Pennsylvania Ballet performs in two different locations, the Academy of Music and the Merriam Theater at the University of the Arts.
Academy of Music
Philadelphia's Academy of Music is both a celebrated historical landmark and a current focus of cultural life in the city. Opened in 1857, the Academy is the oldest grand opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose. It remains one of the busiest halls in the world and hosts a myriad of community functions and cultural activities, including performances by the Opera Company of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Ballet. The Academy is owned and operated by The Philadelphia Orchestra Association and has been the Orchestra's home since its founding in 1900.
The Merriam Theater, located on the Avenue of the Arts at 250 S. Broad Street, has had some of the world's most famous stars grace its stage including Al Jolson, John Barrymore, Helen Hayes, Katherine Hepburn, Laurence Olivier, Sammy Davis Jr., Angela Lansbury and Mickey Rooney, just to name a few.
Built in 1918, the 1,688-seat theater was originally named for Sam S. Shubert and was renamed in 1991 for John W. Merriam who was a Philadelphia developer and a friend of the University of the Arts, the theater's new owner. The Merriam now hosts a full schedule of productions from local, University and regional companies.
To ensure that everyone in the audience has the best possible experience when attending events at the Academy of Music and the Merriam Theater, we appreciate your cooperation in observing the following guidelines:
Late Seating Policy
Latecomers will not be admitted into the theater once the performance has begun until there is a suitable break or at intermission. The Box Offices opens two hours prior to each performance and theatre doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain times. Please allow extra time for parking, traffic and ticket pick-up, if applicable. Please understand that once the curtain has gone up and the dancers have taken the stage late seating is a distraction to the artists and to the other patrons already enjoying the performance. Ushers will assist late arrivals with seating at the appropriate time.
General Policies
If you need to leave the performance at any time, you will be readmitted at a later break.
No food or beverages are permitted in the Academy of Music or Merriam Theater.
All electronic devices (cellular phones, pagers, watch alarms, etc.) should be turned off prior to entering the performance space.
Seat locations printed on your tickets are not guaranteed past curtain time. There are no refunds or credits. All sales are final.
Many noises are quite audible due to the optimal acoustics of the venues. Please unwrap any lozenges or throat drops before the performance commences and keep any unnecessary movement and conversation to a minimum.
Aisles must be kept free of any obstructions. All coats and packages that are not checked should be placed under your seat or in your lap.
A Commitment to Safety
The safety and comfort of visitors, volunteers, artists and staff at the Academy of Music and Merriam Theaters are of paramount importance. In the event of an emergency, audience members will be advised of appropriate procedures by usher and security staffs. Red, illuminated EXIT signs are clearly market 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.
Commitment to Accessibility
Pennsylvania Ballet is committed to providing access for disabled patrons. The Academy of Music and the Merriam Theater are both wheelchair accessible. The Company attempts to ensure accessibility at other performance venues as well. A limited number of ADA-compliant parking spaces are available in the Kimmel Center Garage.
The Academy of Music is wheelchair-accessible from the east lobby entrance on Broad Street. Elevators serve all levels of the Academy of Music, and accessible seating is available on all levels of the building. All rest rooms are ADA complaint and assisted listening devices are available for loan. For more information on accessibility at the Academy of Music, please call Visitor & Audience Services at 215.670.2327.
The Merriam Theater is also wheelchair-accessible and has a hearing augmentation system. For more information on accessibility at the Merriam Theater, please call the Manager at 215.732.5997.
Ushers at both facilities have been trained to be sensitive to the accessibility needs. If you experience a problem at a performance of the Ballet, please contact Executive Director Michael Scolamiero's office 215.551.7000, ext. 1227 so that every effort can be made to accommodate you.