Frequently Asked Questions
The Harris Theater no longer requires proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test result for entry.
Masks are welcomed but not required for audiences.
Protocols continue to be evaluated on an ongoing basis and may change in response to evolving conditions. We encourage you to please check the performance page for any event-specific protocol and reference your performance reminder email prior to arrival for the most up-to-date information.
Risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. Those purchasing tickets and attending events at the Harris Theater voluntarily assume all potential risk related to exposure.
HARRIS THEATER CODE OF CONDUCT
The Harris Theater is committed to providing a welcoming and harassment-free environment for all. We’ve written this code of conduct not because we expect bad behavior from our community—which, in our experience, is overwhelmingly kind and civil—but because we believe a clear code of conduct is one necessary part of building a respectful community space.
Be open and patient.
Be welcoming. We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
Be considerate. We understand that everyone experiences and processes the world – and art – in different ways. We encourage members of our community to take into account that not all events are the same, and some may enjoy or respond differently than others. Your patience contributes to a collective positive experience.
Be respectful. Not all of us will agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for offensive behavior. We might all experience some frustration, but we cannot allow that frustration to escalate into a personal attack. Anyone entering our space is engaging in a shared experience and it’s important for all to feel comfortable to fully participate. This includes but is not limited to: violence of any kind, including verbal or physical intimidation, sexual harassment or non-consensual physical interaction; ongoing disruption of a performance or event; or any actions that threaten the safety of a member of our community or our space.
Be careful in the words that you choose. We are a diverse community. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other participants. Harassment and other exclusionary behavior aren't acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to: offensive comments related to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity and/or expression, sexuality, physical appearance, religion, ability, age, or economic background.
When we disagree, try to understand why. Our community consists of people from a wide range of backgrounds. Different people have different perspectives on issues. Just because someone holds a differing viewpoint does not mean that they are wrong. Working to understand another point of view and experience brings us closer to resolving issues and learning from mistakes.
We’re all learning. Sometimes we are wrong. As humans we make mistakes but have the capacity to grow from them.
All patrons, staff, volunteers, and users of the venue are expected to follow this Code of Conduct. Individuals who are not contributing to a safe and welcoming environment will be asked to change their behavior. Individuals who are not changing their behavior may be asked to leave the space with possible assistance from law enforcement. Violating any federal, state, or local law, regulations or ordinance, including any applicable public health mandate is prohibited.
BOX OFFICE HOURS
The Box Office is currently open on the following hours:
Non-performance Day Phone Hours
Monday - Friday from 12PM to 5PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Performance Day Phone Hours
Monday - Friday: 12PM - Curtain
Saturday - Sunday: Two hours prior to performance until curtain
Walk-up service will be available on performance days beginning one hour prior to the start of the performance.
WHERE DO I PICK UP TICKETS?
Our Box Office is located inside the entrance to the Theater at 205 East Randolph. Will call and walk-up services are available on performance days beginning one hour prior to the start of the performance. Please be prepared to present photo ID when picking up will call tickets.
All ticket holders must have their performance ticket in-hand or on their mobile device and must have their ticket scanned to gain access to the Harris Theater lobbies. If you have purchased multiple tickets, please plan accordingly — distribute tickets to your party in advance or have your entire party present at the lobby entrance. Please note, you do not need a ticket to access the Box Office.
WHY DOES THE HARRIS THEATER CHARGE A HANDLING FEE?
Unlike most commercial venues, the non-profit Harris Theater does not take a percentage of ticket revenue from companies renting the venue. The handling fee ensures that the Harris is able to support a full-time Box Office including staff, software, equipment, postage, and web services to its Resident Companies without increasing venue rental rates. For more information about the mission of the Harris Theater, please visit our mission page.
CAN I REQUEST A REFUND IF I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO ATTEND A PERFORMANCE?
We are unable to offer refunds. Tickets may be exchanged to a different performance within an engagement for a fee of up to $7 per ticket. To help support the Harris and our 20+ not-for-profit Resident Companies, the value of your tickets for Harris Theater Presents series can be converted to a tax-deductible donation.
To donate or exchange your tickets, please call the Box Office at 312-334-7777 or email info@harristheaterchicago.org. You can make changes any time up to two hours prior to the performance.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR EVENT?
The Box Office is open for phone support by calling 312-334-7777
Non-performance Day Phone Hours
Monday - Friday from 12PM to 5PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Performance Day Phone Hours
Monday - Friday: 12PM - Curtain
Saturday - Sunday: Two hours prior to performance until curtain
Walk-up service will be available on performance days, beginning one hour prior to the start of the performance. You may also reach a member of our Box Office team by email at info@harristheaterchicago.org.
WHERE IS MY SEAT LOCATED?
To find your seat, view a complete seat map of the Harris Theater. This map indicates wheelchair-accessible seats, companion seats, swing arm seats, and step counts to access each row in our house. For more information on accessible seating, please visit the Accessibility page on our website, contact our Box Office by calling 312.334.7777, or email access@harristheaterchicago.org.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE HARRIS THEATER?
Our lobby entrance is located at 205 East Randolph on upper Randolph (street level). If you park in the Millennium Park Garage, please take the parking garage elevators to the street level (Level 7) of the garage, exit, and take a left on Randolph to enter through our street level doors at 205 E. Randolph. We recommend dropping off any members of your party with limited mobility at the street level entrance before parking.
WHERE CAN I FIND DIRECTIONS TO THE HARRIS THEATER?
Directions to the Harris Theater via public transportation, car, bike, or on foot are available on the Directions and Parking page of our website.
CAN I EASILY FIND A TAXI OR GET A RIDESHARE FROM THE THEATER?
Our location near Michigan Avenue ensures that you will find taxis with relative ease. There is also a taxi stand across the street from the Harris Theater in front of the Aon Center.
Rideshares should have no problem locating our venue at 205 East Randolph.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
We strongly encourage you to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to curtain. This will provide you with plenty of time to park your vehicle, scan your tickets, and find your seat.
ARE CELL PHONES ALLOWED IN THE THEATER?
Cell phones are permitted in the theater, but use of cellphones during the performance is not allowed. Those who violate this policy may be asked to leave.
CAN I TAKE PICTURES OR VIDEOS OF THE PERFORMANCE?
Audience members are welcome to take photos throughout the lobbies and inside the theater prior to the performance. All photography and recording during a performance are strictly prohibited. Any exceptions to this policy will be indicated in the program or by public announcement at the start of the performance. Those who violate this policy may be asked to leave.
Prohibited Items
The following is a list of items which are prohibited inside the Harris Theater.
• Weapons, firearms, knives, or any likeness of weapons
• Outside food or beverages including alcohol and glass bottles
• Oversized bags that exceed 12” x 6” x 12” including luggage, briefcases, backpacks, packages; items exceeding this size will be directed to coat check
• Drones, Professional cameras (including those with telephoto/zoom lenses); tripod or monopods; any audio or video recording device
• Signs, flags, banners
• Any noisemaking devices including alarm devices or air horns, Laser pointers, Selfie Sticks, Balloons, Confetti, Glitter, or any item that may be disruptive to the performers or other audience members
• Costumes or masks/face painting that cover an individual’s face
• Skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards
• Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements
• Other items deemed unsafe by management or in opposition to the theater's code of conduct are prohibited.
Please note that the list of prohibited may vary per event.
CONCESSIONS
Concessions will be available to purchase. For the comfort and respect of those around you, mask wearing is strongly encouraged when not actively eating or drinking.
HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL PERFORMANCE?
Program length varies, but a typical performance lasts approximately two hours, with one intermission. You are welcome to call our Box Office at 312.334.7777 for an estimated length of a performance. Performance lengths will also be posted on performance pages on our website as they become available to us.
CAN I BRING OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGE TO THE HARRIS THEATER?
Outside food and beverage are not permitted in the Harris Theater lobbies. Patrons will be asked to dispose of their items when they have their performance tickets scanned.
IS THERE PARKING VALIDATION?
Discounted parking validation for Millennium Park Garage is available for all ticket holders inside the Harris Theater on lobby level 5 (Upper Randolph). With validation, parking in the Millennium Park Garage is $17 for up to twelve (12) hours. We are unable to validate for Millennium Lakeside, Grant Park North, and Grant Park South Garages.
WHERE ARE THE RESTROOMS?
Restrooms are located on Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Harris Theater. Restrooms are only available for ticketed patrons who have their tickets in hand.
Inclusive and accessible single restrooms are also located on Levels 1, 2, and 3 located near Door A. Changing stations are located in the inclusive single restroom on Level 1 and the women’s restroom on Level 1. If a Mother’s Room is needed, please inquire onsite with our House Manager.
IS COAT CHECK AVAILABLE?
Coat check is available for most performances. Please read the reminder email you will receive 24 hours prior to your ticketed performance or call the box office at 312.334.7777 to confirm coat check will be available.
IS THERE SEATING IN THE LOBBY?
Limited seating is available on all lobby levels. If you need additional seating, please speak with a member of our house staff.
WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED AT THE HARRIS THEATER?
To learn more about accessibility at the Harris Theater and services that are offered, please visit the Accessibility page on our website. In order to ensure that your experience needs are thoroughly met prior to your arrival, or if any questions, please call our box office at 312.334.7777 or email access@harristheaterchicago.org.
ARE CHILDREN WELCOME?
All individuals entering the venue, including babes in arms, must have a ticket for all performances. Please carefully consider whether a performance is appropriate for your child. Generally, children eight years old and over are recommended for programming that is not created for families. You may inquire with the box office about age appropriateness for particular programs, as some do have a minimum age requirement.
There are a number of family programs throughout the season which are appropriate for younger children. Please do not leave any children unattended while in the theater space.
WHAT AMENITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR FAMILIES?
Changing stations are available in the inclusive single restroom on Level 1 and the women’s restroom on Level 1. Nursing mothers in need of a Mother’s Room may inquire on site with the House Manager.
Booster seats are available to check out from the Level 1 coat check. Strollers & car seats are welcome in our lobbies but must be checked in coat check as they are not allowed inside the theater.
WHAT PROGRAMS ARE PLAYING AT THE PRITZKER PAVILLION?
Although we are adjacent to the outdoor concert venue in Millennium Park, our box office does not sell tickets for these events. For the most up to date information on events at the Pritzker and throughout the park please visit millenniumpark.org or call the Welcome Center at 312.742.2963.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO NEARBY?
To learn more about the Millennium Park and Loop neighborhoods, please visit the Neighborhood page of our website.
WHAT RESTAURANTS ARE NEARBY?
We have a number of Restaurant Partners who feature a variety of the offerings nearby the Harris including Grant Park Bistro, Land & Lake Kitchen, Remington’s, Fisk & Co., About Last Knife, and Stetsons Modern Steak and Sushi.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT RENTING THE HARRIS THEATER?
Information including an overview, photos, specifications, and ratings is available in the Rentals section of our website.
If you believe you have lost an item at the Harris, you may call 312.334.2421 and follow the prompts to leave a message for our team.
The Harris Theater achieved GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation, as verified by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. This accreditation is reserved for facilities that demonstrate the superior ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from biorisk and infectious disease situations.
The Harris Theater HVAC double filtration system adheres to or exceeds recommendations for air filtration and fresh air exchange.
In addition to enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures by, the Theater has implemented a number of features to make our space more touchless.