Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

Season Package Holder FAQ

COVID-19 FAQ
 

General FAQ

Q: Is Writers Theatre fully accessible?

• We have fully accessible parking spaces near both of our venues. Parking > 
• WT also provides additional services for people with difficulty seeing, hearing or moving. Accessibility >
• Feel free to contact the Box Office to find out about Writers Theatre's accessibility accommodations.

Q: What age is appropriate for Writers Theatre attendance?

A: It is our policy to grant admittance only to persons 10 years of age or older. Young patrons must be accompanied by an adult. For information about the suitability of individual productions for various ages, contact the Box Office.

Q: I have a conflict for the date I am scheduled to attend. Can I exchange my tickets? 

• Subscribers are welcome to exchange their tickets (up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled performance). In order to exchange for a new performance date/time, contact the Box Office by phone or in person. (We are unable to process any ticket-related requests—including exchanges—via email.)
• Non-subscription tickets are not exchangeable or refundable. They are, however, transferable! If you find that you cannot attend the performance for which you have tickets, you may give friends your physical tickets or have them mention your name at will call.

Q: What if I miss my scheduled performance?

A: For Subscribers who miss their scheduled performance (or need to exchange tickets with less than 48 hours’ notice), we offer standby tickets to future performances of the same production. Arrive at the theatre 1 hour prior to the performance start time and check in at the Box Office. At curtain, any open seats will be offered to our standby Subscribers.

Q: I am not able to attend a production for which I have already purchased tickets. What are my options?

A: For Subscribers, if it is more than 48 hours prior to your originally scheduled performance, you can exchange your tickets for a different day free of charge by calling the Box Office. Alternatively, up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled performance, Subscribers may donate tickets back to the theatre for a tax-deductible donation by contacting the Box Office. You will be sent a donation confirmation letter for your tax records. 

If you are not a Subscriber, you may transfer your tickets to someone else – such as a friend or family member who would come in your place by giving them your physical ticket(s) or having them mention your name at will call on the day of the performance. 

Season Package Holder FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a Subscription and a Membership?

A: With a Classic Subscription, you get 4 season tickets, just like you’re used to. Classic Subscriptions also allow you to renew into your Fixed Seats, on set performance dates during each run once dates are announced. With all the comfort and convenience you enjoy year after year, and benefits like no-fee exchanges, we’ve got you covered.

With the premiere of our New Membership, you can choose to “Pay As You Go” after an up front Membership fee, or pay in full for 4 tickets to use throughout the season as you see fit! Designed for those who want the freedom and flexibility of a more adaptable package to adjust to your schedule.

Q: How do I decide which package is right for me?  

A: Our goal is to provide a variety of ways to join Writers, so that there is an option that is right for everyone. For example: if you are looking for the best savings, you can see that a Membership saves you over 50% off our top ticket price. Looking to renew into your favorite seats and the best benefits? Select which Classic Subscription is best for you and your budget.

Q: What if you aren’t able to produce the certain shows this season? Will I get a refund? 

A: We have developed a brand new back-up plan that we call “Cancelled Performance Assurance.*” If we are unable to produce plays as a result of COVID-19, you have several options for your pre-paid tickets from cancelled performances:

1. You may convert your subscriber ticket to an additional guest ticket to be used for any other WT performance this season, at no additional charge! (Offer it to a friend, or come see a show a second time!)
2. Donate the value to WT as a tax-deductible contribution. Your support goes a long way to keep WT producing for years to come.
3. Give 2 students the gift of live theatre! Just say the word and you can generously cover the cost of 2 student tickets to a WT production this season. 
4. Enter to win! A small number of lucky subscribers will be randomly chosen to attend an exclusive WT reception and performance later this season, to mingle with artists and party in style. You can convert your ticket value into a raffle ticket to increase your chances of winning! You are welcome to invite a friend to use the prize instead. 
5. Receive a gift certificate for the value of your ticket for use at a future WT performance. WT gift certificates never expire! 

*Cancelled Performance Assurance options are subject to change, based upon the effect of COVID-19 on Writers Theatre's activities, events and productions. 

Q: If I change my mind about feeling safe to come back to the theatre, can I get a refund? 

A: If we are able to produce plays, whether in-person or virtual, we will not be offering refunds. We are currently looking into virtual programming that we can bring you remotely, whether it's plays, interviews, or specially developed pieces for Zoom. There should be plenty of programming that you can feel comfortable attending! 

Q: Will my performance dates be assigned for me like in my previous fixed subscriptions? If so, how much notice will I receive?  

A: Your dates will be assigned to you if you opt for one of the Classic Subscriptions: Premiere, Standard or Preview. We will aim to have your performance date information at least 8 weeks before the first Preview performance of each production.  

Q: I have been a Fixed Seat Subscriber for X years, but want to switch to Membership this year instead. Will I be able to renew into my old fixed seats in a future season? 

A: Unfortunately, we are not able to prevent other Subscribers from renewing into your seats if you choose to not renew them this season. The best way to guarantee your same seats year to year would be to renew as a Subscriber, versus a Member. 

Q: I am not a current subscriber. Can I buy a new Classic Subscription? 

A: Due to the unconfirmed start date of this season’s productions, “Fixed Seat” Classic Subscriptions are currently only available for patrons renewing their seats from the 19/20 Season. New season package holders have their choice of 2 types of Membership: PAY AS YOU GO and UP FRONT FLEX. 

 If you are interested only in a Classic Subscription, we hope to open those up to new subscribers once we have firm dates announced for each production. At this time, however, the Classic Subscriptions are in a priority renewal period for renewing subscribers. 

Q: How many tickets can I buy with my Membership? 

A: Each membership unlocks four deeply discounted tickets to use throughout the season (at $35 each) and unlimited additional tickets at our member guest rate of $40 each. 

Q: What if I use up my four $35 Member tickets before the end of the season? 

A: As a Member, you will have access to unlimited $40 guest tickets! Use these for yourself or for a friend.  

Q: What kind of savings can I expect with the PAYG Membership? 

A: Regular tickets to Writers Theatre go for up to $80 apiece for our most popular shows. With a PAYG Membership, you can lock-in your low ticket price now plus member benefits with your one-time $80 Membership fee. After booking 2 of your discounted tickets, you are already getting a great deal - plus the benefits of priority advance booking, no-fee exchanges and more! 

Q: I am interested in one of the Memberships. Will my tickets be eligible for the Cancelled Performance Assurance plan?

A: As a Member, you won’t be locked into seeing all 4 productions - you get the flexibility to use the tickets as you choose! Therefore, if we are forced to cancel a production, your Membership does not lose value. You will be encouraged to use your Member tickets for any of our productions that do go on.  

Q: What are the exchange policies? 

A: We offer exchanges free of charge, up to 24 hours before the scheduled performance. If something comes up within that 24 hours, you are welcome to come see the production any time during the run on standby at no additional charge.   

Q: Tell me about the advance access and discounted guest tickets that season package holders get. 

A: Before tickets go on sale to the general public for productions and other events, Subscribers and Members will have an exclusive window of time to schedule their tickets, make exchanges, and purchase additional guest tickets for the special price of just $40. This guest ticket price will always be valid, even after the priority booking period.  

Q: Is The Brief Chronicle only digital this year? Can I get a printed and mailed copy like I used to, if I want? 

A: As part of our continuing effort to “go green,” we are looking into making the BC available digitally for our Subscribers and Members. There may even be a time when articles become short videos or podcasts! If we are able to offer printed copies to mail to you, we will let you know throughout the season.  

Q: If I change my mind about feeling safe to come back to the theatre, can I get a refund? 

A: If we produce all 4 shows, we will not be offering refunds. We are currently looking into virtual programming that we can bring you remotely, whether it's plays, interviews, or specially developed pieces for "Zoom.” There should be plenty of programming that you can feel comfortable attending! 

COVID-19 FAQ

Q: When will the first play of the season happen? Will Illinois need to be in "Phase 5" of Governor Pritzker's RESTORE ILLINOIS plan?

A: For the safety of our audience, artists and staff, we do not plan to produce until early 2021 at the soonest. When we do re-open, we will do so in accordance with industry and governmental regulations. We are also working on developing some remote programming for the fall –  we'll be sharing those details as soon as we know more. Join our email list here and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date with all information.

At this time, it is too early to know when exactly our first production will be. That is why we are operating under a responsive producing model that will allow us to announce dates throughout the season as we are able to confirm productions. When we are able to produce will depend upon many factors, including state and local regulations. Know that we will make our spaces as safe as possible for audiences, artists and staff before we ask anyone to work in or visit our theatre.  

We will follow the guidelines as prescribed to us by state and local officials for opening, and as Phase 5 is the final phase of Governor Pritzker’s plan, we hope that is just the latest that we will be able to open. Our responsive producing model means that if we are able to open earlier, we will work to do so.  

Q: What do you mean by “responsive producing model?” What does that mean?  

A: The responsive producing model means that for the health and safety of our audiences, artists and staff, we are not announcing set performance dates until we know when exactly we will be able to produce. To avoid inconveniencing you later by moving your dates around, you will hear from us throughout the season when we can confirm performance dates. When it is safe to ask people to come back to the theatre, we will be ready for you! Similarly, if it turns out that things go well and we are able to produce even earlier than expected, the responsive producing model allows us to start the season whenever it is appropriate.

Q: Will the audience, actors and crew be organized to accommodate for social distancing? 

A: We are looking at a variety of scenarios to begin producing as soon as we can, but in a safe way, that is still going to give you the quality production that you’re used to seeing from WT. As we looked at ways to put on full productions with social distancing requirements, we quickly realized that it was going to be a challenge. For that reason, it is likely that we would not bring you full productions until social distancing regulations are lifted.

Q: What kind of alternate programming will you offer? 

A: We are looking into streaming and other virtual programming. Anything that we would normally host such as talkbacks and discussions are on the table. We are trying to find the best way to provide these sorts of events digitally. At the moment, we do not anticipate presenting any programs in our physical space until we are able to do so without social distancing. 

Q: I received your email / saw your web page outlining the plans for reopening. What sorts of specific upgrades are you making to the equipment in the Theatre? 

A: We are upgrading to: 

• Touchless soap dispensers in the restrooms.
• Touchless paper towel dispensers in the restrooms, to replace the air hand dryers
• Additional hand sanitizer stations throughout the space
• “MERV13” grade air filter in our Theatre building HVAC system (currently at MERV8)
• Air ionization system (air purification)
• Building and installing custom partitions at the Box Office 

Q: What do you mean by “staggered schedules?” 

A: While our administrative staff and box office staff are used to working the same regular hours, staggering our arrivals and departures will reduce the number of people in the building at the same time throughout the day. Having fewer people in enclosed spaces (when possible) will help us reduce the risk that an unknown carrier might inadvertently spread the virus. We are looking into staggering hours as well as days in the week. 

Q: Will staff be required to wear masks inside? Will I be required to wear a mask inside? Will I be required to sign a waiver or have my temperature taken before I enter the building? 

A: At this time, the current plan is to have all individuals working in the theatre building (not on stage) wear a mask. Of course, it is possible that may change as government regulations change and as we learn more about how best to reduce risk of COVID-19 indoors, but as we look ahead to early 2021 right now, having all of us wear masks indoors looks very likely. We have not finalized our policy on temperature checks or waivers, but we are looking into best practices for that as well.  

Q: What happens if you learn that someone infected with COVID-19 has been at Writers Theatre? 

A: While our ticketing system will already help us keep track of when audience members have been in the building, we will also have a plan that involves contact tracing and the necessary communications in the event that someone tests positive. Rest assured that we will follow the appropriate protocol based on government regulations and guidelines. 

Q: What sort of cleaning procedures will be in place when you open? 

A: Writers Theatre will be implementing thorough cleaning and sanitizing procedures consistent with new industry standards and in compliance with governmental regulations. Since we do not yet know exactly when we will be opening our doors again, I don't have the full list of specifics for you today as that might change depending on when we are ready to open. However, in the final week before lockdown we were already doing regular sanitizing of all surfaces in the theatre, deep cleaning of the theatres themselves including seating and backstage areas, and we put out several additional hand sanitizing stations in the lobby. We have also upgraded our air filters and are reducing recycled air in the building, as well as installing touchless soap and paper towel dispensers. Join our email list here and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date with everything.