Theater Policies & FAQs

Our audience is a valuable part of every performance. Here are some tips that will make your visit to Stephens Auditorium or Fisher Theater even more enjoyable.

Clear Bag Policy

The following items are approved for entry at Stephens Auditorium:

12″ x 6″ x 12″ Clear Tote Bag

9″ x 5″ Small Clutch/Billfold (not clear)

One (1) Gallon Clear Plastic Bag

Covid-19/Mask Policy

Stephens Auditorium is adhering to state and university guidelines related to Covid-19. Please review Cyclones Care guidelines outlined by Iowa State University before attending an event.

No proof of vaccination is required. Please stay home if you feel ill.

Finding Your Seat / Late Seating

Arriving “fashionably late” to the theater is never appropriate. Being distracted by a latecomer is frustrating for many actors and audience members. Seating begins 30 minutes prior to curtain time. Late seating is subject to the discretion of the staff and according to the artist’s contract.

Children

Young people are always welcome at Stephens Auditorium and Fisher Theater events. However, some performances require an adult attention span and a quiet auditorium. All children attending a performance must be able to sit quietly in their own seats without disturbing other guests or they may be asked to leave the auditorium. At designated family-oriented productions, children of all ages are welcome. Please use discretion when choosing to bring a child or infant and remember that everyone must have a ticket, regardless of age.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Audio or visual recording devices and all photography are prohibited during performance times (unless stated otherwise by the performer). Please silence your cell phone and refrain from texting or checking your screen as the sounds and lights are a distraction for your fellow audience members and the performers on stage.

ADA Accessibility

ADA accessible seating is available for all performances. Contact the Iowa State Center Ticket Office at 515-294-2479 or click here to learn more about accessibility accommodations at the Iowa State Center.

Obstructed View

Obstructed view means you’ll be unable to see the entire stage from those seats. You’ll have either an incomplete view because of the position of the seats, or something will be in your line of sight – like a pole, speakers, or the sound board.

We sell these seats because for many fans an obstructed view is not a problem, and the tickets are clearly labeled at time of purchase.

Photography

Presence at this performance will constitute your consent and agreement to be photographed and/or recorded in connection with the advertisement and promotion of the Performing Arts Series and Stephens Auditorium, in any and all media now and known hereinafter devised, in perpetuity.

ATM

An ATM is located on the ground floor of Stephens Auditorium.

Lost and Found

Lost and found items may be reported and claimed at the Guest Services Desk. Following an event, please call 515-294-2479 to inquire about any lost items.  Lost and found items are kept for 30 days.

Parking

Free parking is available in the lots south and east of Stephens Auditorium. Lots A-1 and B-3 are reserved for donors who contribute $300 or more. Lots are reserved up to 15 minutes prior to show-time and are subject to availability. Parking for mobility-impaired guests is available in Lot F located west of Stephens Auditorium and Fisher Theater.

Coat Check

Coat check is available at Stephens Auditorium for the Performing Arts Series Events free of charge on the ground floor lobby, just west of the Celebrity Café. The Iowa State Center is not responsible for loss of personal property.

Medical Assistance

If you have a medical need, please notify an usher. Medical services are provided by Mary Greeley Medical Center.

Inclement Weather

Generally, performances will not be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions and ticket refunds will not be available. In rare instances when a show is canceled due to weather, information will be posted on our website and ticket holders for that specific performance will be notified via email. Updates will also be posted on Stephens Auditorium social media channels. Guests may contact the Iowa State Center Ticket Office at 515-294-2479 or ticketoffice@iastate.edu for specific performance information.

Ticket Exchange

Ticket exchange is an exclusive benefit available only to Performing Arts Series Subscribers and only available for Performing Arts Series events. Learn more about becoming a subscriber.

Refreshments

Food and beverage is available in several locations in Stephens Auditorium and on the main floor in Fisher Theater.  These items are generally allowed in the seated areas with the exception of symphonic performances.  If food and beverages are not allowed into seated areas, signage will be posted at concession stands informing our patrons.

Elevators

Elevators are located in the lobbies of all floors on the north side of Stephens Auditorium.

Smoking

Smoking and/or vaping are not allowed in Stephens Auditorium or Fisher Theater. As part of the Iowa State University campus, all Iowa State Center buildings are entirely smoke-free.  Please note that there is no re-entry into the event.