House Rules

House Rules and Helpful Information

For the safety, convenience, and benefit of all performers, audience members, and staff, we ask that patrons please observe the following rules and regulations:

Upon arrival

  • You must be 21 years or older and provide a valid ID to purchase alcohol. 
  • Please do not leave personal possessions unattended. 

Upon entering the theater

  • All patrons must have a valid ticket regardless of age.  
  • Lap seats, if offered, are for 2 years and under. Baby carriers may be placed on seats if you have purchased a ticket for that seat. Carriers must not block the view of other patrons or impede egress in the aisle. 
  • Patrons must sit in their assigned seat. If you need to move your seat, please contact the Ticket Office. 
  • Patrons arriving after the start of a performance will be seated at an appropriate break in an appropriate location as determined by house management and as dictated by artists’ requirements.   

While inside the theater

  • Unless otherwise stated by the artist, the taking of photographs and the use of recording equipment are not permitted in the theater.
  • Food and drink are not permitted into the Concert Hall, with the exception of bottled water or our Venue Tumblers, which can be purchased at the concessions stand or the Ticket Office.  
  • In accordance to venue safety and fire code, all aisles must remain clear of objects at all times. Patrons must sit in a physical seat, and may not stand or sit on an aisle.  
  • Disturbing fellow patrons by loud conversation, phones, visual and auditory distractions, or otherwise inappropriate behavior is not permitted and may result in removal from the event without a refund.
  • All railings in the Concert Hall must remain clear of personal items at all times.
  • The following items are prohibited from the Concert Hall: 
    • Balloons
    • The use of Tobacco or vaping products
    • Flames of any kind
    • Fire arms
    • Animals, unless they are an ADA service animal. ADA service animals must remain leashed while on property. 

The following items are prohibited from the Concert Hall: 

  • Balloons
  • The use of Tobacco or vaping products
  • Flames of any kind
  • Fire arms
  • Animals, unless they are an ADA service animal. ADA service animals must remain leashed while on property.
  • Motorized scooters, skateboards, bikes, or other personal transportation devices besides those needed for accessibility purposes. There are bike racks available just outside of the building. 

Violation of House Rules or University Regulations may result in prosecution and/or removal from the event without a refund.

Learn about accessible options when visiting the Center for the Arts. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Lost Tickets

Please call the Ticket Office at 703-993-2787 if you have lost your tickets.

Locating Your Seats

Friendly house staff members are stationed throughout the Concert Hall prior to each performance to help guide you to your seats. Tickets include an indication of “left” or “right” to help facilitate the seating process. Please note that performances in Harris Theatre and deLaski 3001 are often general admission seating

Start Times, Late Seating, and Re-Entry Into Venue

Please allow extra time to reach the Fairfax campus and to check in and be seated. As a courtesy to the artists and our patrons, the Center for the Arts strives to start all performances on time. Patrons entering or re-entering after the start of a performance will be seated at an appropriate break in an appropriate location as determined by house management and as dictated by artists’ requirements.

Accessibility Accommodations

The Center for the Arts provides access for patrons with disabilities. Patrons with special needs should call the Center for the Arts Ticket Office at 703-993-8881 for information on accessible parking and seating areas. FM hearing devices, large print programs and other services are available for your convenience and comfort. Please contact the Ticket Office at least two weeks in advance of the performance with any special needs requests. More information about accessible options at the Center for the Arts.

Youth Tickets

All patrons, regardless of age, require a ticket. Children and youth through grade 12 may join a ticket holder for any Great Performances at Mason event at half of the regular price. There are many events identified as “Family Friendly Events” which we deem as most suitable for families with younger children to enjoy together. In an effort to ensure an exceptional experience for all of our patrons, we recommend that children attending events other than “Family Friendly” be at least six years of age. More information for families at the Center for the Arts.

Lost and Found

The Lost and Found is located at the Courtesy Desk directly behind the Ticket Office. Center for the Arts patrons can also call 703-993-2787 if they discover that they have left something behind. For events in Harris Theatre, TheaterSpace and deLaski 3001, items left behind may be claimed at the Lost and Found in the Johnson Center.  Wallets and cell phones are kept in the Center for the Arts safe.

Inclement Weather

The Center for the Arts makes every effort to present scheduled performances even in the event of inclement weather. However, there are times when extraordinary weather conditions cause an event to be cancelled or rescheduled. Please call the Ticket Office at 703-993-2787 or check the website homepage for performance updates. If an event is cancelled or rescheduled, you will be contacted by phone or email to notify you of your options regarding exchanges or refunds. Please contact the Ticket Office if your phone number and/or email address have changed.

Please note: Programs, artists, and dates are subject to change without notice.