Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Oakland East Bay Symphony

<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" BACKGROUND="../images/backgrounds/p12c04.gif"> <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="6" WIDTH="528" STYLE="border-collapse: collapse" BGCOLOR="#FFFFDD"> <TR> <TD WIDTH="506"> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial"><B><BR></B><FONT><B>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS</B></FONT><B><BR><BR><FONT SIZE="-1"><FONT COLOR="#990000">How can I purchase tickets to OEBS?</FONT> </FONT></B></SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">On-line</SPAN></B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">: <BR>On our web site, click on either Subscribe Now on the left side column, or select the "Tickets" pull down menu at the top of the page, or the Buy Tickets button on individual concert pages (button available when single tickets are on sale) to order tickets via secure server. There is a $10 handling fee for subscription orders, and an $10 fee for group orders). Ticketmaster service charges apply to single tickets to individual concerts.</SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">In Person:</SPAN></B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"> <BR>At the Paramount Box Office (</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">21<SUP>st</SUP> Street</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial"> at Broadway, downtown </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">Oakland</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">) with no service charge on single ticket orders. Cash or credit card only (no checks). </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">By Phone:</SPAN></B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"> <BR>Through Ticketmaster at 510-625-8497 or 415-421-8497 for single tickets and through the Symphony Office at 510-444-0801 for subscriptions.</SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><FONT COLOR="#990000"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">When is the </SPAN></B><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">Paramount</SPAN></B><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"> Box Office open?</SPAN></B></FONT><BR> <SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="-1"> <FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="-1"></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="-1"><BR>Tues.-Fri: 11:00am-5:30pm - Sat: 11:00am-3:00pm. Closed Sunday & Monday. <BR> <BR>For Box Office Summer Hours, please check: <A HREF="http://www.paramounttheatre.com" TARGET="_blank">www.paramounttheatre.com</A></FONT></FONT>. </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">How do I get my tickets if I ordered them by phone or on-line?</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">If you ordered your tickets more than 10 days prior to the performance, they will be mailed to you. <SPAN STYLE="color:black">All ticket orders received less than 10 days prior to the performance will be held at Will Call, </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black">21<SUP>st</SUP> Street</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:black"> entrance to the theatre. Will Call opens two hour prior to curtain for all performances. Will call for Ticketmaster orders will not be available until that time.</SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:black">When picking up tickets at Will Call, be sure to bring the credit card you used to purchase the tickets and photo ID. <BR><BR><B><FONT COLOR="#990000">Are there student rush tickets available for the concerts?</FONT></B> <BR><BR>Yes, you can now purchase student discount tickets on-line, in advance, for just $10 (plus processing fee). A limited number of tickets for each concert will be made available at the student discount price of $10 2-3 weeks prior to each concert. Check our web site for updates on ticket availability. <BR><BR>Student discount tickets are available only to students with a valid student ID and must be picked up at will call the night of the concert. Use the promotion code "STUDENT" and the name of your school when ordering. <BR><BR>These tickets can also be purchased in person, the night of the concert, on a "Student Rush" basis, as available. </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">Ive misplaced my tickets for the next concert. What should I do?</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">Lost or misplaced tickets can be replaced only under the conditions set by the Paramount Theatre management.   </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE="-1"><B>Subscribers:</B> Lost or misplaced tickets should be reported to the OEBS office at 510-444-0801. Replacement tickets will be issued at <B>No Charge.</B> Replacement tickets will be available at Will Call the night of the performance after 6:00pm.<SPAN STYLE="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial"> </SPAN></FONT></P><FONT FACE="Arial"> </FONT> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><FONT FACE="Arial"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><B>Single Ticket Buyers:</B> If the tickets were purchase through Ticketmaster using a credit card, please call Ticketmaster Customer Service at 510-625-8497 or 415-421-8497. If the tickets were bought through the OEBS office or the Paramount Theatre Box Office, please go to the Box Office.</SPAN></FONT></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">Replacement tickets, once issued, will not be replaced.  Replacement tickets may not be exchanged or donated.</SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">I found out I cant make one of the concerts and want to exchange my tickets from one concert date to another. Can I do that?</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">Yes, if you are a subscriber you can! Only subscribers have exchange privileges. If you are a subscriber and wish to exchange your tickets from one concert date to another, bring the tickets you wish to exchange in person to the box office during regular business hours and exchange them for a different concert in the same season for <B>No Charge</B>. <BR><BR>All ticket exchanges are subject to availability and may be exchanged for future OEBS concerts in the same season at the same price level or higher.  Ticket exchanges into a higher price level will be charged the difference.  Ticket exchanges to a lower price level are permitted only if there are only lower price level tickets available.  The difference will be considered a donation to OEBS.</SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">I cant use my tickets for the next concert. What should I do?</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">If you cannot attend an OEBS performance, you can donate your tickets either in person at the Paramount Theatre Box Office or by fax (510-628-0747) by </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">5pm</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial"> the day of the concert. Tickets donated by fax MUST be torn in half before being photocopied.  Ticket donations by phone are not permitted.  Replacement tickets may not be donated.   </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">All ticket sales are final; refunds are not given (except if an event is cancelled). If you donate your tickets, the total ticket value is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.  By donating your tickets, you give another music lover the opportunity to hear a concert they might not otherwise be able to attend. You also help OEBS play to fuller houses.</SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoBodyText" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000"><B>Can I leave tickets for a friend at Will Call the night of the concert?</B></FONT></SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">In an effort to improve guest experience and expedite transactions at Will Call, the Paramount Theatre no longer accepts Will Call Ticket Drop-Off. But Subscribers desiring to drop off tickets may do so at the OEBS VIP Table located in the Paramount Theatre Box Office Lobby beginning at </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">6:30 pm</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial"> night of the performance. Subscribers desiring to drop off tickets will be asked to complete a ticket envelope with the first and last name of the person who is to receive the tickets. </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">Where is the Paramount Theatre located, and how do I get there? </FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">The Paramount Theatre is located at 2025 Broadway between 20<SUP>th</SUP> and 21<SUP>st</SUP> Streets in downtown </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">Oakland</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">. </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><B>By Car:</B></SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" ALIGN="LEFT" STYLE="margin-left:.3in;text-align:center"><FONT SIZE="-1"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-family:Arial;color:#003300">THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE IN DOWNTOWN </SPAN></B><B><SPAN STYLE="font-family:Arial;color:#003300">OAKLAND</SPAN></B></FONT><B><SPAN STYLE="font-family:Arial;color:#003300"><BR> <FONT SIZE="-1">(Click on map for more options)</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <DIV ALIGN="center"> <TABLE CLASS="MsoNormalTable" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" STYLE="border:outset #00C333 2.25pt"> <TR> <TD STYLE="border:inset #00C333 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" ALIGN="center" STYLE="margin-left:.3in;text-align:center"><B><A HREF="http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=oakland&state=CA&address=2025+Broadway&zip=94612&country=us&level=4"><SPAN STYLE="color:#00BC33;text-decoration:none"><IMG BORDER="0" WIDTH="356" HEIGHT="249" SRC="FAQs1_files/image001.gif"></SPAN></A></B></P> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> </DIV> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" ALIGN="center" STYLE="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.3in;text-align:center"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:#003300"><FONT SIZE="-1"><B>Click on the map for more options or</B></FONT> <A HREF="http://mapquest.digitalcity.com/sanfrancisco/entertainment/venuemap.adp?vid=32834"><FONT SIZE="-1">click here</FONT></A> <FONT SIZE="-1"><B>to get driving directions to the PARAMOUNT from any address.</B></FONT></SPAN><BR><IMG SRC="../image/homepage/10x10.JPG" WIDTH="10" HEIGHT="10" BORDER="0"></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><B>By Public Transit:</B></SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">BART: The </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: Arial">19<SUP>th</SUP> Street</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">, </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">Oakland</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial"> station is just steps from the Paramount Theatre.</SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">AC Transit: Buses on the #51 and other lines stop across the street. For details call  <SPAN STYLE="color:black">AC Transit at 510-839-2882 (24 hour recorded information) or visit <U>www.actransit.org.</U></SPAN></SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">Where can I park?</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:black">In addition to its own outdoor parking lot adjacent to the theatre, the </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: Arial;color:black">Paramount</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:black"> is surrounded by three major parking facilities.</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:yellow"> <FONT COLOR="#000000">The covered lot with an attendant on 21st street costs $10 for the evening of an event.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black"> (Click </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:green"><A HREF="www.paramounttheatre.com/graphics/parking.gif" TARGET="_blank"><B>here for map</B></A></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black"> - "P" indicates parking facilities.) </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><FONT COLOR="#990000"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">Are there restaurants near the </SPAN></B><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">Paramount</SPAN></B><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial"> where I can eat dinner before the concert?</SPAN></B></FONT><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"> <BR><BR>Good question! Yes, there are restaurants within walking distance of the theatre. Please visit our <A HREF="http://www.oebs.org/page/restaurant.htm" TARGET="_top">Nearby Restaurants</A> page for details and directions.<BR><BR><B><FONT COLOR="#990000"><FONT COLOR="#990000">Is downtown Oakland dangerous?</FONT> </FONT></B><BR> <BR>The reality is that Oakland is just like San Francisco only a lot more pleasant, and the area around Lake Merritt is the nicest part of Oakland. Patrons can also find ample secure parking adjacent to the theatre, and those arriving by BART can take the train to within 1/2 blocks of the theatre at the 19th St. station. The theatre provides security personnel at the door, and in the parking lot.</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"></SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">What time do the concerts start and end?</FONT> </SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">Oakland East Bay Symphony concerts start at </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">8pm</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"> (unless otherwise noted) and generally end by </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">10:15pm</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial">. There are free pre-concert talks before the subscription concerts that begin at </SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">7pm.</SPAN><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"> Plan to arrive in time to find parking and, if applicable, pick up your tickets at Will Call. </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">What if I need wheelchair seating?</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">The Paramount Theatre Ticket Office staff is trained to assist you in acquiring seating that best meets your individual needs. To talk to ticket office staff about accessible seats, call (510) 893-2300 ext. 815. There are wheelchair accessible locations, as well as transfer seats with removable armrests for those who would like to transfer out of their wheelchair. These seats are located in the Orchestra and Orchestra Rear sections on the main floor. The Paramount Theatre does not provide wheelchairs. There is no elevator in the Paramount Theatre. </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">What should I wear to an OEBS concert?</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">You can wear just about anything that makes you feel comfortable. Most people will be wearing business clothes or slightly dressy casual clothes, but you'll see some people in polo shirts and khakis, some in fancy dresses, and just about everything in between. Some people enjoy dressing up for the Symphony, especially for Opening Night, so feel free to do that if you like!</SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">Can I take pictures at the concert?</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">Cameras, video recorders and tape recorders are not permitted in the Paramount Theatre (except by the occasional authorized photographer). At no time may flash photography be used in the theatre. </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><B><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial"><FONT COLOR="#990000">Can I bring my kids?</FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">That depends partly on the age and attention span of your children, and the nature of the program. Children under 3 will not be admitted to the theatre for performances. Each person entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket. </SPAN></P> <P CLASS="MsoNormal" STYLE="margin-left:.3in"><SPAN STYLE="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial">In general, we have observed that most children under the age of about 7 find it challenging to sit through a two-hour concert in the evening. Many teenagers, however, enjoy coming to our concerts, as do some younger children who play instruments themselves. If you do bring a child, make sure that concert etiquette is part of the experience. Children love learning new things and will grow up to be better audience members if they are educated about what is expected at a live performance.</SPAN></P></TD> <TD WIDTH="44"> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> </BODY>