DPAC A to Z Guide

DPAC meets or exceeds all public facility structural and service requirements as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please visit our Accessibility Guide page for details. 

For more information on our recommendations for where to stay near DPAC, visit our Where To Stay page.

Account Manager Guide:

Broadway Season Seat Members have access to online ticket management, 24 hours a day through DPAC’s Account Manager. 

Through Account Manager members can:

•             View upcoming events

•             Make a payment on monthly payment plans

•             Exchange tickets to another performance of the same show

•             Post tickets for re-sale

•             Buy tickets to newly announced concert, comedy, or special events

For step-by-step instructions or to log into your account, visit our Broadway Member Services page. 

The mailing address for DPAC, as well as its physical address, is 123 Vivian Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701

Tickets Required

• All guests require a ticket, regardless of age.

Children (and preteens)

• Children under the age of 6 are not allowed at most DPAC performances. Some exceptions apply, including special productions for young children such as Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol.
• Children must be able to sit quietly in their own seat without disturbing other guests.
• As a further courtesy to our guests, DPAC recommends one parent or chaperone for every one child in attendance.

Teens

• Teens under the age of 16 are required to have a chaperone to attend a performance at DPAC.
• A parent or guardian attending with teens are welcome to wait in DPAC’s lobby without purchasing a ticket.

More Info

• To check the specific age requirement policy for any DPAC event, please visit that show’s More Info page on DPAC’s website, dpacnc.com.

For safety and as a courtesy to other guests, please do not sit or stand in the aisles. Aisles should be kept clear at all times, We ask you to comply with all these policies.

No alcohol may be brought into DPAC. Beer, wine and mixed drinks may be purchased inside DPAC for most events. All persons must be age 21 or older and provide legal identification prior to purchase. Purchases are limited to two (2) beverages at a time. Management has the right to refuse service at any time and sales can be terminated at any time at the discretion of DPAC. Typically, beer, wine, and mixed drink sales end shortly after the final intermission or 60 minutes prior to the end of the event. 

Opened in September 2015, the six-story, 134-room boutique hotel is located directly adjacent to DPAC. Within an easy walking distance of DPAC, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and dozens of restaurants, the Aloft Hotel will offer the perfect location for out-of-town guests visiting DPAC.

DPAC is dedicated to world-class hospitality, and we take care that our events, services and facilities are accessible to all guests.

For more information on our services and accommodations for guests with a disability please visit our accessibility page.

Animals or pets of any kind are prohibited with the exception of service animals for guests with disabilities. Service animals are welcome inside the building and must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. If you intend to bring a service animal to the building, please notify your ticket representative at the time of purchase so that an aisle seat may be reserved for you.

• For your safety, all guests and their bags are subject to inspection before entry.
• DPAC asks our guests to limit what they bring with them to events. Less items to check means that lines to enter DPAC are shorter and faster.   
• This inspection may include the use of metal detectors.
• Items normally allowed include:
  • Bottles - Empty plastic water bottles that can be filled at our water bottle filling stations in all lobby areas.
  • Personal safety devices including pepper spray, keychain alarms, or other non-lethal self-defense devices as allowed by NC Law.
  • Prescription medications & medical supplies such as walkers, oxygen tanks or concentrators, and diabetic travel kits.
  • Seat Cushions – Please limit to standard stadium cushions of 3-inch depth or less.
  • Service Animals – Includes a person who is training the service animal and the animal wears a collar and leash, harness, or cape that identifies the animal as a service animal in training.
  • Small Snacks - As needed for special dietary reasons.
  • Umbrellas
  • Water – Sealed and unopened water bottles up to 20 ounces in size.
• Small clutch purses are STRONGLY recommended.
• Parenting bags (including use of a backpack as a parenting bag) that have diapers and/or other parenting necessities are permitted regardless of size when accompanied by a child. All bags require inspection prior to entry.
• Medical bags, or any bags carrying medical items such as prescription medicine, asthma inhalers, EpiPens, and other medical equipment are permitted regardless of size. All bags require inspection prior to entry.
• To learn more about DPAC’s bag check, including restricted items, visit our guest & bag inspections page.

While most guests feel that DPAC’s intimate size of 2,700 seats do not require binoculars, you are welcome to bring binoculars or opera glasses to performances at DPAC. We currently do not have them available to rent.

Booster seats are available at no charge for family shows that allow young children. You’ll find these just inside the doors leading into the seating area, first-come, first-serve. For added assistance, please contact any member of our staff as you are entering the seating area.

• Photography and video recording are prohibited by almost all of the event that DPAC hosts.
• All electronic devices (cell phones, smartphones, tablets, digital cameras) must be turned off before the start of the show. The light from phones is distracting to others throughout the seating area.
• Cameras with a detachable lens are never allowed at DPAC, and for most shows, no cameras of any kind are allowed including small point-and-shoot cameras.

• Cash is no longer accepted for snack or beverage purchases at DPAC’s lobby bars or snack and beverage stands.
• Snack and beverage purchases now require payment using credit or debit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay or a DPAC gift card.
• If you happen to arrive at DPAC with cash only, guests may purchase a DPAC gift card in $20 increments at our Entry Lobby Guest Services window. These gift cards can then be used at any lobby bar or snack and beverage stand.

Every month DPAC receives nearly 100 donation requests from worthy organizations across the Triangle and beyond. Unfortunately, our contracts with the shows that visit DPAC do not allow for us to give away tickets to the many local charitable groups and fundraising events that make requests. For more information, please visit the community section of our website.

DPAC is committed to providing a safe environment and enjoyable experience for all guests.

As part of this commitment, DPAC reserves the right to refuse admission or remove from the venue without refund, any guest(s) who do not follow the code of conduct or who do not follow specific safety direction of venue staff.

Guests who exhibit any of the following will be removed from the seating area and required to leave the event without refund.

• Abusive, unruly, rowdy, or other disruptive behavior including any physical confrontation, fighting, bullying, throwing objects.
• Acting in a harassing, threatening or offensive manner
• Signs of intoxication including slurred speech, stumbling, falling or lack of coordination
• Speaking loudly during the event in a way that results in complaints from other guests.
• Using profanity or obscene language or gestures

Please note:

• Guests and their belongings are subject to search upon entry.
• Firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind are not permitted.
• No smoking or vaping is allowed in any area inside the venue.
• DPAC reserves the right to not serve alcohol to any guest exhibiting behaviors of being impaired.

Since 2008, Heart of the Arts, DPAC’s community engagement program, has been making connections between the shows and audiences at DPAC and local non-profit arts and education groups such as the Carolina Theatre of Durham, Durham Arts Council, Durham Public Schools, Durham County Library, and the Hayti Heritage Center.

To learn more about DPAC’s community engagement programs, visit our community page.

For family shows that allow very young children, diapers bags are allowed for guests with infants and toddlers (child must be present).

The time the doors to DPAC open will vary according to the event. The typical times are noted below. Please check in advance by visiting your event’s more info page.

• Broadway: Lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to the start of the event and doors to the seating area open 30 minutes prior. 
• Concerts and Comedy: Lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to the start of the event and doors to the seating area also open 60 minutes prior.

While going to DPAC is certainly a special occasion, there is no required dress code other than we do require shoes and shirts.

You'll probably be most comfortable in casual business attire, but you’ll often see people in jeans, khakis, and sometimes even shorts. Some guests enjoy dressing up and making a special night of it, and you can too, but most of all we want our guests to be comfortable.

We would ask you to politely consider other guests’ possible allergic reactions when applying fragrances like perfumes or colognes, as DPAC is a closed area with many people in close proximity to each other.

DPAC offers a drop-off and pick-up area directly in front of our entry doors on Vivian Street. Limousines, buses, and cars will be allowed to drop-off and pick-up in this area, but vehicles are not permitted to park there. 

Public elevators are located in the lobbies adjacent to seating sections 4, 7, and 10. When first arriving, the elevators are most easily accessible from the Plaza level. A DPAC Star Volunteer will be there to assist you. Please note that for some events, lines for the elevators can form both before and after the event. You have our promise that DPAC staff will assist in minimizing your wait time as much as possible and we appreciate your patience.

DPAC is committed to providing the highest standard of safety for our visitors and employees. Emergency response procedures have been developed to address an emergency or crisis that might arise at DPAC or surrounding areas that might affect the theater operation. In the case of an emergency, please proceed to the nearest marked exit. If the nearest exit leads to an emergency stairwell please head down to the street level and out of the building.

DPAC personnel have been trained to assist in emergency situations. Areas of Rescue Assistance are available and visual and audible alarms are located throughout the building for use in the event of an emergency. 

​​​​Firearms and/or Concealed Handguns, with or without a concealed handgun permit, are NOT permitted at DPAC. If any guest arrives at the facility with a firearm or handgun, you will be instructed to return the weapon to your car. DPAC does not have a weapons check-in, and we will not take possession of firearms under any circumstances.

The only persons allowed to bring firearms into DPAC are credentialed DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT (DPD) OFFICERS IN GOOD STANDING. If you are an off-duty DPD Officer, please check in with one of the Durham Police Department Officers working at the DPAC Event to verify your credentials before entering DPAC. Please note that if our Durham Police Officers have any doubts or concerns, their decision on your ability to carry inside the building is final.

Guests in need of emergency first aid should contact the nearest DPAC staff member for assistance. Minor first-aid items including Band-Aids and Aspirin are available at the Guest Services Window located in the Entry Lobby. ​
 

DPAC offers a variety of snacks and beverages throughout the facility. For more information please visit our Snacks and Beverages page.

DPAC is committed to providing an enjoyable family atmosphere. In order to maintain an enjoyable and safe environment, we request that all guests be courteous to those around them and abide by all theater policies and regulations. Guests using foul language or appearing intoxicated will be ejected from the theater. Guests wearing obscene or indecent clothing will be denied entry. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times. Noisemakers of any type are prohibited. Guests who engage in inappropriate behavior will be removed from the theater. 

DPAC staff have been trained to intervene where necessary to help ensure that the above expectations are met, and guests are encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior to the nearest usher, security guard, or DPAC staff member. Guests who choose not to adhere to these provisions will be subject to ejection without refund, revocation of future tickets and may also be in violation of city ordinances resulting in possible arrest and prosecution. 

Guest Services is the hub for many helpful programs and is located in the Entry Lobby on the ground floor. Services include: 

• Listening Devices
• Coat/Camera check
• Ear Plugs
• First Aid
• Friends of DPAC Sign-up
• Lost & Found
• Restaurant & Parking info
• DPAC Tour information

Please refer to our Where to Stay page.

DPAC is equipped with a “Listen” listening system. Receivers are available for all events and provided free of charge. Guests who are interested in this service should visit Guest Services located in the Entry Lobby on the ground floor. 

Learn More

Lost children/parents should be escorted to Guest Services to notify DPAC security. DPAC security will arrange search procedures. The Lost Child Program is available to guests attending events with children. Guests are asked to register their children with Guest Relations so that they can be easily found in the event they are separated from their parents or guardians. The child will be given a wristband containing vital information. If a child is lost during an event, he or she will be brought to Guest Services where a DPAC representative will use the information on the wristband to locate the parents or guardian. ​
 

If you lose an item during an event, please contact any DPAC team member for assistance. Found items can be turned in to Guest Services. Our lost and found department is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached by email at GuestServices@dpacnc.com. DPAC is not responsible for lost items. Found items are held for 30 days. 

Download DPAC’s brand new mobile app today.

DPAC's new mobile app offers you a secure place to easily store and organize all of your mobile tickets, so you are ready for entry to every one of the shows on our calendar. 

Download for iOs

Download for Android

A mobile ticket is the safest, most convenient and flexible way to receive and manage tickets while increasing protection against fraud. DPAC is proud to offer this service as a way to further enhance the DPAC experience.

Through the new mobile ticketing process, DPAC will be able to offer:

• Instant access to tickets 24 hours a day on mobile devices
• The ability to manage, transfer, exchange, purchase, or sell your tickets at any time
• Reduced risk of lost, stolen, counterfeit, or forgotten tickets

For more information, visit our Mobile Entry page.

Our first preference is that officers leave any weapons in their car versus bringing them inside DPAC.

As a second option, we do have the following protocols in place for off-duty Durham Police Department officers who desire carrying a concealed weapon to an event at DPAC.

Arrival

• As you arrive at DPAC and approach the security check point, we ask that you do the following:
  • Identify yourself as an off-duty Durham Police Department officer.
  • Disclose that you are carrying a weapon.
  • Request to speak with a DPAC Staff-1 Supervisor/Manager at Main Entrance.

Verification

• Once the DPAC Security Supervisor arrives, they will contact one of the on-site Durham Police Officers assigned to the event. 
• This officer will inspect the weapon, verify your credentials, and record your name and seat location. 
• Once this verification is complete, you will be able to proceed through the security check point.

The selling or sampling of merchandise, food, beverages, tickets or other items on the property without written DPAC authorization is strictly prohibited.

For some concerts and family shows a parent’s lounge is set up to accommodate parents who are not attending the concert but don’t want to leave their children at the venue alone. Please contact customerservice@dpacnc.com for more information. 

We recognize that some customers are allergic to peanuts and other tree nuts. We can't guarantee you won't be exposed during a visit to DPAC:

• Food served at DPAC may contain peanut oils or trace amounts of peanuts or other tree nut products
• We may serve nut mixes that contain other types of tree nuts
• Guests may bring their own peanuts, foods with peanut butter or other types of nuts
• Regular venue cleanings and our air filtration systems do not remove nut allergens

We strongly encourage you to take necessary medical precautions if you have a nut allergy because we cannot provide nut-free zones or accommodate specific requests not to serve food containing nuts.

• At DPAC, each event that we host determines their own policy on photography and video recording using mobile phones. We enforce these policies at their direction.  
• Please note that GoPro’s, tablets, and cameras of any kind are prohibited at all DPAC events.
• All Broadway shows and most comedy events prohibit photography and video recording.
• For concerts and special events, the policy can vary widely as described below:

• Photography and video recording using mobile phones is permitted.  
• Photography and video recording using mobile phones is permitted; however flash photography is prohibited and video recording should be limited to short segments of no more than one song.
• Photography and video recording using mobile phones is strictly prohibited.
• For events that allow photography or video recording using mobile phones, we ask that you be courteous to guests behind and around you. Please know that any obtrusive use (such as holding the phone where it can block the view of other guests) or video recording longer than a single song is prohibited.  

What Not to Bring:

• Audio recorders
• Baby seats or baby carriers
• Backpacks (school type and hiking backpacks) or bags larger than 12 x 12 x 10.25 (without compression)Balloons
• Beverages (except bottled water as noted above)
• Cameras
• Coolers
• Emotional support animals
• Fireworks
• Flowers (except for local productions and events)
• Food (except small snacks needed for special dietary reasons)
• Gifts (wrapped or unwrapped)
• Illegal drugs
• iPads and other electronic tablets
• Knives over 3 inches in length
• Laptop computers
• Laser pointers
• Noise makers
• Parcels or packages
• Restaurant takeout food containers
• Signs or banners
• Stuffed animals
• Video recorders
• Weapons of any type or kind

This list above is subject to change based on the request of visiting shows. Please visit DPAC’s website (DPACnc.com) and the More Info page of the show you are attending to determine if any special restrictions are in place. Contact GuestServices@dpacnc.com with questions or for more information.

A courtesy phone is available at Guest Services located in the Entry Lobby. 

Restrooms are located throughout DPAC for your convenience in the Entry Lobby, Orchestra Lobby, and Grand Tier Lobby.

All restrooms include accessible facilities. Family and gender neutral, single-use restrooms are located just off the Entry Lobby on the ground floor.

Baby Changing Facilities are located in all public restrooms.

Re-entry varies depending on the event. Please check with a supervisor at the doors to determine the policy for your specific event. 

Broadly speaking the shows we host consider all sales final but every show is different. Please contact GuestServices@DPACnc.com for specific information on the show in question.

• Service animals are welcome at DPAC.
  • A service animal is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability and the presence of the dog is acceptable to the event organizer and venue operator. The tasks performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.
• Purpose of a Service Animal
  • In accordance with the ADA, DPAC may ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. DPAC will not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal.
• Identifying Service Animals
  • At DPAC, we place a high value on the comfort and safety of our guests. We ask that service animals remain on a collar, leash, and wear the proper attire including a tag and or vest identifying themselves as a service animal.
• The following are NOT considered to be service animals.
  • Animals that are not a dog.
  • Therapy animals; Emotional support or comfort pets; companion animals; and "social/therapy" animals since emotional support or comfort is not a task related to a person’s disability.
• Questions / Contact Us
  • If you intend to bring a service animal to an event, no advance notice to DPAC is needed.
  • Simply notify your ticket representative at the time of purchase so that an accessible aisle seat may be reserved for you.

DPAC can provide sign language interpretation for guests with hearing disabilities. Requests for an interpreter should be made at the time of ticket purchase and should go directly through our Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Ticket Center (customerservice@dpacnc.com or 919.680.2787). Our Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Ticket Center has designated seats that will enable the best line of sight for guest(s) to see an interpreter. Please note that requests require notification ten business days in advance of show date. Please contact us for more information on events that offer sign language interpretation.

In compliance with local and state laws, DPAC is a smoke-free facility. Guests are prohibited from smoking anywhere inside the Center. Smoking, including alternative smoking devices such as electronic and/or vapor, are also prohibited. For some events, guests wishing to smoke may exit the building, but please note that Durham County also prohibits smoking within 100 feet of bus stops; in public parks and on trails; and on public sidewalks abutting schools, hospitals, and city and county property which includes DPAC. 

Standing and Dancing at Concerts: DPAC is proud to welcome all types of concerts to our stage. Sometimes during the course of a concert performance, audience members will show their enthusiasm by standing and dancing, especially when encouraged by the performers to do so. Unless directed by the show, we do not ever enforce a must sit policy at concerts. For most concerts, this would not be acceptable to the performers on stage who often love it when the crowd is moved enough by the performance to stand. This is especially true for rock shows and for seats closest to the stage.

Please know that DPAC does not have a “no standing” policy and in most situations will allow guests to stand even if they block the view of the stage for other guests. If your view is ever blocked by a standing or dancing guest, please contact an usher and we’ll attempt to find alternative seating.

For family shows that allow very young children, strollers are allowed for guests with infants and toddlers. Event supervisors will store the stroller in an appropriate area convenient to the guests’ seats.

DPAC strictly prohibits ticket scalping and the resale of tickets on the premises.

For most shows, DPAC allows umbrellas and provides various sized umbrella bags for guests to store them. DPAC thanks guests for using the umbrella bags to help prevent wet floors.

During winter weather months, all performances scheduled at DPAC normally take place as planned. For more information on our inclement weather policy please visit the Weather Information page.

Courtesy wheelchairs are available to transfer guests from the drop-off area into DPAC where the guest would then transfer to a fixed seat in the theater. Please note: DPAC’s wheelchairs are intended for transportation to and from the seating area and are not to be used for the entire show. Please ask any DPAC Staff Member for assistance.