Question 1

Box Office & Ticketing FAQs

Accepted Answer

Box Office Hours
Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
One hour prior to live events.  
Closed on most major holidays.

Box office is located inside the front doors of the Sandwich Opera House,
140 E. Railroad St., Sandwich, Il 60548.

Convenience Fees
There are no convenience or added fees.

Doors Open
Main doors open an hour before any live performance or event unless otherwise specified. Auditorium Doors generally open 30 minutes before the show.

Exchanges for tickets sold directly by Sandwich Opera House only.
Theater groups and other presenters selling their own tickets may have other policies.

If an event is playing multiple days and tickets are still available, we can exchange tickets for an alternate performance after they have been purchased no later than 24 hours before the event for which you have tickets. When a show is added due to a show sell out, tickets may not be transferred to added show.  We cannot exchange tickets for a different event.  A small exchange fee may apply.

Mailed Tickets
If your tickets are to be mailed, you must call and make that request.  You should receive them within a reasonable amount of time, generally 7 to 10 business days. If you do not, please contact the Sandwich Opera House no later than 24 hours before the day of an event to ensure proper attention.

Barcoded E-Ticket 
If you select Barcoded E-Ticket when you purchase tickets, you will receive a confirmation email shortly after your transaction is completed. To utilize E-Ticket tickets, you must have a smart phone or computer with the capability to access your email. There is a link provided in the email that contains your tickets. Tickets can be printed or simply show the tickets on your cell phone at the door.

These tickets can also be emailed individually to others in your group, once you have received the email. If you do not receive an email with your order confirmation, please contact no later than 24 hours before the day of an event to ensure proper attention.

Print at Home Tickets
If you select Barcoded ETicket when you purchase tickets, you will receive a confirmation email shortly after your transaction is completed. There is a link provided in the email that contains your tickets. Each ticket is printed on a separate piece of paper, and each person must have a ticket. Show your printed tickets to the ushers.

If you do not receive an email with your order confirmation, please contact no later than 24 hours before the day of an event to ensure proper attention.

Refunds
Refunds will not be given in the event that a ticket purchaser is not able to attend the show. Ticket purchasers are able to transfer their ticket to another party. 
If you need to transfer your ticket, please contact us at info@sandwichoperahouse.org
In the event of event postponement, originally purchased tickets will be valid at new date. 
Refunds are not given for the postponed show.
​In the event of event cancellation ticket purchases will be refunded.

Resale Ticket 
Many ticket resellers may advertise event tickets at inflated prices. Sandwichoperahouse.org and the ticketing links found within our site are the only authorized ticketing systems for the Sandwich Opera House events, concerts and shows. Ticket purchases made on other websites – or from third-parties – may not grant you admission to the show as they may not be real or valid tickets. Additionally, if an event is canceled or modified, the Sandwich Opera House would not have ticket buyer information to communicate these changes.

Seating Types
Reserved seating is the only type of seating currently available at the Sandwich Opera House.

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased:
 
  -Online at www.sandwichoperahouse.org  
     For Theater groups and other presenters selling their own tickets, a link to their ticketing site or        website will be on the show page on our website. 
  -Over the Phone (815) 786-2555
  -In person at our Box office during our box office hours.

Ticket delivery options include barcoded e-tickets (for print-at-home and e-tickets) and Hard Tickets held at Will Call for pickup before the show.

At some events, per the request of the artist or promoter, children under certain ages will not be admitted. When in effect, it will be clearly stated on the ticket page for that event.

Some events may have an appropriate age recommendation that will be listed on the event ticket page. Judgment of the content for each show should be made on an individual basis prior to purchase.

Ticket Insurance / Reimbursable ticket protection
Our ticketing company may offer ticket insurance through a 3rd party.  We have no control over what is offered and have no input on purchasing or using this insurance.

Will Call
If your tickets are to be “Held at Will Call”, they will be at the box office for you to pick up when the front doors open prior to the event. We recommend you arrive early to allow for parking and to avoid any long lines at the box office.

Question 2

A.R.C.H.

Accepted Answer

A.R.C.H. stands for Association to Restore City Hall, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has managed the historic Sandwich Opera House since 1985.  The building is owned by the city of Sandwich.  A.R.C.H was created in 1982 to revitalize the theater and bring community theatre and concerts back to this treasure in the community.

Question 3

ADA & Accesibility

Accepted Answer

We strive to make every attendee welcome and comfortable here at the Sandwich Opera House.  Many improvements to this 1878 historic theatre have been made to make the building more accommodating for all. We have more to do and continue to work on improvements every year.

Below are details on a number of items. If you don’t see the information you are looking for or still have questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 815-786-2555

Parking
There are two accessible parking spaces directly in front the theatre on Railroad St.  There is an ADA accessible path from the parking spaces to the accessible ramp entrance. , which is to the right of the main entrance to the theater.

The sidewalk near the Digital Sign may also be used for drop-off and pick-up.

Entering the Theater
The accessible ramp entrance is to the right of the main entrance of the theater.  Currently, we do not have an automatic door. If you need assistance with the door,  please call us at 815-786-2555  and we will assist you.

Seating
Our theater is located on the 2nd floor of our building. All accessible seating is on the main floor of the theater.  
The theater is accessible via our elevator, which has a 32" opening, and accomodates standard wheelchairs and mobility devices. 
Wheelchair accessible seating with companion seats are available on the main floor. This seating is located in the last row of the center section. 
Single-occupant armless conference chair seating is available, intended for any patron in need of additional space for comfort or others with special accessibility needs. These seats have a padded, fabric-covered seat (measuring 16″ W x 16″ D) with a 600 lb capacity, a padded back. 
Walkers, crutches, or other mobility devices that cannot be safely stored in your seating area without blocking any aisles or emergency exits will need to be stored in the lobby. Please have someone in your party take care of this for you or notify an usher that you require assistance.
Any patrons requiring special assistance should contact the box office at  815-786-2555 in advance to make arrangements.

Question 4

Address

Accepted Answer

Theatre Address and Mailing Address:
Sandwich Opera House
140 E. Railroad St.
Sandwich, Il 60548

Question 5

Aisle

Accepted Answer

For safety and as a courtesy to other patrons, please do not sit or stand in the aisles. Aisles should be kept clear at all times. We ask that you comply with these policies. Any patron not in compliance is subject to ejection.

Walkers, crutches, or other mobility devices that cannot be safely stored in your seating area without blocking any aisles or emergency exits will need to be stored in the lobby. Please have someone in your party take care of this for you or notify an usher if you require assistance.

Question 6

Animals

Accepted Answer

The Sandwich Opera House does not allow patrons to bring animals or pets into the building.

Service animals such as guide dogs are welcome. The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. Emotional support animals are not allowed.

Question 7

ATM

Accepted Answer

Some of our Theater Groups sell their own tickets and only take cash at the door. 
We do take  cards for concessions and drinks, but if you'd like cash, there are 3 ATMs just blocks away!
Arts Supermarket, 29 Eddy St, Sandwich, IL 60548 (located inside the building)
Heartland Bank,  200 E Church St, Sandwich, IL 60548 (Drive Through)
Walgreens,  30 W Church St, Sandwich, IL 60548  (located inside the building)

Question 8

Baby Changing Stations

Accepted Answer

There is a baby changing station in the ADA restroom stall in the women’s restroom in the City Hall Annex, connected to the Opera House.  We will make accommodations for men needing to use this changing station when needed.

Question 9

Cameras & Photography

Accepted Answer

Video cameras, monopods, tripods, audio recording equipment, and cameras with detachable lenses, are not permitted for most events at the Sandwich Opera House.

For each event this decision is made by the artist, producer or promoter typically because of strict copyright laws or for the safety of performers. This policy will be strictly enforced when applicable.

Question 10

Coat Check

Accepted Answer

The theatre does not have a coat check.  We do have a coat rack in the reception room if you'd like to hang your coat.   We are not responsible for any lost items.

Question 11

Concessions

Accepted Answer

Outside food or drink is not permitted. The theatre has a concession station which is in operation for most events and features sodas, water, popcorn, chips, cookies, and candy.   We also have a small selection of beer, wine, and hard seltzer drinks. The bar is generally not open for children's theatrical productions.  All items may be taken into the theatre during events.

We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and most contactless pay options.

Question 12

Dining

Accepted Answer

Come back soon to see a list of our area restaurants

Question 13

Directions

Accepted Answer

Visit our Parking and Directions Page

Question 14

Dress Code

Accepted Answer

Unless otherwise noted, The Sandwich Opera House does not have a formal dress code. We do ask, however, that you use your best personal judgment when dressing for an event. During shows, the theatre is kept cool to accommodate larger crowds and our historic theater has an area in the right upper balcony that gets chilly while the air is running.  For those who get cold easily, we recommend that you plan accordingly for your comfort.

Question 15

Elevator

Accepted Answer

Our theater is located on the 2nd floor of our building. The theater is accessible via our elevator, which has a 32" opening and accommodates standard wheelchairs and mobility devices.

Due to the historic nature of the Sandwich Opera House, built in 1878, there is no elevator in the building to access the balcony levels. The entire first floor is ADA accessible.

Question 16

Email Sign-Up

Accepted Answer

Sign up to find out about the latest shows and what's happening at the theatre.

Question 17

Employment

Accepted Answer

Please email info@sandwichoperahouse.org or call 815-786-2555 to inquire regarding open positions.

Question 18

Event Schedule

Accepted Answer

Our event schedule is subject to occasional changes.

View our current schedule here.

Question 19

Gift Cards

Accepted Answer

We offer gift cards that can be purchased at the box office or over the phone. Gift cards offer flexible dollar amounts. Gift cards can be used at the box office or with online ticket ordering.

Question 20

Haunted Tours

Accepted Answer

The theatre is available to paranormal investigators. Please call the Box Office to inquire about investigations.

Question 21

History

Accepted Answer

We have a rich History,  the Sandwich Opera House was built in 1878 as a combination city hall, theater, police station and fire station.   We are working on our history page, check back soon to explore.

Question 22

Hotels & Lodging

Accepted Answer

There are a number of hotels within the communities surrounding the Sandwich Opera House.   We do not currently have a Hotel & Lodging Page.

Question 23

Internships

Accepted Answer

Please email info@sandwichoperahouse.org or call 815-786-2555 to inquire regarding open internship positions.

Question 24

Lost & Found

Accepted Answer

If you’ve misplaced an item while you’re still at the theatre, please check with one of our volunteers or staff. Any items found by ushers or other patrons will be taken to the Director's Office. If you’ve already left the theatre, please call the theatre at 815-786-2555 or email info@sandwichoperahouse.org and we’ll be happy to check our Lost and Found for you.

Question 25

Membership Opportunities

Accepted Answer

Please visit our Membership page for details on how you can become a Sandwich Opera House member,  support the theatre, and the benefits you will receive.

Question 26

Parking

Accepted Answer

There is ample free parking near the theatre. View our parking page for more details.

Question 27

Payment Types Accepted

Accepted Answer

Box Office:
We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Sandwich Opera House gift cards/vouchers.
Checks made payable to the Sandwich Opera House with driver's license are accepted.

Concession/Bar:
We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. 
Most contactless pay options.

Question 28

Rentals

Accepted Answer

For information on renting the Sandwich Opera House please visit our rental page.

Question 29

Restaurants

Accepted Answer

Visit our dining page for a list of nearby dining options.

Question 30

Restricted Items

Accepted Answer

The following items are not permitted into the Sandwich Opera House. Such items will be asked to be disposed of or returned to the vehicle.
Any food or drink (including restaurant to-go boxes). Empty water bottles may be brought in but must be empty upon entry.
Laser pointers.
Helium balloons.
Pocket knives with any blades over 2”, pepper spray, and weapons of any kind. Objects that appear to be weapons (toy guns or knives, squirt guns, etc.)
Concealed carry is strictly prohibited at the Sandwich Opera House.
Any wheeled mobility device unless specifically for medical or accessibility reasons.
Suitcases, coolers, backpacks, or large bags. Coolers required for medication may be stored with theatre staff.
Pets or animals. Service animals are allowed. Emotional support animals are not allowed.
Large costumes that would impede the comfort or sight-lines of other patrons, any mask or hood covering more than just the mouth and nose of an individual. Religious head coverings are allowed.
Any sign larger than 11”x17”.

Question 31

Seating Capacity

Accepted Answer

The theatre can seat a maximum of 300 with 200 on the main floor and 100 in the balcony.

Question 32

Smoking

Accepted Answer

In accordance with State of Illinois law, smoking indoors is prohibited; this includes vaping & e-cigarettes. You may smoke outside the building at least 15 feet from any entrance or window. You must retain your ticket for admittance back into the building.

Question 33

Social Media

Accepted Answer

Like and follow us for the latest news and fun behind-the-scenes info on Facebook and Instagram!

Question 34

Weather

Accepted Answer

The Sandwich Opera House rarely cancels or postpones events due to inclement weather. Refunds will not be issued for anyone that chooses not to attend due to inclement weather.

Should a decision be made to cancel or postpone an event, this information will be posted, as soon as we receive it, on our website, social media, and emailed to ticket holders. Please continue to check our website and social media for the latest, up-to-the-minute information.

Concerned about weather impacting your attendance at an event?   You may want to Purchase Ticket Insurance at the time of your online purchase.

Question 35

Weddings

Accepted Answer

Interested in renting the Sandwich Opera House for your special wedding day?

Call us to chat about rates and set up a tour. 815-786-2555

Question 36

Valet Parking

Accepted Answer

We do not have valet parking at any events at this time. Please visit our parking page for information on self-parking.

Question 37

Volunteer Opportunites

Accepted Answer

Visit our volunteer page to learn about the opportunities and how you can make a difference.

FAQs