Q: Where is the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center located?
A: 226 N. High St. West Chester, PA 19380 – between Chestnut & Washington Sts.
Q: Where can I park?
A: Parking options include: street metered parking, Chestnut Street Garage, Lot 10 and the Bicentennial Garage. Click HERE for more information.
Q: How do I contact Uptown! Entertainment Alliance?
A: Phone: 610.356.ARTS (2787) or email: info@uptownwestchester.org
Q: What are Uptown’s office hours?
A: The administrative offices are typically open Monday – Friday, 12:00noon to 5pm. These hours may vary due to holidays and performances.
Q: How do I purchase tickets to a performance?
A: The preferred method of purchase is in advance through our website at uptownwestchester.org. You may select your seats and print your e-ticket from your home computer or show your e-ticket on your smartphone. Tickets are also available over the phone at 610-356-2787 or in person at the box office during normal business hours.
Q: Do I have to pay the service fee?
A: Yes, service charges are used for business operations necessary to offer superior selection of genuine, valid tickets to live events. Among other activities, these operations include advertising, updating our website, and supporting our dedicated customer service team.
Q: What do I wear?
A: There is no specific dress code for performances. Some patrons prefer to dress in business attire while others prefer casual clothing. Formal attire is not generally worn. We would like all of our patrons to feel comfortable and enjoy the performance.
Q: Is the theater handicapped accessible?
A: Yes, the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center has an outdoor lift accessed from the theater parking lot on the South side of the building. Directions for lift usage are posted on the lift. Patrons using the lift will access the theater via the Bar area on the Main Floor. Once inside the building, an elevator is available to access all three floors of the theater. Handicapped seating is available. The theater also has a looped assistive hearing system which works by tuning hearing aids to T.
Q: Where are the restrooms located?
A: There are restrooms on the lower of the building. Rest rooms can be accessed using the elevator.
Q: How early should I arrive?
A: The doors to the theater open 30 minutes prior to curtain. Please allow time for parking, traffic, and ticket pick-up, if applicable. The box office opens one hour prior to each performance. If you plan to purchase tickets at the door, please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the performance. Latecomers may not be seated until intermission, unless there is a suitable break. Late seating is at the discretion of the management.
Q: Is there a bar and refreshment area at Uptown!?
A: Yes, the bar opens one hour prior to each performance. Refreshments are allowed in the Main Stage Theater. Outside food or beverage are NOT permitted.
Q: May I bring children?
A: Young children are welcome at your discretion. Please be mindful that most performances are approximately 2 hours on the Mainstage, with a 15 minute intermission. However, all children must have a ticket. This is strictly enforced by Uptown!’s fire code.
Q: Why can’t I enter my seats after the performance begins?
A: Uptown! does not allow latecomers to enter their seats once the performance has begun for two reasons: it is distracting to the performers onstage and may result in an injury, and it is disruptive to patrons who arrived at the theatre on time. Latecomers may not be seated until intermission unless there is a suitable break determined by management. If you must leave the theatre at any time during the performance, you will not be allowed to re-enter your seats until intermission, although at the discretion of the ushers you may be seated in the back of the theater. Please be sure to allow sufficient time to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your performance to allow for poor weather conditions, heavy traffic, and/or construction and parking. Unfortunately, there are no refunds or credits. All sales are final.
Q: What is Uptown!’s policy regarding performances postponed due to inclement weather?
A: Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center and Uptown! Entertainment Alliance understand that weather conditions across the region can vary drastically from area or area (or street to street) and day to day!
In theatre, there is an old saying that we live by, “The show must go on.” However, we are very careful when it comes to bad weather. If the roads are clear and we have no troubling getting the cast and staff in for the show (and those who work at Uptown! come from all over the area), then the show will go on. If a show does go on and someone does not show up for their reservation, then those tickets have been forfeited.
If the weather is too bad, and we do cancel a performance, the decision will be made no less than 4 hours prior to curtain. Uptown! will let everyone know via email provided with ticket purchase about the status of the show. Notice will also be posted on our website and social media platforms.
Where there is more than one performance, tickets can be exchanged for another show, if available. If it is a single performance of a show, tickets will be refunded.
THINGS TO KNOW:
THEATER ETIQUETTE
Customer satisfaction is the goal of the staff of Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center. To ensure that everyone in the audience has the best possible experience when attending events, the following guidelines have been set:
A COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
The safety and comfort of visitors, volunteers, artists, and staff at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center are of paramount importance. In the event of an emergency, audience members will be advised of appropriate procedures by usher and security staffs.
Please take note of the exit nearest you. A red, illuminated EXIT sign should be visible, with an arrow indicating the direction of an exit door. Should an emergency arise, you will be directed to leave the auditorium and further instructions will be provided as to the safest and quickest way to leave the building. Patrons who need special assistance should contact an usher.
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center is located in beautiful Chester County, home to Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum, Wharton Escherick Studio & Museum, and Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, among countless other top attractions and dining options.
The following websites are excellent resources for choosing what to do before or after your next visit to a performance.
