ONCE Pre-show Stage Access

[TheatreKid3]

Posted: 5/17/12 at 3:30pm

This may have been discussed prior, I don't remember hearing about it for several months now, but I was just wondering how pre-show stage access to ONCE works?
-Do you have to be 21 to get on the stage since the purpose is to buy drinks, etc.?
-Is there a time limit?
-Can you just walk up on stage or does an usher have to let you on?

Some of these might be stupid questions, but this is an unfamiliar practice so I'm just a bit confused. Thanks!

[once a month]

Posted: 5/17/12 at 3:32pm

Just walk on up there, I spent 30 minutes enjoying the actors and I don't drink. There are 2 ushers who just man the steps to the stage so no one trips. Not 18? Don't worry about being on stage-you paid for your ticket and they have no time to card, lol!

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/17/12 at 3:41pm

They do have an usher on each side. I would imagine there's a limit to how many people are allowed on stage(i.e. Hair).

[TheatreKid3]

Posted: 5/17/12 at 3:45pm

Thank you all so much! So can you talk to the actors that are on the stage and everything if they aren't playing music? Or did you mean you were just enjoying them playing?

[Kad]

Posted: 5/17/12 at 4:02pm

They're playing music pretty much the entire time.

[karen24]

Posted: 5/17/12 at 4:04pm

I didn't go on stage as I was sitting in the mezzanine, but I observed the procedure from above. I could see that the ushers were stopping people from going up at certain points, I assume because they did have limits to how many people they'd allow up at one time. Once some people stepped off, they'd let more on. If you can get in as soon as they open the doors you should be able to get onstage easily. I didn't see anyone actually telling people to leave the stage once they were up there, until it came time for the show to start.

I did not see people actually interacting to/talking to the actors; audience members stood in a large semicircle near the bar and watched while the actors played and sang in a little clearing in the middle of the stage. But, it's possible that some interaction went on that I didn't see.

Have fun!

[willep]

Posted: 5/17/12 at 4:14pm

When I went, my ticket was for the mezzanine, but instead of going up there, I just went straight for the stage when I got into the theatre. There is no carding or checking of IDs to get on stage, nor is there a time limit. They do monitor the number of people on the stage, though, so if you don't get in early enough, you might end up standing in line and not getting to go up (depending on how long others stay up there).

As for interaction with the actors, there is some, but it is minimal. They won't hold a conversation with you or anything like that, but they might acknowledge you, thank you for getting into the music (clapping, etc.).

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/17/12 at 4:30pm

There is also access at intermission, but they ask that you only go up if you are actually going to purchase a drink -- but they sell water there, too.

[Hank]

Posted: 5/27/12 at 11:43am

Thanks so much for this information. I'll be going next week, and just wondering what kind beer do they have? Draught or bottled? Can I get a pint of Guiness?

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 5/27/12 at 11:50am

I know some people are opposed to it but I'm excited about it, lets you be part of the experience in a way.

[willep]

Posted: 5/27/12 at 1:30pm

I remember them having Guinness and....Corona(?)

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 5/27/12 at 1:46pm

Corona?! I was just going to go to my seats but thats my drink...

[willep]

Posted: 5/27/12 at 2:02pm

I *think* that is what it was. My friend got one. I thought it an odd thing for them to be selling.

Updated On: 5/27/12 at 02:02 PM

[ChildrenwillListen]

Posted: 5/27/12 at 2:34pm

I didn't know about this! I am *hopefully* seeing Once for my 21st Birthday so I could have a drink legally. That's exciting.

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 5/27/12 at 6:40pm

What happens if something spills?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/27/12 at 6:54pm

I'm going to go out on a limb to answer the above question:

Someone cleans it up.