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FAQs

Looking for Bob Cole Conservatory of Music Events? Find a link in our tickets menu, above.

Looking to buy tickets to a Musical Theatre West performance, or have questions for MTW? Please contact MTW directly.

This FAQ was updated on July 20, 2022.

Vaccine and Masking Policies

What is your vaccine and masking policy?

Attendees of a season performance who show proof of full vaccination, and attendees of non-season performances (Musical Theatre West, rental events, etc.) who self-attest that they are fully vaccinated, are not required to mask while indoors, although masking is strongly recommended.

Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated attendees may attend both season and non-season performances, but must wear a mask at all times while inside our building.

Children over the age of 2 who are not vaccinated must wear a mask.

In accordance with guidance from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and CSULB, continued indoor masking is strongly recommended for ALL patrons—regardless of vaccine status. Recommended masks include surgical, N95, KN95, or KF94 masks. Unvaccinated patrons wearing bandanas, scarves, face shield-only protection, or masks with exhalation valves are not permitted in our building. Please revisit our FAQ page prior to attending an event at the Carpenter Center for our latest attendance guidance.

What health and safety improvements have been made to the Carpenter Center?

We have upgraded our air filtration system throughout the Center, as well as increased outdoor fresh-air exchange. Along with new signage, sanitation stations, and upgrades to our Cabaret seating, we have installed Plexiglas partitions at all our counters in our lobby. Our facility sanitation continues to follow CDC guidelines, with all frequently touched surfaces being cleaned by approved disinfectants.

What else should I know about attending a performance during the pandemic?

The Carpenter Center follows state, city, and campus health guidelines for indoor public gathering and may institute stricter guidelines based on coronavirus conditions. Please check our website and this page for our latest recommendations before arriving for a performance. To easily comply with late-breaking restrictions, you may wish to bring a mask and proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test with you.

Important: Please do not attend the Carpenter Center if you or anyone in your party has a fever or any other symptom of COVID-19, or has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last two weeks, or has had close contact with anyone suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19 within the past two weeks.

By purchasing a ticket, you assume all risks, hazards, and dangers arising from or relating in any way to the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Upcoming Shows

Who is performing at the Carpenter Center?

Check our homepage to view our current season. Be the first to know about future performances by joining our mailing list and following us on social media.

Do you mail out a season brochure?

For the 2022-2023 season, select subscribers and ticket holders will receive announcements by postal mail. We encourage everyone to learn about upcoming performances on our website, by subscribing to our e-mail newsletter, and by following us on social media.

Will programs be available?

Yes.

Tickets

When can I purchase tickets?

2022-2023 season tickets are now on sale. We announce all ticket sales dates on our website, our e-mail newsletter, and on social media.

How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets are available for purchase and electronic delivery on our website. Phone orders are available at limited capacity at 562.985.7000. For purchasing tickets for groups of 12 or more, visit the Ticket Office page to learn more. Please note that everyone who enters the theatre, including babes in arms, must have a ticket by order of the State Fire Marshal.

Is help available for ordering tickets online?

Yes. Our ticketing system has changed from our last season. Watch a step-by-step walk-through video on how to place a ticket order.

Do you offer subscriptions?

Yes. New series subscriptions are available for a limited time at the beginning of each season.

Do your Cabaret shows include dinner and refreshments?

Dinner availability for our 2022-2023 season cabaret shows will be contingent on COVID conditions. You may be contacted a month before a cabaret performance with updates on dinner availability. Subject to change.

Will I receive a refund if a show is postponed?

Ticket holders to postponed shows will be notified of a new performance date.

Will I receive a refund if a show is canceled?

Yes. Refunds will be automatically issued. If you have not received a refund four weeks after the canceled show, please contact us.

Do you offer refunds if I am unable to attend a performance for any reason other than a show’s cancellation?

We are only able to issue refunds for shows that have been canceled.

Are there discount student tickets or special ticket offers?

Please visit our Special Offers page to view all currently available discounts and offers.

Attendance and Seating

Where are you located?

The Carpenter Center is located on the campus of California State University, Long Beach at 6200 E. Atherton St. Long Beach, CA 90815. View directions and parking information. Our Box Office is located along Atherton St, on the side of our building.

How early can I arrive to a performance?

The Carpenter Center lobby typically opens one hour prior to showtime. Please give yourself a little bit of extra time to purchase a parking pass if you plan to park in our lot.

Where can I view seating charts?

Visit our Seating Charts page to view seating charts for the Carpenter Center as well as other on-campus and community venues. You also have the opportunity to view available seating for most events when purchasing a ticket.

What is your late seating policy?

Patrons who enter the theatre after the performance begins will be seated at an appropriate time at the back of the theatre, if open seats are available.

Do you have a Lost and Found?

To inquire about personal items left at the Carpenter Center, call (562) 985-4274.

Are outside food and drinks allowed in the theatre?

No.

Are food and drinks be available for purchase in the lobby?

Health guidelines in place at the time of a performance will determine the availability of refreshments.

Can I take video or pictures of a performance?

Photography and videography are not allowed during Carpenter Center performances.

Can I bring large bags or backpacks into the theatre?

We ask that you refrain from bringing large bags or backpacks into the theatre. The Carpenter Center is unable to accomodate and store items during a performance.

Accessibility

What are your wheelchair and ADA accommodations?

Disabled seating and wheelchair access seats are available. Please inform the Ticket Office when purchasing tickets. See our accessibility page to learn more.

Are listening devices available?

Yes. For patrons without a hearing aid, assistive listening devices are available for all performances at no charge at the lobby reception desk. The receivers have an adjustable volume control and can be used with any 3.5mm phone jack-style headset. You may use your personal headset or one we provide. For patrons with a hearing aid, please inquire about our induction loop system rather than a headset. We require a driver's license or similar ID to borrow a listening device.

Parking

Where do I park, and how much is parking?

Campus parking is available in Lot G12, directly in front of the Carpenter Center at 6200 E. Atherton St. Long Beach, CA 90815. Campus parking is $15.

For a touchless parking experience—and to skip the lines at the parking kiosks—purchase your parking ahead of time using the ParkMobile App. Here's how:

  1. Download the ParkMobile App on your smart phone.
  2. On the day of the performance, open the ParkMobile app and purchase a parking permit.
  3. Select or enter parking zone number 3957 for the Carpenter Center lot, then select your vehicle and form of payment.
  4. Simply drive into Lot G12, park, and enjoy the performance. No other action is needed after you arrive on campus if parking was purchased ahead of time through the ParkMobile App.

If you'd like to pay for your parking days, weeks, or even months in advance, please visit the ParkMobile website in a browser, select your show, and complete your checkout. Be sure the license plate number you enter is from the vehicle you intend to park in our lot.

Learn more about Parkmobile and parking on campus.

You may also use a pay station within Lot G12 to pay for parking using a debit or credit card. The pay station kiosks do not accept cash.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your vehicle's license plate number will be required when paying. For assistance, please see an attendant in the lot.

Free Events and Educational Opportunities

How do I attend a free event?

The Carpenter Center's Arts for Life program includes free community concerts, lectures, and more. View the Arts for Life calendar to view upcoming events.

I'm a teacher. Do you have any arts enrichment opportunities I can provide my students?

Please see the Classroom Connections information on our Arts for Life program page to sign up for our free educational arts programs.

Rentals and Tours

Can I hold my event at the Carpenter Center?

The Carpenter Center is an elegant and affordable venue. Please visit our Rental Information page for more information, including application forms and facility diagrams.

What types of tours of the Carpenter Center do you offer?

The Carpenter Center offers Educational Facilities tours for interested educators and students. We also offer tours of our Richard and Karen Carpenter Exhibit, featuring a display of awards and memorabilia of the popular music duo. Learn how to make an appointment for either tour on our Tour page.

Donations and Volunteering

How can I make a donation?

If you would like to make a donation to the Carpenter Center, you may do so on our donation page.

Does the Carpenter Center have volunteer opportunities?

Yes. View our Volunteer page for volunteer opportunities.

If your question isn’t answered above, you can e-mail us or leave a phone message with our Administrative office at 562.985.4274. For ticket or show-related questions, please leave a message with our Box Office at 562.985.7000. Our response times are currently impacted. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding. Thank you.