pizza, subs, salads, wraps and appetizers
Schmidts
240 E. Kossuth St. / 614-444-6808
German
Cotters Casual Fine Dining
200 W. Nationwide Blvd. / 614-221-9060
Fine Casual cuisine in the Arena District
The Olde Mohawk
819 Mohawk St. / 614-444-7204
Classic American
Lemongrass
641 N. High Street / 614-224-1414
Traditional Asian cooking blended with just about anything... French cuisine, American, Italian...
Flatiron Bar and Diner
129 E. Nationwide Boulevard / 614-461-0033
American-fusion cuisine in an “old-school” atmosphere.
Saigon Palace
114 N. Front St. / 614-464-3325
Contemporary Asian cuisine
Accessibility & Conveniences
CATCO is committed to providing full access for people with disabilities. For patrons with physical disabilities or mobility impairments, a limited number of seats are available. Special seating needs should be requested at the time of ticket purchase. Program notes in large print are available.
We are equipped with an Infra-Red Hearing Enhancement System. These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, for no charge, starting one-half hour prior to curtain. Please notify the theatre manager upon arrival to request a device. Additionally, an audio-described performance is held for each production. Signed performances must be requested at least 60 days prior to attendance. Call the ticket office for more information.
As a courtesy to CATCO patrons, a coat rack is made available. However, CATCO assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.
Lost and found items will be stored for a period of no more than three months. CATCO is not responsible for items lost or stolen in the theatre, The Riffe Center, or any parking facility. Contact the ticket office to inquire about such items.
Restrooms and water fountains are located near the Studio Theatre lobby elevator. Pay phones and additional restrooms are located on the third floor near the base of the escalators to the Studio Theatres.
Smoking is prohibited everywhere inside the Riffe Center. The designated smoking areas are outside the State and High Street entrances to the Riffe Center.
Why does CATCO collect my contact information?
CATCO requests names, addresses and phone numbers of all patrons to better serve them in the future. We may need to contact you should a problem arise with your seats, if a show is cancelled due to inclement weather, or to tell you about shows that might be of interest to you. CATCO will never sell your information, but may occasionally share your contact information with other area arts organizations with whom we partner. CATCO will never share your purchase history or credit card information. You can restrict CATCO from sharing your contact information, just let us know your wishes when we collect your information.
"The show must go on!"
In the event of hazardous weather conditions, determined by a “state of emergency” declaration by City, County or Sate officials, performances may be postponed or cancelled. A public service announcement will be sent to all major local radio and television stations. If this happens, hold on to your tickets. If time permits, you will be contacted prior to the performance to be informed of the cancellation. All ticket holders will be contacted with further information about your ticketing options following the postponement or cancellation. For cancellation information you may contact the ticket office. CATCO does not offer refunds when a performance has taken place as scheduled.
Theatre: The Next Generation:
Shhhh....There's an actor on stage:
Come to the theatre prepared to relax and enjoy. Please mute or turn off cell phones, pagers and watch alarms. Please be aware of adjusting hearing aids, as these devices can feedback during performances.
Candy and food are not allowed in the theatre, but feel free to bring in your favorite refreshing beverage for the lobby bar!
Can I take pictures or make recordings of the show?
In accordance with Actor’s Equity Association regulations and Federal copyright laws, the use of cameras and video/audio recording is strictly prohibited.
Dress code:
CATCO has no official dress code. Attire ranges from casual to business dress. It is CATCO’s philosophy that attending the theatre should not be intimidating or reserved for any specific group. As the theatre may be cool at times, layered clothing is recommended.
Give the gift of great theatre
An evening of theatre makes a great holiday gift and a unique qay to mark a special occasion. Gift Passes are available for purchase from the ticket office. They are valid for any CATCO performance in the current season – subject to availability.
77 South High Street, Second Floor ~ Columbus, Ohio 43215 ~ Box Office: 469.0939 | Board & Staff | Photo Credits
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