Where can I park?
Inexpensive street parking is available on Cordova, Gore, and Powell. There is also a public parking garage on Cordova and Columbia.
Can I bring children to the theatre?
Children are welcome for most productions, but please keep in mind that some of our shows contain content that may not be appropriate for children. We do not provide age guidelines but feel free to call or email if you have any specific questions about a show. Babes in arms are not permitted and all children, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Is there anywhere to eat before the show?
There is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from within a few blocks of the theatre, both toward Gastown, and across Hastings in Chinatown. For a high end dining experience, you can make a reservation at Ask for Luigi or St. Lawrence. For something more casual, you could try Di Beppe or Tacofino. MeeT in Gastown is also a great vegetarian option.
Is the area safe?
We understand that the neighborhood has a bad reputation and is home to many people who are struggling. We have many positive relationships with people living in our community, and one of our neighborhood partnerships is with Mission Possible, who provide two Community Navigators to keep watch on the streets, sidewalks, and vehicles around the Firehall during all of our evening performances, and to walk patrons to their cars or bus stops after the show if requested. We have many regular patrons who never feel unsafe visiting the Firehall, but we recognize that others may feel uncomfortable visiting the area, and this partnership is a way to help everyone feel safe.
Which seats are good seats? Is the front row too close to the stage? Is the seating inclined?
The quality of the seats depends on the performance and on your personal preference. Some people enjoy sitting in the front row to be close to the action, while others prefer to sit at the back to see more of the stage at once. Generally, we recommend row C or D in the centre section as a good middle ground. That being said, the theatre is quite small and intimate, so there are no bad seats; no matter where you are sitting, you are going to have a good view.
Row A, the front row, is on the same level as the stage and each subsequent row is raised higher than the one in front of it.
Do you have a bar/café area where I can meet my friends before the show? What do you offer at your concession?
We have a fully licensed bar with a variety of local beers, as well as wine, scotch, highballs, coffee, tea and pop. We also serve an assortment of small snacks. Items from our bar can be enjoyed in our cozy lobby or outdoor patio before the show, or you can take them into the performance with you.
Can I enter the theatre without using any stairs? Do you have accessible seating?
Though our building, due to its age, is unfortunately not ideal for patrons with mobility issues, we do have an alternate entrance into the theatre that bypasses the stairs in our lobby. The opening of our accessible entrance has a width of 27.5″. We also have two designated accessible seats in the front row. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact our box office and we will be happy to help you out.
I am hard of hearing. Do you have headsets? Where should I sit?
We have assisted hearing devices available for all performances that amplify the sound of a performance no matter where you are sitting in the theatre. If you require a hearing device, we recommend bringing your own set of headphones or wired ear buds to connect to the device. But if you don’t have your own, we can provide you with an ear bud.
Do you have plus-sized seating?
All of our permanent seating has non-movable armrests. Most of these seats are 17″ in width between arm rests, but we do have a limited number of seats with a width of 19.5″ throughout the house. A section of our front row seating is also removable and we have sturdy seating available without arm rests which can be used in the front row. If you require accommodation, please contact the box office before booking seats.