Attending a Performance

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Arrival

All patrons must use the main entrance on Avenue of the Arts to enter the hall. Those patrons purchasing or picking up tickets should go directly to the appropriate Box Office window (purchase to the left, Will Call to the right) inside the main entrance. The lobby will be open one hour prior to the start of the concert. The hall itself opens at least 30 minutes prior to start. Patrons should arrive no later than 35 minutes prior to the start of the performance to allow ample time for parking and finding their seats.

Attire: There is no dress code for Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra performances. We encourage you to wear whatever makes you comfortable. However, for the comfort of all, please don’t use strong perfume or cologne.


Late Seating: When possible, late seating will take place during the first convenient pause in the program.


During The Performance: Once a concert begins, please keep noise to a minimum. Please also refrain from entering and exiting the hall while a performance is in progress. Ushers are stationed at entrances and exits. If you must leave your seat, please proceed quickly and quietly to the nearest door, or ask the nearest usher for assistance.

Security: Our guests’ safety is our top priority. Due to enhanced security, walk-through metal detectors are now used at all performances. Please be advised that all bags may be inspected at the discretion of VETS security and/or the police officer on site. Items confiscated will not be returned. Please be advised that firearms, weapons, backpacks, suitcases, briefcases, and laptops are not allowed in the building. Additionally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the venue. Please arrive 35-45 minutes early for entry into the building. 

Applause: Please bear in mind that it is customary to hold all applause until the end of a piece. The conductor will signal you by lowering the baton and dropping their shoulders. That being said, your approval is our reward. If you are so moved by a soloist or a movement that you want to express yourself, then by all means do so.

Emergency Evacuation: Lighted red EXIT signs are located throughout the auditorium. Please note the sign nearest your seat in case of emergency and listen for instructions.

Assisted Listening Devices: Assisted listening devices are available and free to use for all performances at The VETS. They can be obtained at the House Manager’s podium in the main lobby, free of charge. These devices are intended to assist only the listening quality of amplified speech and announcements.

Electronic Devices: Your neighbors and the musicians appreciate your cooperation in turning your phone to silent and your brightness down while attending a performance. Please also refrain from checking your phone at any point during the performance as it is distracting to the musicians and other concertgoers.

Cameras/Recording Equipment: Use of cameras and recording equipment is prohibited at Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra concerts.

Children at the RI Philharmonic: Children five years and older are welcome at RI Philharmonic concerts.

Smoking: Smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited at The VETS.

Facilities: Restrooms are located on the mezzanine and basement levels. Accessible restrooms are available on both the mezzanine and basement levels via the elevator. Bar and concessions are located on the main floor and mezzanine levels.


Elevator: The elevator is located to the right as you enter the main lobby. This elevator provides access to the lower lobby, orchestra and mezzanine levels. Please note that the elevator does not access the first or second balcony levels.


Lost and Found: The VETS is not responsible for lost or stolen items. If misplaced items are discovered, they will be held in the administrative office of The VETS for you to retrieve. Please call ahead to see if your item has been found at 401.222.1467 between 12-4pm.

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  • How long is the concert?

    Concert lengths vary. On concert nights, Box Office personnel can tell you the concert length or you may call ahead to the Box Office (401-248-7000). Amica Rush Hour Fridays are approximately 75-90 minutes, and sometimes include an intermission. Open Rehearsal Fridays are approximately 2.5 hours, including a 20 minute break at the conductor’s discretion. TACO Classical Saturdays are approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute intermission.

  • What if I arrive late?

    For most concerts, late seating opportunities come between pieces or at intermission. Please be aware that there are some programs that make late seating impossible. We encourage you to arrive at least 35 minutes early.

  • What type of payment methods do you accept?

    We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.

  • What if I can’t find my tickets?

    Lost tickets will be reprinted at no charge and held for pickup at the Will Call/Paid Reservations window (to the right as you enter The VETS). To request a reprint, email boxoffice@riphil.org or call 401.248.7000  and include the name the tickets were purchased under, which ticket(s) you need reprinted, what name you’d like them held under at Will Call. You will receive a confirmation message when printed and ready for pickup at the Will Call window. Within 30 minutes of showtime, please visit Will Call or the Box Office at The VETS.

  • Can I buy tickets or subs at a RIPO concert?

    Yes, you can purchase tickets or subscriptions for other RI Philharmonic events. The Box Office is open before all concerts. You can also call 401.248.7000 (M-F, 9-4:30.)

  • What if I can’t use my tickets?

    If you are unable to use your concert ticket(s), we encourage you to donate them back to the RI Philharmonic to be used by another patron. To turn-back your ticket(s), please email boxoffice@riphil.org and include the name the tickets were purchased under, date of the event, which ticket(s) you would like to donate. 

  • Pre and Post-Concert Programming

    There will be no pre-concert talks this season. There is a post-concert Q&A following most Friday Amica Rush Hour and Saturday TACO Classical concerts.


  • Making a donation:

    Click the DONATE button at the top of this page. Visit donate.riphil.org or contact Laurie Johnson-Carvalho at 401.248.7034 or ljohnson-carvalho@riphil.org.

RI Philharmonic Carter Center

Administration Site

667 Waterman Avenue, East Providence

Box Office hours:

M-F, 9am-4:30pm

401-248-7000

The VETS

Peformance Site

1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence

Open Rehearsal Fridays: 3:30pm-Showtime

Amica Rush Hour Fridays: 4:30pm-Showtime

Saturday Concert Days: 5:30pm-Showtime

401-248-7000