Excitement is always high at Baycourt, on stage and out front! To help you enjoy your visit with confidence, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Give us a call on (07) 577 7189 or email baycourt@tauranga.govt.nz.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Pre-booking tickets is the best way to try and secure your seats. You can book through our website or direct at www.eventfinda.co.nz by phoning 0800 289 849 (BUY TIX).
Baycourt’s box office is open Tuesday to Thursday from 10am - 2pm (closed on Monday, Friday, weekends and public holidays). You can email us at baycourtboxoffice@tauranga.govt.nz or phone (07) 577 7188.
Door sales are available from our box office one hour before each ticketed event, unless the event has sold out prior.
Do I need to print out my tickets?
You’re welcome to download and print your e-tickets at home but this isn’t necessary. Our front of house staff can scan the QR code directly from your screen. To make things easy at the door, keep them handy in your email inbox, save them to your Apple or Google Wallet or download the Eventfinda Scan Tickets app.
What if I can’t find my tickets?
E-tickets are emailed directly to you once you’ve bought them. If they don’t land in your inbox, check your spam/junk folder first.
You can login to Eventfinda and download any tickets you have purchased again if necessary. Downloading the Eventfinda Scan Tickets app will ensure you never lose your tickets. Simply log into your account and your tickets will load automatically.
Click here if you need further ticketing support from Eventfinda.
If you purchased physical tickets from Baycourt’s box office which you have since lost, please email us at baycourtboxoffice@tauranga.govt.nz or phone (07) 577 7188 and we will reprint them for you.
What time should I arrive?
Your ticket will list the show start time – we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes beforehand so you have enough time to park, grab a beverage or snack, and find your seat.
If your show is general admission (GA) rather than allocated seating, then you may wish to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before the theatre’s doors open as there can often be long queues.
Our foyer will open an hour before the show starts and the bar 15 minutes later (45 minutes before the show).
Where can I park?
There’s limited on-street parking around Baycourt and two carpark buildings close by. Find out more about parking (including mobility park locations).
What if I’m running late?
We know life is hectic sometimes and things don’t always go to plan. However, the show must go on! If you don’t arrive in time, our ushers will help you to your seat as soon as possible.
Please be aware that many shows have a ‘lockout’ which means latecomers will have to wait for a suitable break (such as the interval) so they don’t disrupt the performance or create a distraction. You will receive a pre-show email which will outline any lockout information.
Can I take photos or video?
Not usually. Flash photography can be a safety hazard for performers and can be distracting for other audience members. Same goes for filming on your phone – when you’re in a dark theatre, any extra light is really obvious and can annoy others. Many shows are also subject to copyright agreements that don’t allow photos or recordings to be taken. If our ushers see you with a camera or phone, please don’t be offended if we ask you to put it away.
Can I bring food and drink into the theatre?
If it’s purchased from the Baycourt bar, then yes. Like most other entertainment and hospitality venues, we don’t allow guests to bring their own food and drink onto our premises.
Will there be an interval?
This depends entirely on the show. If the running time is longer than 90 minutes, you can usually expect a 20 minute interval at some point. Stretch your legs, grab something to eat or drink, and visit the bathroom. We will announce when it’s time to return to your seat.
Can I leave the theatre during a performance?
Bathroom emergency? Young children getting restless? We understand that life happens. If you need to exit suddenly, please do so as quietly and discreetly as possible. Remember there might be a lockout policy in place which means you’ll then have to wait until there’s a suitable break in the programme before you can re-enter.
What time will my show finish?
Running times are sometimes advertised by promotors, but not always. If you need to know the approximate length to organise transport or make other plans, please give our box office a call and we will do our best to advise (07) 577 7188.
What theatre etiquette do I need to know?
The main rule of thumb is to be respectful to the performers on stage, and other audience members. Please switch off your phone (even if it’s on silent, the vibrations and light can still be distracting). And please don’t talk during the performance unless audience participation is part of the actual show! Try to keep rustling food wrappers and rummaging around in a handbag to a minimum too please. A little courtesy goes a long way in making the experience enjoyable for everyone.
What should I wear?
This depends entirely on the show. There is no formal dress code at Baycourt, so wear whatever you feel comfortable in. However, lots of people enjoy the chance to dress up and enjoy a night out. A theatre packed with 500+ people can get a little warm, so wearing layers is always a good idea so you don’t overheat.
Am I allowed backstage to see a performer?
We all want to congratulate our loved ones after they’ve lit up the stage, or ‘fangirl’ on our favourite performer. But only cast and crew are officially allowed on stage or in the backstage areas. Please wait for your performer in the main foyer. We ask audience members to kindly keep off the Addison Theatre stage at all times.
I’m a performer – how do I access the green room and dressing rooms?
The organiser(s)of your show or event will provide details to you, including a door access code for the Stage Door entry at the rear of the building. Please do not let anyone other than cast and crew inside the backstage area.