Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE IS THE REGENT THEATRE LOCATED?

The Regent Theatre is located at 50 King Street East, in downtown Oshawa, Ontario. Please click here for a map and directions to Regent Theatre.

WHERE CAN I PARK MY CAR?

Street parking is available throughout the downtown area, as well as at the City of Oshawa surface lot one block south of the theatre, and the parking garage located one block east of the theatre. Generally all parking is free downtown after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. Please note that if there is a large event at the Tribute Communities Centre (formerly the GM Centre), there may be a minimum charge of $5 for parking at city lots.

DO YOU HAVE A PASSENGER DROP-OFF AREA?

If you are dropping off patrons at the theatre, there is a small pull-off area just outside the main doors. Please note that there is only room for a single vehicle at a time, so please be patient. Please ask your passengers to be careful as they will be opening their doors close to busy traffic.

WHAT TIME DO YOUR DOORS OPEN?

The main doors open into lobby one hour prior to show time for most events. Theatre doors usually open at least one half hour before show time. Please note that there are no seats in the lobby. If you have difficulty standing for extended periods, please don’t arrive too early.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I ARRIVE LATE?

We ask that all patrons arrive at the theatre by the time posted on your ticket. Be sure to give yourself extra time to park and walk to the theatre, and to get a refreshment at the concession if necessary. If you do arrive late, you will be required to wait in the lobby until a suitable break in the program occurs. The House Supervisor has the authority to decide when it is appropriate to enter the theatre.

IS THERE SOMEWHERE TO EAT CLOSE TO THE THEATRE?

There are many restaurants within walking distance of the Regent Theatre. We encourage you to come down early to get optimal parking and support one of our local downtown eateries. We open the Box Office two hours before show time if you want to pick up your tickets early before dinner. For a complete list of nearby establishments go to our LOCAL DINING PAGE.

DO YOU ALLOW PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEO RECORDING?

Flash photography and video recording of any kind is prohibited inside the Regent Theatre. Non-flash photography is permitted, but only with small point and click cameras. Cameras with professional lenses are not permitted.

ARE THERE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS LOCATED NEARBY?

Yes, there are two hotels within walking distance of the theatre. The closest is LA QUINTA INN AND SUITES which is located diagonally across the road from the theatre on King St E.  The second is HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS located about 5 blocks away from the theatre on Simcoe St N.

DO YOU HAVE A CONCESSION STAND/BAR?

Yes, we have an operating concession in the lobby, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for appropriate events. There is also candy and chocolate available (warning: the theatre is NOT peanut-free). The concession normally opens one hour prior to show start and generally closes immediately after intermission. Please note the concession accepts CASH payments only.

IS THERE AN ATM LOCATED ON SITE?

Yes, there is a Cash Machine located in the Regent Theatre lobby. There is also a CIBC and TD Bank located within three blocks of the Regent near the corner of King St. and Simcoe St.

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE TICKETS?

You can purchase tickets in person at Regent Theatre Box Office, by phone during regular Box Office hours at 905-721-3399 Ext.2, and online at tickets.regenttheatre.ca. The Regent Theatre Box Office is located to the east of the main doors at 50 King Street East in Oshawa.  More Details.

WHAT IS YOUR REFUND AND EXCHANGE POLICY?

All sales are final. No ticket refunds or exchanges will be permitted, except in specific circumstances due to an event cancellation or postponement.

DO YOU CHARGE TAXES?

The Ontario 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (or HST) is included in all advertised prices for tickets and service fees.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

At the Box Office we accept Visa, MasterCard, Debit and Cash. At this point in time we accept cash only at the Concession in order to maintain efficiency. Also note that merchandise sales are typically cash only.

WHAT ARE YOUR TICKET DELIVERY OPTIONS?

CANADA POST: When purchasing tickets by phone or online, you can choose to have tickets delivered directly to your residence by Canada Post for an additional fee. Tickets generally arrive within 7 days of your online or phone order. WILL CALL: When purchasing tickets by phone or online, you can chose the ‘will call’ option in order to pick up your tickets at the Box Office, for no additional charge. Tickets can be picked up on the date of the performance up to 2 hours before show start time, or in advance of the event during regular Box Office hours. You must provide your six-digit order number along with a piece of ID. PRINT @ HOME: When buying tickets online, you can chose the ‘print at home’ option at no additional charge. Please click the link in your original confirmation email, and print your tickets on your home printer. Each seat will print on its own page. These printed pages constitute your official ticket, so you do not have to exchange it at the Box Office. Simply present them to the Ushers in the lobby.

WHAT ARE YOUR BOX OFFICE HOURS?

Our normal Box Office hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. We are also open on event dates 2 hours before show start time. Hours may be reduced during the summer and for statutory holidays, so please check our website for updates.  More Details

ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR EVENTS?

Yes. Minimum age restrictions are posted in the description for each event, and are necessary for many reasons, including the type and content of the performance, excessive sound levels, and to minimize disruptions for our patrons. A common policy is an age restriction of 7+ years, with adult accompaniment for those under 16 years of age. Most events at the Regent Theatre are intended for adult audiences and are not appropriate for children. Please check the individual event listings on our website for the minimum age of the performance you are interested in prior to your ticket purchase.

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR MY CHILD AS WELL?

Yes. All patrons require a ticket, regardless of age, due to fire safety and insurance rules. This includes ‘Babes in Arms’. Be sure to check the event listing for the minimum age restriction before purchasing tickets. Most events at the Regent Theatre are not appropriate for small children. Children are generally permitted only at family-friendly events where the age restriction is posted as “All Ages” on our website. Even so, we strongly discourage bringing any child to the Regent Theatre that is under the age of 2 years. Children should be old enough to occupy their own seat and remain there for the duration of the event.

WHAT IS YOUR POLICY REGARDING CANCELLED OR POSTPONED EVENTS?

In the rare case that a Regent Theatre event is postponed or cancelled, we will make every effort to contact you via email (or phone where email is unavailable) . Please ensure that your your contact information is entered correctly when purchasing tickets online. Please see our Terms of Use for the most up-to-date information.

DO YOU SHARE MY PERSONAL INFORMATION?

The Regent Theatre does not share or sell your personal information, the only exception being seasonal subscribers of the Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra. Your information is primarily used for the purposes of contacting you due to a change or cancellation of an event. We employ the highest security standards and do not store any credit or debit card information on our system. Please see our Privacy Policy for the most up-to-date information.

DO YOU HAVE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN? SENIORS? STUDENTS? GROUPS?

For most events, seats in each section are listed with a single price and there are no discounts for children or seniors. There are events that offer student discounts only when purchasing the tickets in person. Many of our events have group discounts setup in advance for 10 or more people. Please contact our Box Office for more information.

CAN I PURCHASE GIFT CERTIFICATES?

Yes. Gift certificates come in $20 and $40 denominations and can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person. Gift certificates MUST be redeemed in person at the box office.

HOW DO I GET ON YOUR MAILING LIST TO FIND OUT ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS?

You can join our mailing list to receive our weekly e-mail newsletter by clicking here. Our newsletter subscribers are not only the first to see new event announcements, they often get ‘front-of-the-line’ and/or discounts, with access to tickets before the general public .There is no fees for joining our mailing list.

IS THE REGENT THEATRE ACCESSIBLE?

The Regent Theatre is fully accessible. There are 4 wheelchair spaces with designated companion seating assigned to them located in the theatre. The front door of the building and theatre doors on the west side of the lobby have automatic openers installed. There is a large accessible washroom located in the lobby. We have also installed an elevator for easier access to the mezzanine where receptions and autograph sessions are sometimes held. There is no accessible washroom in the mezzanine.

ARE THERE ASSIGNED SEATS FOR SUPPORT WORKERS?

Each wheelchair location has an adjacent ‘companion seat’ assigned to it, to allow a family member, nurse or other support worker to remain close to the person using a wheelchair. The wheelchair and companion seats are available to purchase online or in-person, just like any other ticket, but get them early as they can sell out fast. Please note that all support workers will require a ticket in order to gain admission to the Regent Theatre.

WHAT DOOR DO I USE TO ENTER/EXIT THE THEATRE?

Patrons are asked to enter and exit the theatre through the main doors and the lobby only, located on King Street. There are exits located at the front of the theatre near the stage, but these are reserved for emergency use only.

CAN I RENT THE REGENT THEATRE?

Yes, the Regent Theatre is available for rental. Please click here for information on hosting an event at the Regent Theatre.

WHAT IS YOUR SEATING CAPACITY?

The maximum seating capacity is 609 including 4 wheelchair and 4 companion seats. The seating numbers are sometimes reduced to accommodate a larger stage for events such as the Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra.

WHY ARE THERE PLUGS UNDER THE SEATS?

The Regent Theatre is owned and operated by the Ontario Tech University and during the week it serves as its largest lecture hall for the downtown campus. The plugs under the seats are for the student’s laptops, and you will notice a fold down table attached to every seat as well.

HOW OLD IS THE REGENT THEATRE?

The Regent Theatre opened its doors to the public in 1919 as a silent movie theatre and vaudeville performance venue. It was owned by Famous Players and screened movies up until it was sold in 1989. See our HISTORY PAGE for more information.

IS THAT THE ORIGINAL CEILING?

The ceiling was completely replaced by Ontario Tech University in 2013 & 2014. The new plaster mouldings were designed as a close representation of the original due to our historic building designation. The chandeliers were replaced sometime in the mid 50’s. See our HISTORY PAGE for photos and more information.

HOW LONG HAS ONTARIO TECH UNIVERSITY OWNED AND OPERATED THE REGENT THEATRE?

Ontario Tech University (formerly known as University of Ontario Institute of Technology) purchased the theatre in 2009 for use as a large lecture hall in their downtown campus expansion. The facility was renovated and opened for academic use in September of 2010. Shortly after, OTU began renting out the facility for live events on evenings and weekends.

ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR EVENTS?

Yes. Minimum age restrictions are posted in the description for each event, and are necessary for many reasons, including the type and content of the performance, excessive sound levels, and to minimize disruptions for our patrons. A common policy is an age restriction of 7+ years, with adult accompaniment for those under 16 years of age. Most events at the Regent Theatre are intended for adult audiences and are not appropriate for children. Please check the individual event listings on our website for the minimum age of the performance you are interested in prior to your ticket purchase.

DO YOU ALLOW FOOD OR BEVERAGES IN THE THEATRE?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted at the Regent Theatre.  Items purchased from our concession stand in the lobby are permitted in the theatre during most performances, but there may be exceptions. Please check our website or ask theatre staff about restrictions for your specific event.

CAN I LEAVE THE AUDITORIUM DURING THE PERFORMANCE?

Yes you can leave and re-enter the theatre during the performance, but please have consideration for your fellow patrons and try to not to get up until an appropriate break in the program. The House Supervisor has the authority to decide when it is appropriate to re-enter the theatre, so you may be held in the lobby for a short time

CAN I GO ON THE STAGE OR BACKSTAGE TO MEET THE PERFORMERS?

No. Only official members of the cast and crew of an event are permitted on the stage or in the backstage area due to insurance and safety regulations.

WILL THE ARTIST/BAND BE SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS?

Artists will sometimes appear in the lobby after a performance to meet members of the audience and sign autographs, but there is no guarantee that this will occur. No autograph requests will be permitted unless an organized meet-and-greet is planned, and only after it is officially announced during the event. For safety purposes, audience members are not permitted to approach the stage at any time, or wait outside the stage door (before, during or after the event) to meet performers and request photos or autographs.

CAN I SING ALONG OR GET UP AND DANCE DURING THE EVENT?

The simplest answer to this question is NO. Any action that disrupts the enjoyment of an event for the other patrons is not permitted and could result in you and your guests being removed from the theatre. Frequently getting out of your seat, talking loudly, using your cell phone, dancing in the seating area or aisles, or singing along with the music (unless invited to do so by the performer), is not proper theatre etiquette. These types of disruptions are our number one complaint from patrons. Please be respectful of others when attending an event.

WHAT IS YOUR POLICY REGARDING PUBLIC INTOXICATION?

Any person arriving at the theatre who is deemed to be intoxicated by the House Supervisor will be turned away at the door without a refund. Our concession vendor is smart-serve licensed and will refuse to serve any person they deem to be intoxicated. If an intoxicated individual causes any disruption for the other patrons, that person will be removed from the premises.

CAN I USE MY CELL PHONE DURING THE EVENT?

Use of cell phones is not permitted in the theatre during an event. Out of respect for your fellow patrons, cell phones must be turned off (not just switched to vibrate) and stored out of site during the performance. The light from cell phones obstructing audience member’s view of the show is one of the most common complaints we receive. You are welcome to use your phone before and after the performance to check in and post your positive comments to Regent Theatre’s social media pages. Facebook, Twitter.

CAN I VIDEO RECORD THE PERFORMANCE?

Flash photography and video recording of any kind is prohibited inside the Regent Theatre due to licensing restrictions. Non-flash photography is permitted, but only with small point and click cameras. Cameras with professional lenses are not permitted.

WHAT TIME DOES THE SHOW START WHEN THERE IS AN OPENING BAND?

Opening acts are usually chosen by the headlining artist and are an integral part of the performance. Therefore, the show starts promptly at the time printed on your ticket. If you arrive late, you risk being turned away at the door.

WHAT IS YOUR SCENT POLICY?

Ontario Tech University (OTU) is a scent-sensitive organization. Chemicals in scented products can have adverse health effects in individuals with allergies or medical conditions attributed to the chemicals used within the products. We understand that going out to the theatre is a little different than attending classes or working in an office, so whenever possible, please refrain from wearing cologne, perfume or other scented products. If you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to your seating location, please contact the House Supervisor about the possibility of a relocation.