The American Theatre Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my seats when I order online?
Sorry, our system does not allow you to see what seats are still available for each performance. If you have a seating preference, please enter it into the “comments” section of the order form, and our staff will do their best to honor your request.

How soon will I receive my order?
If you request that your tickets be mailed, your order will be mailed first class within one to two business days. Most orders are received in five to seven business days. Ticket orders that are placed within one week of the performance date will be held at the box office will call. Tickets can then be picked up before the performance by presenting a picture ID.

Who qualifies for ticket discounts?
To qualify for a senior discount, you must be 60 years of age or older. To qualify for a military discount, you must be active duty or active duty dependent. To qualify for a student discount, you must be a full time student (any age applies) with a valid ID. All discounts require an ID as you may be asked to present your ID at the box office or when you present your tickets at a performance. The American Theatre reserves the right to request identification. Discounts are given at the discretion of the management.

If you are ordering 4 or more events, contact the box office as you may be eligible for a series discount.

I haven’t received the tickets that I ordered online! What can I do?
Call the box office at (757) 722-2787 or e-mail us americantheatre@hampton.gov to confirm that your order was received and mailed. If your tickets have been lost in the mail, they can be reprinted for you on the day of the performance. The party who placed the order will need to present a picture ID at the box office to pick up the newly reprinted tickets.

How many people does The American Theatre hold?
We seat 392 people. However, due to the technical specifications or audience participation during certain performances, some shows have a slightly lower capacity.

How can I get my tickets? Can I order through Ticketmaster?
Tickets are not available through Ticketmaster or any other ticket source. We eliminate a third party seller so that we are able to keep our prices and fees lower than most venues.

To purchase tickets to a performance at The American Theatre, you must order through The American Theatre box office. You can order by phone at (757) 722-2787, you can order online here on this website with our secure order form, or you can visit our box office located in the theatre at 125 E. Mellen St., Hampton, VA 23669 any time Monday through Friday from 9am until 5pm or Saturdays from 9am until 1pm. Tickets are often available at the box office the night of the show, but we recommend calling to see if a performance is sold out before you purchase at the door.

I already bought tickets but I can’t attend the performance. Can I get a refund?
Sorry, we do not give refunds. Please see our exchange policy if you would like to exchange your tickets for an upcoming event.

The show I bought tickets for has been cancelled! Can I get a refund?
In the unlikely event of a cancellation, you will be contacted by the American Theatre box office. At that time, you can choose to exchange your tickets for another performance, or we will issue you a refund.

What time does the theatre open before a performance?
For most performances, the lobby opens one hour before the scheduled performance time. Seating begins about a half an hour before showtime.

Do you serve food?
We offer light refreshments, specialty coffee drinks, beer, wine and champagne before the performance and during the intermission. However, food and drinks must be enjoyed in the lobby and are not allowed into the theatre itself during a show or at any other time.

Do you have handicapped and wheelchair accessible seating?
We are happy to accommodate anyone who needs handicapped accessible seating as long as a performance is not sold out. Please contact the box office at (757) 722-2787 to order tickets if you need accessible seating so that we can accommodate you to the best of our abilities.

Do you have a dress code?
No, we do not have a specific dress code. Though we definitely require shirt and shoes, we do not enforce a strict code. For most performances, a business casual attire is considered appropriate.

Do you have a coat check?

During the late fall, winter and early spring our coat check is open during performances. If the coat check does not appear to be open, please check with House Management if you need assistance. The coat check is a complimentary service.

Do you have an ATM located inside?
No, we do not have an ATM at The American Theatre. The closest ATM is located at Old Point National Bank on the corner of E. Mellen St. and Mallory St., which is about 2 blocks away from The American Theatre.

Can I take pictures or shoot video during the performance?
Sorry, photography of any kind is prohibited during performances. We ask also that all pagers and cell phones be turned off during performances.

Can I meet the artist?
Occasionally artists will greet the public and sign autographs following a performance. This is solely at the discretion of the artist and is not guaranteed in any way.

Are there any restaurants located near the theatre?
Within walking distance of the theatre you can find the Phoebus Coffee House located at 33 E. Mellen St., which serves soup and sandwiches before a show and desserts afterwards. You can also find SIX Little Bar Bistro located at 6 E. Mellen St. that serves tapas style cuisine and Sarah’s Irish Pub located at 38 E. Mellen St. which specializes in pub fare. There are also many great restaurants nearby and in the downtown area of Hampton. For more restaurants, visit our Around Us page.

Where can I park when I come to a performance?
There is on-street parking available in front of and around the theatre. If you see that parking is not immediately available, there is an open lot next to the theatre behind a black gate in between the theatre and Peach’s Shell gas station. Additional public parking lots can be found behind the antique shops in between E. Mellen Street and County Street.