Frequently Asked Questions

Coming to Centre In The Square is a special outing, and we endeavour to make your attendance pleasant. For the enjoyment of everyone, we offer the following.

If you can't find your question answered below, call us at 519-578-5660 or
(toll free) 1-800-265-8977 or send us an email at feedback@centre-square.com
and we'll try and answer it for you.


What is Centre In The Square?
Centre In The Square, one of Canada’s premiere multi-purpose live performing arts venues is located in the heart of the Civic District. An acoustical and architectural jewel, Centre In The Square, was designed by Rieder, Hymmen and Lobban, and opened in September 1980. The focal point of the spacious building is the Raffi Armenian Theatre, one of North America's most expansive, acoustically superior halls. Specially designed to deliver optimal acoustics, performers rave about how they are heard with the same warmth and brilliance in the very last row as they are in the first.

Centre In The Square serves as a presenter of its own entertainment series as well as a rental facility for professional presenters, non-profit presenters, and local arts organizations. It is home to the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, KW Musical Productions and the Grand Philharmonic Choir.

How many seats are in Centre In The Square?
The 2,047-seat design offers exceptional, unobstructed views of the stage, which is one of the largest stages in North America, as well as state-of-the-art sound, lights and theatrical systems all designed to provide an amazing experience for patrons. Seating capacity varies from show to show depending on staging requirements, sound systems used etc. The Raffi Armenian Theatre has tri-level seating with a main orchestra level, mezzanine level and balcony.

How can I purchase tickets?
There are several ways to purchase tickets for events at Centre In The Square.

Buy Online
Online orders can be made with Visa or MasterCard only.

There is a per ticket convenience fee applied to the ticket price when ordering online. All online orders also incur a $4/order handling fee.

Phone the Ticket Centre
519-578-1570 or toll free 1(800) 265-8977

Phone orders require payment with Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

Tickets are not held without payment. There is a service charge of $4.25 per ticket to a maximum of $17 per order. All phone sales are final and no refunds are given.

Phone orders are mailed or held at the Ticket Centre at the customer's request.

In Person
Centre In The Square is located at 101 Queen Street North in Kitchener. There is free parking available in the ring driveways near the box office for ticket purchasers.

By Mail
Mail your ticket request to Centre In The Square Box Office, 101 Queen Street North, Kitchener, Ontario N2H 6P7

Please include your full name, address, telephone number, show request, number of seats required and price per ticket. Please also make sure that you include your signature with your order. Method of payment can be cheque, money order, Centre gift certificate or charge card. There is a $5 handling charge per mail order.

By Fax
The Ticket Centre fax number is (519) 578-1543. Please include your full name, address, telephone number, show request, number of seats required and price per ticket. Method of payment must be with charge card. Please include your signature with your order. There is a $5 handling charge per fax order.

At Another Outlet
Click here to view Centre In The Square's ticket outlets in other communities.

The Ticket Centre accepts - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Cheque, Cash, Interac, Money Orders, and Centre Gift Certificates.

How can I contact Centre In The Square?
Centre In The Square Administrative Offices 519-578-5660

Centre In The Square Ticket Centre 519-578-1570 or toll free t 1-800-265-8977

Centre In The Square can also be contacted at feedback@centre-square.com

Do I have to dress up to see a performance?
There is no formal dress code enforced in our theatre. At any given performance you’re likely to see everything from jeans to tuxedos. The best rule of thumb is to dress in business attire (unless a dress code is specified for a particular event).

How do I contact Lost and Found?
To check for articles left at Centre In The Square, please call 519-578-5660 x0.

Artist Substitutions
The program content is subject to change without notice. The appearance of specific artists or attractions is not guaranteed. Substitutions may be made, or concerts may be rescheduled.

Babes In Arms/Children
We welcome children, but very young children can be disruptive to a performance. Most live, professional theatre - unless specifically advertised as being for children or for the whole family - is intended as adult entertainment and may not be enjoyed by, or be suitable for, children. Children should be able to sit quietly in their own seats throughout a performance. Children unable to do so, along with the adult accompanying them, may be asked by an usher to leave the auditorium. Please use discretion in choosing to bring a child. Everyone in a live theatre audience, regardless of age, must have an assigned seat and a ticket. This is the case even if the child sits in your lap and not in his assigned seat.

Bars
The bars are located on the main floor and on the mezzanine. Bars offer liquor, wine, beer, liqueurs, coffee, soft-drinks, spring waters and sweet and salted snacks.

Cameras/Recording Devices
The taking of photographs or the use of a recording device is strictly forbidden. No cameras. Flash cameras interfere with the operation of our infrared listening system. Please check cameras and other recording devices with the House Manager.

Cell Phones/Blackberry/PDA/Pagers
Out of consideration for the performers and audience members, please make sure your cell phone or electronic device is turned off before you enter the hall. Pagers must be checked at the House Manager's Office before entering The Theatre.

CNIB
A person with a Canadian National Institute for the Blind card is allowed one complimentary ticket for his/her escort when they purchase tickets.

CRF
Capital Reserve Fund surcharge $2.25 (including GST) per ticket when top ticket price exceeds $10.00.

Concert Cancellations
If a concert is cancelled, refunds will be given to all ticket buyers. Ticket buyers are required to return their tickets, either in person, or by mail in order to receive the refund. Any service charges paid will also be refunded.

Discounts
Discounts are not necessarily offered to all categories, for all shows. However, when a discount is offered, the following applies.
* No double discounts.
* Senior discount applies to anyone over 60 years of age.
* Student discount applies to any full time student, with a valid student card.
* Children - usually applies to anyone 12 and under.
* From time to time other discounts may be offered. Ask the box office clerk for details.

Elevator
An elevator is located on the north side of the lobbies.

Exchanges
Tickets may be exchanged for another performance of the same show. Exchanges should be done, in person, at the box office, prior to the date of the first show involved. A fee of $3.00 per ticket is charged, unless you are upgrading seats or purchasing additional tickets. Exchanges over the phone or by fax are also possible. Please contact the Ticket Centre for the procedure and charges.

First Aid
A first aid attendant is available at every performance. The first aid room is located on the main lobby level across from the coat check. Physicians are requested to leave their names and seat locations with the House Manager.

Gift Certificates
Gift Certificates are available in any denomination and make a perfect gift. Gift certificates are like cash and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.

GST
For GST information, please contact Sharon McMorran at 519-578-5660 ext 229 or Brenda Asselstine at ext 215

Hearing Aid
The Centre has a Phonic Ear Starsound Infrared Listening System. Receivers should be picked up at least 15 minutes prior to the performance at the House Manager's office. Refundable deposit is $10. Rental fee is $2.00.

House Manager's Office
Please see the House Manager if you encounter any difficulties or have any special needs. The House Manager's office is located on the main lobby level across from the coat check.

Latecomers
In order to cause as little disturbance as possible to the performers and other audience members, latecomers will be seated during a suitable break in the performance. Should you leave the theatre during the performance, you will be re-admitted only during a suitable break.

Lost Tickets
Contact the Ticket Centre and a duplicate ticket voucher will be issued (at no charge) for you to pick up on the day of the show. However, the box office must have a record of the original order in the computer...so be sure when you order tickets, you give us all the information we request.

Obus Forme Back Supports
For your comfort Obus Forme Back Supports are available from the first aid room.

Opera Glasses
For rent for $5.00 at the House Manager's office (there is a $10 refundable deposit). These opera glasses have been supplied courtesy of Uptown Eyeworks.

Refunds
Refunds are only given in the event of a show's complete cancellation, or at the discretion of management. In the event that you are unable to use your tickets, please contact the box office. If the show is sold out, every effort will be made to sell the tickets on your behalf and your money will be refunded. There is a $4.00 per ticket charge for this service.

Restrooms
Located on the main and mezzanine levels. Balcony patrons will find the mezzanine restrooms most convenient.

Service Charges
• On single ticket orders - no charge when ordered in person, at the box office
• On-line, variable per ticket rate of $3-9 per ticket, plus $4.00 per order.
• By phone $4.25 per ticket to a maximum of $17.00
• By mail or fax $5.00 per order
• Series Orders - $4 - $8 per order, depending on the series & organization
• Ticket Exchanges - $3.00 per ticket

The exchange charge is waived if tickets are being upgraded or if additional tickets are being purchased. Members of Centre Star do not pay a service charge for exchanges.
* Re-selling a customer's tickets - $4.00 per ticket sold

Scent
In consideration of other patrons with allergies and sensitivities, please limit the use of all scent, including cologne, perfume and aftershave.

Smoking
Centre In The Square is a smoke-free facility.

Snacks
Chocolates and salted snacks are available at the bars or from our concession stands.

Tours
Have a look behind the scenes at The Centre. Tours can be booked by contacting the Centre's receptionist at 519 578 5660 ext. 0. The charge is $15 per group (maximum group size is 30).

Weather
Patrons unable to attend a show due to weather conditions should contact the Ticket Centre regarding possible ticket substitutions. This must be done prior to the performance.

Wheelchairs/ Walking devices
Wheelchairs and walking devices other than canes are not allowed above the ground floor level of The Theatre because of difficulty in evacuating in case of fire. If you are attending a performance in a wheelchair, please inform the box office when purchasing tickets and one of The Centre's wheelchair locations will be made available.