Theatre Policies, Procedures, and FAQs

The Empty Space is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all artists and patrons who collaborate with The Empty Space to create art and help us fulfill our mission of providing theatre and visual art to the community of Bakersfield no matter their situation. We are constantly looking for ways to grow as an organization and have found success in the following policies and procedures. Please contact us if you require any further assistance.

Accessibility

Assistive Listening

The Empty Space will soon be able to provide a limited number of complimentary Assistive Listening device headsets to the hard-of-hearing. If this is something you would be interested in using, please send us an email and let us know! We will notify our patrons as soon as they become available. Please note that due to the size of our theatre, most plays and musicals do not use amplification.

Large Print

For events with playbills, Large Print programs are available for those with limited vision. To avoid waste, Large Print playbills will be created on demand. Please indicated your need in the special requests section of your reservation and we will hold it at our front door for you. On the day of a show, we will make every attempt to create a large print program. Please request a program from a volunteer and one will be delivered to your seat as quickly as it can be created.

Special Accommodation

The Empty Space seeks to make live theatre accessible to everyone. If you have a special request, please contact our Box Office at emptyspacereservations@gmail.com or indicate on the special request section at check out and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Walkers

Volunteers will assist those with walkers to their seat. Walkers must be stored in the lobby until requested at intermission or the conclusion of the performance.

Wheelchairs

The Empty Space currently provides accessible seating in the front row available for patrons with limited mobility or in wheelchairs. Seating is available for purchase on our interactive seating map.

Charitable Causes and Fundraisers

To request a ticket donation on behalf of your organization, please contact a member of our board of directors. Donation requests are processed approximately once a month. Please indicate if you will pick up donated tickets or if you would like them sent via U.S. mail. The Empty Space will make every effort to support other local non-profits.

Send requests no later than 30 days prior to your event to: The Empty Space 706 Oak Street Bakersfield, CA 93304 Or email: emptyspacereservations@gmail.com.

Group Sales

A group must purchase at least 10 tickets to a single performance to qualify for a discounted pricing of $2 off per ticket. Group rates are available for all admission types.

Contact our Box Office at emptyspacereservations@gmail.com to request a group discount.

The Empty Space Standards

Updated: 09.09.2021

To view the newly implemented Empty Space Standards, CLICK HERE.

Inclement Weather

In the case of inclement weather, refunds will be awarded only if the performance is canceled. If the artist(s) is/are present at the theatre, then the event will take place as scheduled. If the performance is postponed and re-scheduled, then the original tickets issued are valid for the new date. In the event that a show is canceled, we will make every effort to inform all ticketed patrons via phone and/or email as soon as possible.

Methods of Payment

The Empty Space accepts:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Apple Pay
  • Credit & Debit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Online Box Office

Reservations and tickets are available 24/7 through our online box office theemptyspace.eventbrite.com. You can also contact our board of directors for general questions or assistance at emptyspacereservations@gmail.com.

Prohibited Items

Photography & Video

Photography and video recording during the performance is strictly prohibited unless otherwise noted. We encourage you to take photos before and after the show, and during intermission!

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, digital watch alarms, etc., are permitted into the theatre, however PLEASE turn them off prior to taking your seat! Please do not just silence a cell phone - any use of a phone with a lit screen creates a distraction for other patrons and the performers. Please no texting during the show.

Food & Beverages

Outside food and beverages are discouraged in the theatre, with the exception of bottled waters and sodas. ABSOLUTELY NO outside alcoholic beverages are allowed in the theatre at any time. Items from our bar and concession stand are allowed in the theatre.

Seating Chart

A PDF version of our seating chart is available soon.

House Layout

The Empty Space is a 1-level venue with approximately 85 seats.

There are two seating sections:

  • Center Right (7 rows with 6 seats in each row)
  • Center Left (7 rows with 6 seats in each row)

Seating Policies

Reserved Seating:

Reserved seating is now available for all ticket types and VIP tables! Choose your favorite seats on our interactive seating map or let it choose the best seat available for you. Rush Admission is also reserved seating, first-come, first-serve.

Doors open approximately 30 minutes in advanced and close promptly at show time.

Disturbances

The Empty Space reserves the right to remove anyone who causes a disturbance or disrupts the experience of other patrons or our actors. Patrons who are removed will not receive a refund.

Late Seating

Due to the configuration of the theatre, late seating is not allowed. Please arrive early to find your seats. Those who arrive after the doors have closed will need to reply to their confirmation email to transfer tickets to a new date. Please do not knock on doors once they are closed.

Tickets, Rush, & Refunds

Refunds

All sales are final. Should problems arise, tickets are transferrable but non-refundable. Transfers MUST be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Please reply to your confirmation email to transfer tickets to a new date. No refunds are available unless a show is canceled.

Rush Seating

The Empty Space is committed to making live theatre accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of financial situation. Each performance saves a minimum of 6 seats that are available at the door each night for pay-what-you-can, and subject to availability to the first people in line. You must be present in line to claim a rush seat. Spots and seats cannot be held. Additional unclaimed seats will be released to our rush line promptly at showtime.

Children

Children under age six are not admitted, unless the production is advertised for younger audiences.

Physical Tickets

We're paperless! Printed tickets are not necessary for our productions, however we encourage you to keep your confirmation email handy for any discrepancies.