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Frequently Asked Questions

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Tickets    |    Logistics   |    Support the Arts   |    General Information

TICKETS

beware of ticket brokers

 There are many online websites or “brokers” that will lead you to believe that they are an official website for ticket purchases for our events. Beware of those websites. LivermoreArts.org is the ONLY official website.  More information…

How can I buy tickets?

 It’s up to you! Stop by the box office, call 925-373-6800, or purchase them online. If you choose to purchase online, just make sure it’s from livermorearts.org and not a ticket reseller website who will charge a much higher price or, worse, not issue a valid ticket.

What if my show gets cancelled?

We routinely email all ticket buyers to confirm when a show is cancelled. If you do not receive an email from us, please contact the Box Office by phone 925-373-6800 or by email boxoffice@bankheadtheater.org.

Why does the ticket page look incomplete?

Use of Google Chrome as your browser may not allow certain elements to appear correctly. Please select another browser and try reopening the page.

How can I be sure to get the seats I want?

Tickets are sold on a first-come first-served basis. If you’re on our email list, you’ll hear about shows as soon as they’re announced. Members are offered presale windows from 1-3 weeks before they go on sale to the public, so the best way to get the seat you want is to become a member.

What if I can’t use my tickets?

All ticket sales are final. Tickets may be transferred to another person. We happily accept ticket donations to our theater if you cannot attend a show. Ticket donations will be accepted up to thirty minutes after the scheduled performance time.

REFUND Policy: Refunds will be issued only when a show is canceled.

EXCHANGE Policy: If you are a current Livermore Valley Arts Member, tickets to a Bankhead Presents show may be exchanged for another Bankhead Presents show. Exchange requests must be submitted no later than 24 hours prior to scheduled performance time. Exchanges may be submitted in person, by phone, or by form submission. Exchanges are valid on Bankhead Presents shows only. Ticket exchanges may not be applied to Gala or Special Events. Patrons will be expected to pay for any upgrade fees associated with the exchange. No refunds will be applied.

Do I need to get a ticket for my child?

Yes. Regardless of age, everyone must have a ticket to enter the theater. Student tickets are offered for almost every show. Parents know their children best and can contact the box office to discuss whether a show is age-appropriate

I lost my ticket. Can you replace it?

Definitely. Just contact the box office at 925-373-6800.  They can reprint your ticket and hold it at the Ticket Office.  Please show your ID to pick up your ticket(s).

Do you have student or military discounts?

Discounted tickets for students (up to age 21) and active duty or veteran military personnel are available for Bankhead Presents shows. Some Resident Companies and Rental shows also offer some discounts. To purchase these tickets, please call our Box Office at 925-373-6800.

Are there other ticket discounts?

For every Bankhead Presents show regardless of the top ticket price, we offer at least one row of $20 community price tickets. Members are also eligible for 10% off any ticket order and 15% off orders with more than five shows. There are also discounts for group sales through the box office. To hear about other discounts we may offer throughout the year, be sure to sign up for our email list.

I couldn’t print out my ticket, what should I do?

If you contact the box office at 925-373-6800 they can print your ticket and hold it at the Ticket Office.  Please show your ID to pick up your ticket(s).

Can I give tickets as a gift?

Absolutely. You can purchase tickets for a show and give them as a gift, or you can buy someone a gift card or an e-gift card and they can choose their own tickets.

Can I use my gift card or e-gift online?

Yes, the RED gift card and e-gift can be used as a payment method when purchasing tickets online. If you have a BLACK gift card, please call our Box Office at 925-373-6800 to place your ticket order.

Do you sell season subscriptions?

We do not offer subscriptions, but if you purchase more than five Bankhead Presents or Bothwell Presents shows in a single order, you will receive a 10% discount (15% for members.) Some of our resident companies do offer season subscriptions.

COVID POLICIES

WHAT IF I DON'T FEEL WELL ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT OR WHEN I ARRIVE?
If you are not feeling well, please contact the box office at 925-373-6800.  A box office team member will happily exchange your Bankhead Presents ticket(s) for a future Bankhead Presents show or process a ticket donation in your name.
Are masks required?

While LVA patrons, volunteers, and employees are no longer required to wear masks while in our venues, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.

Will you require proof of vaccination?

NO, we are no longer requiring patrons to show proof of vaccination for ticketed events. This is a good sign that things are continuing to improve, but as always, these policies are subject to change based on recommendations from the Alameda County Health Department or due to contractual obligations with the artist.

How often are the seats, arm rests, and handrails cleaned?

High-touch areas will be cleaned with a thorough cleaning before and after every performance. All seats, armrests and handrails will be cleaned after each performance using an electro-static sprayer, the same sprayer used in hospitals and schools to clean and kill COVID-19 on surfaces.

Who do I notify if I attend and am later diagnosed positive for COVID-19

Please contact the box office immediately. We will adhere to state and county guidelines under those circumstances.  (925) 373-6800

Will Concessions Be Open?

Concessions will be open before the show and during intermission. We are asking you to enjoy your food and beverages in the courtyard. Please be advised that until the mask mandate is lifted in Alameda County drinks will not be allowed inside the theater (with the exception of bottled water).

If you’d like to enjoy a beverage prior to the show, come a little earlier and find a spot in the courtyard.

 

What is the level of air circulation in the theater? what kind of filtration do you have?

Our HVAC system exchanges the air in the theater 9.2 times each hour. That means there is FRESH AIR in the theater every 6.5 minutes. Our HVAC system has been upgraded with high-quality MERV-13 filters, designed to trip very fine particles, potential allergens, bacteria, and viruses. 

Will there be hand sanitizer available?

There are FOUR hand sanitizers stations; two at the main entrance, one outside the main restrooms downstairs, and one outside the upstairs restrooms. 

LOGISTICS

Can I bring food and drinks into the theater?

Concessions will be open before the show and during intermission. Enjoy your food and beverages in the courtyard. However, Concession beverages are allowed in the theater as long as they have a lid on them. Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the theater.

If you’d like to enjoy a beverage prior to the show, come a little earlier and find a spot in the courtyard.

What if I’m late for a performance?

Our lobby opens 30 minutes prior to the performance. We recommend you arrive at the theater at least 15 minutes before any show. If you arrive late, ushers will seat you at an appropriate moment or in accordance with the artist’s contact.

I left something at the theater, who do I contact?

Please call the box office at 925-373-6800 to inquire about any items left behind. Items in Lost and Found will be locked in the House Manager’s office until they are picked up.

How do you accommodate wheelchairs?

We reserve seating both at the lower level (row E) and upper level (row R) for wheelchairs. Access to seats in row R is via the elevator located on the left side of the lobby. ADA restrooms are available both downstairs on the left of the lobby and upstairs on the right.

Do you have assistive hearing devices? Do they connect via Bluetooth?

Yes, we have devices. Please ask any of the ushers and they will direct you to the House Manager who can provide them. Currently we do not connect to Bluetooth hearing aids. For those sensitive to high volume, the House Manager can also provide ear plugs.

Am I allowed to bring my backpack to the theater?

No, backpacks are prohibited at the Bankhead Theater. Please leave them at home or safely in your car. Thank you. 

Directions and parking

From Interstate 580 take the North Livermore Avenue exit, and continue 1.2 miles to Downtown Livermore. Turn left onto Railroad Avenue. The Livermore Valley Center parking is located one block ahead on your left. Parking is free! There are also other small lots, and street parking available surrounding the theater downtown, which are also free. The Bankhead Theater is located on the block to your right, between First Street, Railroad Avenue and North Livermore Avenue, at 2400 First Street, Downtown Livermore. There is a drop-off/pick-up area located on Railroad Avenue, on the right side of the street, before you reach the stoplight to enter the parking garage

Can I Bring My Service Animal?

Yes, only Service Dogs are permitted in the theater. All other animals must be left at home or under other supervision.

SUPPORT THE ARTS

How can I become a member?

With any cash donation over $125 you are eligible for membership. Member benefits include presales, discounts and special events. Other benefits are offered at higher levels of support. For details see our benefit list.

Can I make my donation when I’m purchasing tickets?

Absolutely and we very much appreciate patrons who take this opportunity to support the arts. Just enter any amount in the donation box on the checkout page. You will receive an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes.

Do you accept non-cash gifts as donations?

 Yes, but we are only able to accept certain types of non-cash gifts. Please check with the Development Department regarding our Gift Acceptance Policy.  

How can I become a sponsor for a specific event or show?

We welcome sponsorships for many of our events including the annual fundraising gala. You can also donate to the Education Fund, which supports our outreach efforts and student ticket subsidies, or to the Producer’s Circle Fund, which supports our ability to bring special artists or artistically adventurous projects to the theater. For more information contact Executive Director Chris Carter at ccarter@livermorearts.org

GENERAL INFORMATION

Are you responsible for the events on the Plaza outside?

Sometimes. Throughout the year we sponsor events that take place on the plaza including ArtWalk, Livermore Innovation Fair, and such cultural events as Diwali, Lunar New Year, Native American Day and more. However, the plaza belongs to the City of Livermore and many other organizations and groups use it as well.

Is the Bankhead Theater run by the City of Livermore?

No. The Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization.

Can I suggest an artist I’d like to see?

Absolutely. Send your ideas along to our executive director Chris Carter. We can’t make any promises but we love to hear what interests you.

Can I rent the Bankhead Theater or the Bothwell Arts Center?

Yes. The Bankhead, including the stage, lobby, courtyard and Founders Room, as well as a variety of different spaces at the Bothwell Arts Center are available for rent when not otherwise in use. Click here for more information.

Do you have any lodging recommendations?

The Bankhead has a number of hotels close to the theater. We recommend staying at Hawthorn Suites or The Courtyard by Marriott

Can I advertise my business in the Theater Program?

Ad space can be purchased in the Theater Program. In July 2022, we will be instituting a digital program. Ad placement is dependent on space available. Artwork must be submitted to spec by the issue deadline. For more information contact the Marketing Department at marketing@lvpac.org

Most pieces in our exhibits are for sale.  If available, the price is located on the name plate and you can purchase the piece(s) at the lobby desk during Gallery hours. Once purchased a red dot will cover the price and you can pick up your artwork when it comes down at the end of the Exhibit. 

New themed exhibits are mounted throughout the year and are curated by Visual Arts Manager, Anne Giancola. Current call for entries with instructions for submission can be found on this page.

How can I get off your email list?

Please contact the box office at 925-373-6800 and ask to “opt out” of the email list. We will still be able to reach you regarding your ticket purchases, but you will no longer receive our email updates or announcements. 

How can I get on your email list?

Subscribe here to receive our weekly emails letting you know what’s coming up as well as other offers and opportunities.

It's Membership March
New Members can join for as little as
$125 for the whole year!

Join by Mail

Download and Complete the form and then mail to us at:
Bankhead Theater
2400 First Street
Livermore, CA 94550

Our Team

Directory

Executive Director
Chris Carter
[email protected]

Director of Finance and Administration
Reanna Bradford
[email protected]

Director of Marketing
Ruth Egherman
[email protected]

Director of Operations
Eric Johnson
[email protected]

Production Manager
Gary Brunclik
[email protected]

Assistant Production Manager
Rachel Anderson
[email protected]

Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Carol Edwards
[email protected]

Facility Manager and IT Coordinator
Julio Gomez
[email protected]

Box Office Manager
Debra Olson
[email protected]

Visual Arts & Education Manager
Anne Giancola
[email protected]

Development Manager
Brittany Mulgrew
[email protected]

Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Bernice LaRosa
[email protected]

Programs Coordinator
Treg Van Dyke
[email protected]

Marketing Manager
Andrew Kracht
[email protected]

Social Media Manager
Allie Lopiano-Hastey
[email protected]

Food and Beverage Manager
Ann Rice
[email protected]

Development Assistant
Tracy Sahn
[email protected]

Visitor Center Supervisor
Susan Miller
[email protected]

RESIDENT COMPANIES

Get to Know Our Resident Companies

Home to ten Resident Companies with over 270 combined years of artistic experience, the Bankhead Theater’s state-of-the-art facilities enable these organizations to grow artistically and institutionally, develop audiences and collaborate on key projects while maintaining their respective missions and identities.

Cantabella Children’s Chorus

Cantabella Children’s Chorus is a non-profit organization located in the Livermore Tri-Valley. CCC strives to foster and promote the appreciation of choral music in the community through performances at various local corporate and civic functions and churches but above all to have fun.

Del Valle Fine Arts

Del Valle Fine Arts has been presenting outstanding classical music concerts in Livermore for over 35 years. This highly-regarded series offers dazzling performances by acclaimed professional chamber music groups and soloists from throughout North America and beyond. A particular objective of DVFA is to introduce young persons to the appreciation of fine music. To that end, children are admitted free to its concerts, and full-time students above high school can procure tickets at a special reduced price.

Livermore-Amador Symphony

Livermore-Amador Symphony – The symphony offers four concerts a year, as well as a Pops fundraiser. Symphony Guild – If you enjoy LAS concerts, join like-minded people of the Symphony Guild and support this community orchestra! Guild members encourage interest in the symphony and sponsor fund-raising activities. The Livermore-Amador Symphony has received funding from: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, City of Livermore Commission for the Arts, City of Livermore Tourism and Special Event Fund, Livermore Cultural Arts Council, Clorox Company Technical Center-Pleasanton, Target and Livermore Rotary.

Livermore Valley Opera

Livermore Valley Opera combines the talents and expertise of professional music, stage and chorus directors, principal singers, musicians, and designers with the dedication and practical abilities of a volunteer board, adult chorus, stage crew, props master, stitchers, and set builders. Each fall and spring, LVO presents locally produced, fully staged operas with orchestra. Additionally, LVO presents special concerts, events and fundraisers in the winter and “Opera in the Vineyard” in the summer. LVO promotes local talent and attracts outstanding Bay Area singers, directors and conductors.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra

The Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) is a 40 piece symphony orchestra composed of professional musicians from throughout the Bay Area. It was founded over 20 years ago by its talented conductor and musical director, Lawrence Kohl. The orchestra combines the precision of a small ensemble with surprising dynamic range and power. PCO is notable for innovative and insightful interpretations of music of all eras.

Rae Dorough Speaker Series

The Rae Dorough Speaker Series features leading thinkers in science, literature and the arts who discuss topical issues of particular interest to the Livermore community in the intimacy of the Bankhead Theater.

Sycamore Strings Academy / Bothwell Arts Center

The Sycamore Strings Academy (formerly Suzuki Strings Academy) carries on a tradition from 1984 of quality music education in the Tri-Valley area. The Academy includes certified Suzuki instruction on string instruments, licensed Kindermusik classes and a popular guitar program. Students perform across the region in year-round concert series.

Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre

Formerly Pleasanton Playhouse, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre presents a variety of audience-pleasing musical theater. As a non-profit, volunteer regional arts organization, we continue our mission to provide affordable quality theatre, training and cultural experiences, with a focus on children and family participation.

Valley Concert Chorale

The Valley Concert Chorale is a chorus of about 40 singers, many of whom live in the Tri-Valley area, including Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Danville. VCC’s director is John Bush and featured pianist is Daniel Glover. If you would like to sing with VCC, why not arrange for an audition? You can audition at any time, and then join the chorus at the beginning of the next quarter.

Valley Dance Theatre

Valley Dance Theatre is a non-profit organization committed to providing exceptional dance instruction and productions to the Tri-Valley Area. Their focus is in classical ballet and modern dance. Each year they present a full-length Nutcracker with a live orchestra, and a Spring show with varying themes.

accessibility at the bankhead

Accessibility

TICKETS
Wheelchair accessible seats cannot be purchased online. You must call our Ticket Office in advance at 925.373.6800 for seating and to ensure your needs are thoroughly met.

DROP OFF/PICK-UP
There is a drop-off/pick-up area located on Railroad Avenue, on the right side of the street, before you reach the stoplight to enter the parking garage.

PARKING
Handicapped-reserved spaces are located on the lower level of the Livermore Valley Center parking garage.

SEATING
An elevator is located on the West end of the main lobby.

LISTENING DEVICES
Assistive listening devices are available free of charge from the House Manager’s Office in the lobby. Please let us know when purchasing your ticket of your special needs.

RESTROOMS
Fully accessible restrooms are located in the main lobby and in the upper lobby.

Support the Arts

Inscribed Pavers

Dedicate one of the decorative paver blocks that frame and define the entry from the Livermore Valley Plaza to the Bankhead Theater. Each size allows you to personalize your dedication and/or message. Once you’ve placed your order we’ll contact you to help you choose the exact message for the paver you’d like to donate.

LOGO & BRICK ART
Permanently commemorate a company or brand, feature your family crest or create your own custom design while supporting the arts with an engraved logo or artistic brick. The image will be etched in black on a sand-colored paver (6×12 or 12×12) or light gray granite tile (24×24). They are visible to thousands of people each year attending a variety of events and performances on the Livermore Valley Plaza and in the Bankhead Theater.

24″ x 24″ – Madden Family Courtyard – $1,500
12″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $1,000
Logo Art Brick – Livermore Valley Plaza $500
6″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $375
6″ x 9″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $150


PERSONALIZED SEATS
Seat donations will be recognized by a commemorative medallion on your chosen chair in the Bankhead Theater as well as on the Donor Wall in the Lobby.

Grand Tier Seats $5,000
Central Tier Seats $2,500
Upper Tier Seats $1,000

Please note: donating a personalized seat does not guarantee the right to sit in that seat for a given performance.

Leave a Legacy

With a legacy gift to Livermore Valley Arts, you can be sure your charitable intentions will be realized while achieving the most favorable income tax benefits available. We are happy to meet with you to talk about your intentions and situation. However, we strongly recommend you consult with your estate planning professional or tax advisor to fulfill your goals for your financial portfolio and tax needs.

Making a legacy gift to the Center also qualifies you to join the Legacy Society, a group of philanthropic and pioneering members who share a strong bond with LVPAC and a desire to ensure a meaningful, lasting home for the arts in Livermore Valley.

If you have already included LVA in your plans (or if you intend to), please let us know. Contact Chris Carter, Executive Director, at [email protected] or call (925) 583-2311.

We accept a range of planned giving options:

In Your Will
The simplest way to leave a planned gift is to make a bequest including specific language in your will or living trust naming LVA as the recipient. The following is an example of suggested language to include in your will/trust:

“I give and bequeath to the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, a California non-profit corporation, located at 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA 94550, the sum of $____, or ______% of my estate, to be used for the accomplishment of its general purpose (or for a specific purpose as indicated).”

Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is the easiest way to create dependable income for life and help the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer CGAs but can recommend an administrator.

Charitable Trusts
A Charitable Remainder Trust or Charitable Lead Trust allows you to receive an estate or gift tax deduction and create a source of income for you or your loved ones while supporting the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer these trusts but can recommend an administrator.

Real Estate/Appreciated Assets
A variety of assets can be donated such as real estate, appreciated securities, and tangible personal property such as art or jewelry. Donating appreciated assets can help offset income and capital gains taxes. If you are contemplating gifting an investment property or a vacation home, a gift of real estate offers an excellent option for tax-wise giving. You can also include the Center as a beneficiary of real estate or appreciated assets in your will. Please be aware that as part of our gift acceptance policy, all gifts of real estate, appreciated assets and tangible personal property are examined on a case-by-case basis.

Retirement Plan Donations or Life Insurance Policies
You can name Livermore Valley Arts as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401k or 403b retirement plan or life insurance policy. This is a simple, effective way to support the arts while reducing or eliminating significant, often unanticipated tax penalties.