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
Accessible Seat Types
Semi-ambulatory Seat - Seating for patrons with limited mobility and their companions can be purchased in Row A. All seating is armless, so patrons can transfer directly into the seat.
Wheelchair Accessible - There are two open spaces specifically reserved for patrons using a wheelchair or other mobility device in Row A. All seats in Row A are also wheelchair transferrable.
Companion Seat - Companions of patrons using a wheelchair or other mobility device may purchase seats A3, A10 or B1, B2, B11, or B12. These seats directly surround the wheelchair seats.
Sign Language Interpretation
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation may available upon request, or patrons may provide their own. Guests requiring this accommodation should make their request at least ten (10) business days prior to the event. We may be unable to accommodate requests made less than ten (10) business days in advance due to time and unavailaibility of qualified interpreters. For more information, email us at emptyspacereservations@gmail.com.
Large Print Playbills
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 reply to your confirmation email and request one and we will hold it at our front door for you.
Restrooms
Both of our restrooms are accessible and ADA compliant. Both restrooms are single stall, all gender restrooms.
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 in order to maintain clean access to aisles and fire exits.
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 5417 Woodmere Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93313 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
- Venmo
- Credit & Debit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Online Box Office
Reservations and tickets are available 24/7 through our online box office theemptyspace.simpletix.com. You can also contact our board of directors for general questions or assistance at emptyspacereservations@gmail.com.
Prohibited Items
The Empty Space reserves the right to prohibit any item, including items not listed below, from entering the premises based on any show request or requirement. This includes items deemed by management to be a threat, dangerous, inappropriate or disruptive to the event.
Photography & Video
Audio 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, handheld games, 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.
Weapons & Illegal Substances
Weapons and illegal substances of any kind are prohibited in our venue, including but not limited to: Firearms (with or without permit), Multi-tools or knives of any size, Flares or Fireworks, Prop weapons, Sharp Objects, Tasers, Laser Pointers. Per state and local regulations, smoking/vaping is not allowed anywhere 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. No refunds are available unless a show is canceled.
Transfers
Ticket transfers MUST be requested at least 48 hours in advance. Please reply to your confirmation email to transfer tickets to a new date. No tickets will be transferred after the event starts.
Rush Seating
The Empty Space is committed to making live theatre accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of financial situation. All unsold seats are available at the door each night for pay-what-you-can, and subject to availability first-come, first-serve. You must be present 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.