FAQs
How can I donate to this project?
Please visit the ARTicipate web site for donor information.
How do I volunteer?
Contact Connie Cole, Supervisor Volunteer Program, City of Ottawa Theatres, via e-mail or by phoning 613-580-2424 ext. 16071. A registration form is available from the Ottawa.ca web site.
What are the Shenkman Arts Centre and Orléans Town Centre?
The Shenkman Arts Centre and Orléans Town Centre are the subject of a Public-Private Partnership (P3) between the City of Ottawa and its private-sector partner, Orléans Town Centre Partnership (OTCP). The Shenkman Arts Centre will bring much-needed events and activity space for a variety of arts media to east-end residents, while the completion of the Orléans Town Centre will add high-density residential development, office buildings, a possible seniors condo and assisted living residence, and a hotel. The project is designed to satisfy demand for arts in the east end of the city, and to build new business opportunities to strengthen the east-end economy.
For more information about the Shenkman Arts Centre and Orléans Town Centre, view our About Us page.
Where is the Shenkman Arts Centre located?
The Shenkman Arts Centre is located on the east side of Ottawa on the vacant lands surrounding the existing Orléans Client Service Centre at 245 Centrum Boulevard near the Place d’Orléans Shopping Centre. View a map to the Shenkman Arts Centre.
What types of activities does the Shenkman Arts Centre support?
The Shenkman Arts Centre will accommodate all types of visual and performing arts from community and professional artists, as well as lessons and activities for adults and children. The 505-seat performing arts hall can accommodate community and professional music, dance and theatrical performances. The 100-seat flexible Black Box Theatre can be configured to host a wide range of performances, while the municipal art gallery will display the work of local artists. Rehearsal halls include theatre studios and dance studio, while other activities are supported in specialized pottery studios, visual arts studios, and new media arts studios.
How do I rent a space at Shenkman Arts Centre?
Please contact Ginette Beauchamp, Booking Clerk, via e-mail or by phoning 613-580-2424 ext. 15930.
Why can’t I find an event on your web site which I know is coming to the theatre?
Presenters put on the majority of events taking place at the theatre. Their events are constantly being added to the web site, but only after the contracting processes are completed. They may occasionally publicize a show elsewhere before this process is complete, which is why you may have heard about it somewhere else first. Please continue to check the Calendar on a regular basis.
What is the on sale date for the event I’m interested in?
On sale dates are indicated within the event listings. Click on the name of the event for this information. Tickets always go on sale at noon unless otherwise indicated.
Does my child need a ticket? Can he sit on my lap?
All patrons entering the theatre must have a ticket.
Shenkman Arts Centre welcomes children, but very young children can be disruptive to other audience members and performers. Babes-in-arms and children under the age of three years are therefore not permitted to any performance except designated family/child performances.
Children aged three and above who are unable to sit quietly throughout a performance may, along with the adult accompanying them, be asked to leave the auditorium. Please therefore use discretion in choosing to bring a child to a performance.
Not all performances are suitable for children and even the appropriateness of children’s performances may be age-specific. In the latter case, age range is usually suggested. It is the sole responsibility of parents or guardians to research the content of a performance and judge as appropriate for their child’s age and level of maturity. There is no official rating system for live performances.
If you have a question about whether a given production would be suitable for young members of your family, please call the information desk at 613-580-ARTS (2787).
Are there discounts for children, infants, seniors, students or groups?
The presenting company (rental client) sets the ticket prices. Frequently these types of discounts are available. See individual event listings for details.
Is the theatre equipped for Special Needs?
The entire centre is equipped for special needs. Specifically regarding the theatre, wheelchair spaces and adjacent companion seats, as well as special seating for patrons with visual, auditory or mobility impairments are available. The theatre is equipped with an audio system for the hearing impaired. Washrooms are accessible and the theatre parking lot offers ample designated parking close to the entrance. Main doors are equipped with automated openers. Upon arrival and request, our staff will happily assist patrons with special needs. When purchasing tickets, please make any special needs known to the box office attendant.
Is there a discount for same-day tickets?
When Front + Centre (the City of Ottawa’s professional performance art presentation program) is the presenter, Student Rush tickets are generally available. Other theatre presenters may offer limited same-day “rush seating” as a special promotion. Generally speaking, however, they are not available. If they are not specifically advertised, you may assume that there are none.
How do I get to the theatre? Where can I park my car? Does the bus go to the theatre?
Information on location, directions and public transit is available on our web site under About Us, Location/Hours.
For more information
General information
Telephone: 613-580-ARTS (2787)
Email: shenkmanartscentre@ottawa.ca