Student Series FAQs

Student Series shows are open to any public, private, home, charter or magnet school students and their teachers in all grades. When possible, tickets are also available to the public. Children under the age of two may not attend a Student Series performance.

When possible, age or grade recommendations are listed for Wortham Center Student Series performances. These guidelines are based on information received from the producing companies. The final decision on propriety is ultimately the teachers’ or guardians’ decision. Children under the age of two may not attend a Student Series performance.

Safety policies are based on recommendations from state and local health service agencies and the CDC. Please visit the COVID-19 Policies and Procedures page for the most recent guidelines. Policies are subject to change based on current conditions.

Upgrades to the HVAC system with air purification using needlepoint bipolar ionization technology, surface disinfection before and after all performances, and continued adherence to CDC, state and local guidelines are among the precautions that the Wortham Center is taking to make it safe for students and patrons to return. Visit the COVID-19 Policies and Procedures page for more information.

Funding is available through the Arts for All Kids program to subsidize ticket prices for students in the public school system who receive free or reduced lunches. To apply, first fill out the Large Group Reservation Form then complete the Arts for All Kids online scholarship application.

Click here to get directions.

Drop Off: Students may be dropped off with a chaperone under the Wortham Center marquee at 18 Biltmore Ave.

We strongly encourage additional chaperones in addition to a bus driver. If this is not possible, please let the box office know when you reserve your tickets.

Bus Parking: Please see this map of free bus parking as designated by the City of Asheville. Bus parking in the City is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If a bus driver plans to attend the performance, they need to arrive with enough time to drop off, park the bus, and walk back to the Wortham Center.

Please contact the Wortham Center Box Office with questions: 828-257-4530, ext. 1 or boxoffice@worthamarts.org.

Street parking is available downtown. Most parking is metered at $0.25 per 12 minutes for up to two hours. Come prepared with quarters, or use the free PassportParking app. Click here for a downtown parking map.

There is also a privately owned parking garage attached to the building with a direct entrance into the balcony lobby off the third level of the garage. Fee for the garage is an hourly rate. The Aloft Parking Garage is also available and the first hour is usually free.

For groups of 10 people or less, payment is due when you place your reservation. For groups of 11 or more, a deposit of $1.00 per person is required at the time of reservation. Payment in full is due three weeks prior to the performance. Teachers receive 1 free ticket for every 10 paying students. After your due date, your purchase becomes a final, non-refundable sale.

Checks:  Make checks payable to Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard and American Express

The Wortham Center is unable to offer refunds for absent students.

All children are required to purchase a ticket. Children under 2 years of age are not permitted at performances. You are welcome to hold your child on your lap or to bring a booster seat to help them see the performance.

If there is a weather-related cancellation or delay in your district and we are not able to reschedule your group to another performance, your money will be refunded minus a $25 registration fee. Home schools are subject to the snow days called in their county.  Please call the Box Office at 828-257-4530, ext. 1 the morning of the performance for updates on weather-related delays or cancellations of performances.

Plan to arrive and check in at the Wortham Center at least a half hour prior to the start of the performance, as seating large groups takes time. Tardy arrivals may cause the performance to start late and, consequently, may delay your return to school. If you are running late, please call the box office at 828-257-4530, ext. 1 and let us know when to expect you.

Tickets are not printed for Student Series shows. You will receive an invoice that may be used as a confirmation.

Playbills are not provided for Student Series performances as they are a distraction for children during the performance.

Links to show-specific downloadable Study Guides (when available) are posted on the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts’ website on the individual event pages.

Additionally, you can use our Guide to the Wortham Center to prepare for your visit, learn about the theatre, and get the most out of each performance.

Student Series seating is not assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Every effort is made to place groups in the best possible seats and to keep groups as consolidated as possible. (Seating assignments take some creativity and hard work. The process can be equated to putting a puzzle together!) Wortham Staff cannot seat or move groups upon their request, and the theatre does not offer refunds in the case that you are unsatisfied with your seats. In some cases, public performances of the same show are offered in the evenings. At these shows, you many choose your seats when you purchase your tickets through the box office.

The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is fully accessible with an elevator and several seating spaces for wheelchairs in each venue. Audio loop technology is available in the Diana Wortham Theatre for the hearing impaired. It is imperative that teachers inform management of any special needs when you make your reservation.

Photography and recordings of any type are not permitted during Student Series events.

Teachers, parents and other chaperones are responsible for student behavior while at Wortham Center. An appropriate number of adults must attend students at all times. Live performances are fun! Laughter, clapping and audience participation are encouraged when appropriate. However, students who are disruptive will be escorted to the lobby by an usher or by theatre management. No refund will be offered to these students.

Theatre etiquette guidelines are outlined in our Guide to the Wortham Center.

Please consult with the Wortham Center Box Office for options to eat lunch on the Wortham Center premises. With multiple events happening at the center each day, we cannot always provide indoor space for large groups. We also recommend that you enjoy lunch at the Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park, which is located within walking distance of the center.