Everything You Need to Know Before the Show
Arrival & Timing
- Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before curtain to allow time for parking, security, and seating.
- Lobbies open 90 minutes prior to the show; seating typically begins 30 minutes before curtain.
- Late seating will be permitted at a designated break in the performance, at the discretion of theatre staff.
Parking & Transportation
- On-Site Garage: $20 event parking (entrances on Rusk and Walker Streets).
- Valet Parking: $35 on Bagby Street (complimentary for Lexus drivers, subject to availability).
- Overflow Parking: Additional garages available throughout the Theater District.
- Public Transportation:
- METRORail: Purple and Green Lines stop at the Theater District Station, a short walk from the Hobby Center.
- Bus Routes: Several METRO buses stop nearby on Bagby, Walker, and Capitol.
- Plan your route at ridemetro.org.
Dining & Concessions
Make your visit complete with food and beverage options at the Hobby Center:
Diana American Grill
Encore Café
Lobby Concessions
Accessibility & Guest Accommodations
At Theatre Under The Stars, we are committed to making our performances welcoming and accessible for all audiences. We provide:
- Accessible seating and elevator access throughout the venue
- Complimentary Assistive Listening Devices (available in the lobby)
- ASL-Interpreted Performances
- Open Captioned Performances
- Audio Described Performances
- Touch Tours and Sensory-Friendly Performances on select dates
- Wellness Room – A private, low-stimulation space available upon request for guests with sensory sensitivities, medical needs, or nursing
For upcoming accessible performance dates and details on requesting accommodations, please visit our Accessibility Services page.
Because our shows are presented at the Hobby Center, guests also benefit from venue-wide accessibility features, including wheelchair seating, elevators from the garage, complimentary golf-cart shuttle service, and support from the Hobby Center Access Team (volunteers in yellow polos who assist with mobility and wayfinding). Learn more at the Hobby Center’s Accessibility page.
Theatre Etiquette: Keep the Drama on Stage
We love a little drama—when it’s part of the script! A few friendly reminders to help everyone enjoy the show:
- Curtain calls for punctuality. Arrive with plenty of time; late seating is only permitted at approved breaks.
- Phones don’t get a starring role. Silence devices—no glowing screens during the performance.
- Selfies, yes. TikToks, no. Take photos before the show and during intermission only.
- Save the solos for karaoke. Talking, singing along, or crinkling wrappers is more distracting than you think.
- Tiny theatre fans need intermissions too. If your child becomes restless, step into the lobby and return when ready.
- Applause, encores, and ovations welcome. Performers thrive on your energy—laugh, clap, and cheer often.
- Be a good scene partner. Share the armrest, keep aisles clear, and show kindness to fellow patrons and ushers.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at all TUTS performances at the Hobby Center.
- Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to perform tasks directly related to an individual’s disability.
- Service animals must remain leashed or harnessed at all times.
- Emotional support, therapy, comfort, and companion animals—as well as service animals in training—are not recognized as service animals under the ADA.
- If you plan to attend with a service animal, please notify Guest Services at the time of purchase, or contact us in advance so we can reserve appropriate seating (such as an aisle seat).
Children
- Most TUTS performances are recommended for ages 8 and older.
- All guests—including infants and babes in arms—must have their own ticket.
- For questions about age-appropriateness, please contact TUTS Guest Services at 713-558-8887 or guestservices@tuts.org.
Security & Theatre Policies
All guests attending performances at the Hobby Center are subject to the venue’s security procedures and theatre policies:
- Walkthrough metal detectors are in use at all entrances.
- Bags are subject to inspection; oversized bags and backpacks may not be permitted.
- Photography, video, and audio recording are prohibited during performances unless otherwise announced.
- Please silence all devices and refrain from texting during the performance.
For additional venue policies, visit the Hobby Center Visitor FAQs.
Emergency Contact & Lost & Found
- Emergency Contact During a Performance: If an urgent matter arises while you are at the theatre, please call the Hobby Center emergency line at 713-315-2525 and provide your seat location.
- Lost & Found: For items misplaced during your visit, please contact the Hobby Center security desk or call the number above.
- Medical Assistance: On-site EMTs are present at all performances. The First Aid office is located in the lower lobby across from the Diana American Grill elevator.
Health & Safety
The Hobby Center maintains enhanced health and safety standards for your comfort, including:
- Touchless fixtures in restrooms
- Advanced air filtration and fresh air intake
- Frequent sanitization of high-touch areas
Masks and proof of vaccination are not currently required, but policies may change in line with public health guidance.
Can’t Make It? Gift Your Tickets
As a non-profit organization, if you’re unable to attend a performance, you can return your tickets back to TUTS as a tax-deductable gift. Contact Guest Services for assistance.
Need help? We’re here to assist!
Contact TUTS Guest Services at 713-558-8887 or guestservices@tuts.org.
