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1. What criteria do you use in selecting art exhibitors?

 The selection of art exhibits for the Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) is selected by an objective panel of committee members.

• Art Exhibitors are selected based on:
  • Artistic merit of the work to be exhibited.
  • Appropriateness for viewing by audiences of all ages, including children.
  • Variety and type of media exhibited from month to month.
  • Most recent previous exhibit at the PCPA by an applicant (applicants cannot be guaranteed acceptance for consecutive years, though they may still apply).
• Artwork exhibited must be a product of the individual or members or other affiliates of the applicant

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1. What are the application submittal requirements?

The application must be completed in full and include:

• Six to ten images of art pieces or art typical of the work to be exhibited by the applicant must be submitted. “Six to ten images” is the total, not a per artist count.
• Each image must be accompanied with a listing of the title of work, media, and size.

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1. How do I reserve a date?

Call the Administrative Assistant at 858-668-4693, or send an email. Make sure to give 3 potential dates in order of priority. Contact administrative staff.

2. How do I know if a date has been approved?

The Administrative Assistant will advise if the date or dates are available. If the date is approved, and the Manager has given initial approval for the event, a confirmation email will be sent.

3. What type of events are not allowed?

Religious worship services, political activities, private social activities, events with potential to cause damage to the PCPA or a disturbance of the peace are not allowed at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.

4. Do you rent for private parties, such as weddings, receptions, etc.?

No, this facility is designed as a limited public forum for the presentation of fine and performing arts and educational programming.

5. What is the earliest we can request a date?

You may request dates up to 1 year in advance. Final approval for requested dates will be given 3 to 9 months prior to the event, depending upon the priority of use.

6. Do you have stage or technical equipment available to rent to the general public?

No, PCPA equipment is only available for our clients' events.

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1. Do you have any curator tips?

The best exhibitions are often those that have an organizing idea and clear point of view. Solo exhibitions or those presenting two or three artists, simplify the Curator’s task because artworks created by the same artist are likely to suggest connections between the works. Large group exhibitions that include scores of artists represent a Curator’s most substantial challenge. Here are some tips to assist you in showcasing your selected art works to their best advantage:

• If you will be hanging art works by multiple artists in many different styles, sizes and media, try to identify over-arching themes and hang the works accordingly. To clarify your curatorial perspective, consider inventing subtitles for various sections of your exhibition that help communicate the different themes.
• If no over-arching themes are evident, you can group art works by subject matter, size, and art technique.
• If your show includes prizes, you may want to display the winners together.

2. What are the designated exhibit spaces?

A diagram of available exhibit spaces can be found in the Exhibit Space and Hanging System pdf.

3. Is there space to exhibit sculptures?

Display of sculptures may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

4. What art hanging system will be used?

The Poway Center for the Performing Arts has an art hanging system utilizing wires with adjustable hooks (please see details in the Exhibit Space and Hanging System pdf).

To ensure the artwork hangs properly, it is imperative that the artists prepare frames as follows:

• Prepare the wooden frame wires with eyehooks and wire that is approximately an inch and a half to two inches from the top of the frame using at least one-eighth inch eyehooks or larger. The hole on the eyehooks should be parallel to the ceiling.
• Prepare metal frames by adjusting the hooks to the top of the channel of the frame

5. How do we schedule the load-in and load-out of our art?

PCPA Staff will work with you upon selection to determine the load-in/load-out date. You are required to have staff assistance for the art exhibit load-in for a minimum of 2 hours at $23 per hour. Should your group require additional staff assistance or assistance for the load-out, a fee of $23 per hour will be assessed. 

6. Are there labeling requirements?

Create labels on a computer by printing them on clear label stock that can apply easily to the PCPA’s white walls. We have had success with: Avery 15663 Clear, Easy Peel Shipping labels and Avery 58163 Repositionable Shipping labels. All labels look best at the same level on the wall. Here is the standard format for labels:

• Artist name
• Title and Date 
• Medium & size of artwork in inches
• Price info (if any) 
• You may also include more information about the artwork or artist if so desired (e.g. contact info)

7. How will the exhibit be advertised?

We post your art exhibition on our website ( www.powaycenter.com ), using the brief description and photo of your art you provide to us. Photo must be in JPEG format, landscape orientation, 800pixels x 600pixels (4:3).

• We advertise your exhibit on our social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram).
• You may provide business cards, postcards and/or brochures explaining the exhibit. These items will be placed on the lobby kiosk shelf designated for art exhibit information. Please be sure to provide contact information for person handling your artwork sales. 
• We suggest you share art gallery viewing hours with your patrons (these hours are posted on our website). 

Art Gallery viewing hours (Closed Sunday, Monday, and major Holidays):
Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
*Performances may affect gallery hours. Refer to powaycenter.com for current schedule.

• Please advise your patrons they will need a free, temporary parking pass when visiting the exhibit Tuesday through Friday, until 2:00 p.m. They should pick-up a parking pass from the Administrative Office before parking. To do so, park at the green curb (loading zone on Titan Way), come into the lobby and into the office to get the pass, and then park in the parking lot located at the back of the building.

8. Can I sell my artwork?

 Absolutely! Group or individual artists exhibiting at the PCPA agree to collect and report all applicable sales tax on any artwork sold. Sold artwork must remain on the wall until load-out.

9. Do you require insurance?

Applicant, for themselves and the above-named group and all members thereof, agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its officers, officials, employees, and agents from and against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of Applicant’s use of the PCPA, including (but not limited to) injuries (including death), illness (including but not limited to any and all claims relating to COVID-19), damages and losses to, or sustained by, Applicant for themselves and the above-named group; and violations of local ordinances, or state or federal laws and regulations (including those arising from claims of discrimination and compliance with state and local COVID-19 regulations and other related protocols and/or requirements). Applicant agrees that it is solely responsible for compliance with all application of COVID-19 regulations, protocols and other requirements. Expenses could include attorney fees arising out of Applicant’s use of the PCPA; damages for the failure to provide for such safety and welfare for the Applicant and the above-named group and all members thereof; or involvement with the Exhibition described herein, caused in whole or in part by any negligent act or omission of the Applicant, for themselves and the above-named group and all members thereof.

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1. What are the Box Office Hours?

The Box Office is open Fridays and Saturdays 1pm-6pm. 

You may come to the Box Office window located outside the main lobby doors. Our address is 15498 Espola Rd Poway CA. 

Or you may call the Box Office at (858)748-0505

Any emails or voicemails, for the Box Office, will be answered at this time. Any voicemail or email concerning the Box Office, that is sent to any other area of the Poway Center of the Performing Arts, will be forwarded to the Box Office and will be handled by the Box Office Associates during Box Office Hours

2. Where are my E-tickets?

If you purchased an e-ticket you should receive a confirmation email as well as an email with an attachment. If you do not receive an email, search your emails for TicketSearch. The email with your tickets should come from TicketSearch with a subject line that includes Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Also, be sure to check your spam folder. 

If your tickets are not in either location, you can ask for them to be resent or printed and placed in will call. Please call the Box Office during Box Office Hours of Fridays and Saturdays 1pm-6pm at (858)748-0505, or email us at boxoffice@poway.org

3. What if I am unable to purchase tickets online?

If you are having trouble purchasing tickets from our website, you can get assistance from our Box Office staff during Box Office hours. Only our Box Office staff can sell tickets and only during Box Office hours when they are onsite. Any emails or voicemails left for other staff will be forwarded to the Box Office staff and they will reply during Box Office hours. 

Box Office Hours

Friday & Saturday 1:00PM-6:00PM

(858)748-0505

4. How do I purchase tickets?

You can purchase and print tickets online 24 hours a day at www.powaycenter.com at any location with an internet-capable computer and printer. Box Office hours are Friday and Saturday from 1:00PM-6:00PM, one hour prior to scheduled event, and half an hour after scheduled event curtain time. The Box Office is closed Sunday through Thursday, and major holidays.

Steps to Buy Tickets Online

The best browsers to use with the ticketing software are Chrome or Edge. 

• On our website homepage you may arrow through the carousel until you find the show you’d like. Then click on the “Read on…” Or you may click on the “Buy Tickets” button on the top left of the homepage and scroll down to find the show

*Poway OnStage shows will take you to their website before rerouting you to our ticketing page. All other shows go straight to the ticketing page.

• Pick the show date or time if needed. Or scroll down until you see the seat map. Choose a seat then choose the ticket type (Adult, Military, Senior, Student, Youth) 
• If you want more than one ticket, repeat the process, and chose your next seat and then ticket type.
• Once your seat/s are picked, scroll down, and click on the “Add to Cart” button on the bottom right side.
• Your Cart should pop up, click on “Go to Checkout”
• You will now see a pop up telling you about our no refunds or exchanges policy, you have to click “OK” to move on.
• At this point if you have an account and password, you will login. If not, you will choose “register now”. We need your information in the system to charge your card, send your e-ticket and in the event of any issues. Having an account gives us many different options for finding your ticket if you happen to misplace it.
• You can now choose e-ticket or will call. E-ticket will come in an email from TicketSearch, will call will be printed by the box office and placed in our will call area. You can pick up your will call tickets an hour before the show or any time the Box Office is open (Fridays and Saturdays 1PM-6PM)
• Next, click in the box “I confirm that I have read the Terms & Conditions.”
• Now click on “Make Credit Card Payment”
• Click in the card number field. Once you enter your card number it should automatically move you to expiration date and card code.
• Click Confirm

*If you are unable to purchase a ticket online and need help, please call the Box Office on Friday or Saturday from 1pm-6pm at 858-748-0505. 

**No other staff member at the PCPA can help you purchase tickets. You can ONLY purchase tickets online or through the Box Office during the Box Office Hours listed above.

Thank you

5. Which credit cards can I use to purchase tickets?

We accept all major credits cards: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.

6. How can I replace my lost or stolen tickets?

The Poway Center for the Performing Arts Box Office can reprint tickets as long as the ticket or tickets were purchased directly from us (whether by phone or online). The original tickets will then become invalid. If you purchased your tickets online and selected to print eTickets, an email was sent to you from TicketSearch with an attachment of your tickets, and you can reprint your tickets. If the tickets are on your phone, you can open the email and show the QR code at the door. Tickets purchased through a 3rd party cannot be traced; therefore, we are unable to offer reprints.

7. How can I find out when tickets will go on sale for a particular show?

Call the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at 858-748-0505 during regular Box Office hours, or visit our website. Information is posted as soon as it is announced by the presenting group.

8. Must I purchase a ticket for my child?

The Poway Center for the Performing Arts is committed to providing quality cultural experiences for audience members of all ages. Depending on the client presenting the performance you may be allowed to have infants under 1 year sitting on a lap. Anyone 1 year and older must have a ticket as they will need to have a physical seat.

9. What is the policy on ticket refunds?

Ticket refunds and exchanges are not available. The PCPA is a venue only, all shows and revenue are the property of the clients we serve.

10. What is the policy on exchanging tickets?

No exchanges or refunds for any ticket purchased at our facility. 

11. Where and when can I pick up my Will Call tickets?

After an order is placed, tickets can be picked up at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Box Office, during regular Box Office hours and one hour prior to scheduled event. Early pick-up is recommended to avoid pre-show lines. Please present ID when picking up tickets.

12. How do the scanned tickets work?

All tickets, including tickets printed at home, will be scanned when you enter the building. Each ticket has a unique QR code that can only be scanned once.

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1. How old do I have to be to volunteer and what is the commitment?

Every usher must be at least 15 ½ years of age. We encourage high school students to participate and if you are under the age of 18 years old, it’s as simple as obtaining written parental consent. 
 
You must be able to commit to 1 year of service. As an Usher, you are required to volunteer for one performance per month and/or complete a total of twelve performances within a season. The season runs from September to June.

2. How do I get started on becoming a volunteer?

It’s simple! Apply to become a volunteer by completing the application in its entirety. The Front of House Coordinator will contact you as soon as possible to conduct an orientation. Keep an eye on your email for an invitation to meet us for an intro to the theatre and the Volunteer Usher Program. 

Volunteer Application Form

3. Is there a screening process?

All potential ushers, 18 years and older, will be fingerprinted to process a California Department of Justice criminal background check.  Once we are notified that this is complete, we will schedule you for training.

4. I cannot walk up stairs or carry heavy objects, can I still volunteer?

Ushers with disabilities or limitations should contact the Front of House Coordinator to discuss their abilities. We do our best to accommodate your interest in volunteering, however, please note that Ushers must be able to move and react quickly for the safety of our patrons.

5. What benefits are there to ushering?

Aside from meeting thousands of theatergoers and the other friendly members of our staff and volunteer team, it’s a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the community, create connections, and help us celebrate the arts.  We also host social opportunities, invite you to an annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, and provide snacks and beverages during your shifts.

6. Do I need to go through training again once the season ends?

Yes, every Usher attends an introductory training. Annually or as needed, we also host re-certification classes to remind our volunteers of important operational information and safety procedures. The re-certification is typically scheduled in late-August.