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Frequently Asked Questions
The Merchant of Venice

When should I arrive?   

The house opens 45 minutes prior to curtain time. The majority of the seating is first-come, first-served. We suggest you arrive early to secure the best seats and enjoy the Festivities pre-show entertainment while you wait.

Can I make reservations?

No reservations are necessary. The majority of the seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of reserved VIP seats in the front orchestra section are available at each show for a minimum $25 donation per seat. If you are interested in making a donation and receiving VIP treatment, visit our donation page to make a secure contribution via PayPal.

If you have already made a donation, you can use our Reservation Form to reserve your seats.

Where is The McGlohon Theatre located?
The McGlohon Theatre is located in Spirit Square at 345 N. College Street (close to 7th Street). Entrances are located off of College Street and Tryon Street.

Map

Where do I park?

• The closest parking is in Spirit Square’s surface lot (limited availability, $5 fee), the 7th Street Station parking deck, the Trade Center parking deck (behind the Holiday Inn) or the Transamerica garage (7th and Tryon).
• Many restaurants in the area validate parking (free) at some of the decks. For instance, Brixx validates for 7th Street Station and Rock Bottom validates for the Transamerica garage.
• The Blumenthal sells $5 Exit Passes for the following parking garages – 7th Street Station, Fifth Third Center, Bank of America Corporate Center, Hearst Tower, and International Trade Center. Exit Passes can be purchased at the Spirit Square's customer service desik inside the facility.

Please allow time in your schedule to park and walk to the McGlohon theatre.

How much does it cost to see the show?

There is no admission charge for The Charlotte Shakespeare Festival. As you can imagine, these professional shows are expensive to produce, so donations are greatly appreciated. A $5 minimum donation per person is suggested. We accept cash, checks and credit/debit cards.

How long does the performance last?

This show lasts approximately 2 and 1/2 hours (including one 15 minute intermission).

What if I need assistance with seating, parking or have other special needs?

We are committed to making all of our productions accessible to everyone in the community.  Reserved seating is available for mobility-impaired audience members.  Please call us (at the number below) or email us 24 hours in advance to make arrangements or ask an usher the night of the show for help with these or other special needs you may have.

Can I bring a large group to the show?

Groups of any size are welcome. If your group has special needs, such as parking for buses, please contact us at least 48 hours prior to the show.

What else do I need to know?

• The theatre is air-conditioned
• There are restrooms and concessions available (concessions purchased at the facility may be brought into the theatre; no outside food and beverages are allowed)
• The show is family-friendly and appropriate for ages 13 and up
• Our shows are performed in an easy to understand style – our goal is for all ages to enjoy Shakespeare’s language 
• The Merchant of Venice deals with age-old issues that remain unsettled to this day, including anti-Semitism, of which there are several frank depictions in this play. However, this play is by no means anti-Semitic.

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