FAQs
Here are some questions we hear most often about Tempest: attending performances, buying tickets, accessibility, classes, and how to get involved. If you’re planning a visit or looking for practical details, you’ll find answers here, organized by topic for easy reference. Of course, you can always contact us directly with any other questions.
About Tempest
Tempest is an intimate black-box theatre that emphasizes original work while also presenting compelling published plays and guest productions. Our programming ranges from new creations to reimagined classics, along with immersive events and film screenings. The space is designed for immediacy and impact, bringing audiences close to the performers and the energy of the work.
Tempest Theatre is located in downtown Penticton at 125 Eckhardt Avenue East, just a short walk from Main Street and the surrounding restaurants and shops. The theatre is easy to reach on foot, by transit, or by car, with limited on-site parking and additional public parking available nearby. Full directions and parking details are available on our Contact page.
Tempest produces a mix of original creations, contemporary plays, reimagined classics, immersive events, and select guest productions. Our programming ranges from intimate actor-driven pieces to multi-room experiences and film screenings. Whatever the format, we aim to create work that’s engaging, fun, and alive in the room—performances that draw people in and make the night worth talking about.
Tickets & Attending
Yes. Many of our performances sell out, often well before showtime. Because our theatre seats only 80 and some productions have very limited runs, we strongly encourage purchasing tickets in advance. If tickets are no longer available through the online system, that performance is sold out.
Yes, when seats are available. We do offer door sales, but they’re never guaranteed because many of our performances sell out in advance. If you’re hoping to buy tickets at the door, we recommend checking online first or arriving early, otherwise you may find that the performance is already full. For the most reliable access, purchasing tickets ahead of time is always the best option.
We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes before showtime. We typically open the theatre half an hour before the scheduled start, which gives you time to get settled, choose your seat, and visit the lounge if you’d like a refreshment before the performance begins.
Seating is general admission. Most performances use open seating, and guests choose their seats on arrival. We do reserve specific seats when needed for accessibility, and occasionally for patrons or partners with advance arrangements. If you have particular needs or would like to inquire about reserved seating, feel free to contact us before the performance.
Yes—another guest can use your ticket, but please let us know in advance. If you can’t attend and plan to pass your ticket to someone else, contact us before the performance so we can update the door list. The new ticket holder should bring the confirmation email or digital ticket to make check-in smooth.
We accept major credit cards for online purchases, and most credit or debit cards at the door. Cash is also accepted for in-person sales when someone is available to process it. All advance purchases must go through our online ticketing system, which provides instant confirmation and secures your spot for the performance.
Seating & Accessibility
Yes—the main theatre level at Tempest is wheelchair accessible. Ramp access is available at the rear of the building, and the theatre level includes an accessible washroom. The lounge is located on a lower level and is reached by stairs, but our staff and volunteers are always happy to bring refreshments or assist with anything you may need. If you’ll require ramp access or priority seating, contacting us ahead of time helps us prepare for your visit.
Yes. We offer accessible seating at the front of the theatre for guests who need it. If you require wheelchair or ground-level seating, please contact us by email after purchasing your ticket so we can reserve an appropriate spot and ensure everything is prepared for your arrival.
The lounge is not wheelchair accessible. It’s located on a lower level that can only be reached by stairs. If you’re unable to access the lounge, our staff and volunteers are always happy to bring refreshments or assist with anything you may need during your visit.
Yes. We do our best to support guests with mobility challenges within the limits of our building. The main theatre level is accessible by ramp and includes an accessible washroom, and we can reserve ground-level seating for anyone who cannot use the risers. The lounge is stair-access only, but our staff and volunteers are happy to bring refreshments or assist as needed. If you have specific concerns, contacting us before your visit helps us make sure everything goes smoothly.
Visiting the Theatre
Parking is limited. Tempest has a small rear parking lot primarily used by production staff, but we can reserve space there for guests who require ramp access or have mobility needs—please contact us in advance. Street parking and nearby public lots are available within a short walk of the theatre.
Yes. Tempest has a lounge where we serve wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages before the performance. We feature drinks from local producers whose quality and craft speak for themselves, partners who take as much pride in what they make as we do in the work we create. If you’re unable to access the lounge due to mobility constraints, we’re happy to bring beverages directly to you on the theatre level.
No, there’s no dress code at Tempest. Most guests come in casual or smart-casual clothing, and we encourage people to dress in whatever makes them comfortable for an evening of theatre.
Most Tempest productions are not suitable for children. Our work often includes mature themes, strong language, or complex material intended for more mature audiences (16+). Children may also find the pace or content difficult to engage with for the full duration of a performance. When a production is appropriate for children, we will note this clearly on the show page.
Classes & Participation
Each class listing includes clear instructions on how to register. In most cases, signing up is as simple as emailing admin@tempest.ca to confirm your interest and availability.
Some classes may have additional steps noted in the listing, such as a short audition, monologue preparation, or sharing background materials. These requests are specific to the nature of the class and are used to ensure a good fit for the work being done. Always follow the instructions on the individual class page, as requirements can vary from one offering to another.
Some classes are designed around specific group dynamics, experience levels, or creative objectives. In those cases, a short audition or preparatory step helps ensure the class is well-matched and that everyone in the room can engage fully with the material.
These auditions are not professional gatekeeping or a measure of “talent.” They’re simply a practical way to place people appropriately and to shape a learning environment that supports the focus of that particular class.
It depends on the class. Some offerings are open to beginners, while others assume prior experience and build on specific skills or training.
Each class listing explains what level of experience is expected and what will help you get the most out of the work. If you’re interested in more advanced classes but don’t yet have that background, starting with a beginner-level class is the best way to prepare.
Yes. We hold annual general auditions for people who are interested in getting involved artistically. These are an open invitation to come in, share your work, and let us see what energizes you. From there, opportunities may emerge to participate in productions or other creative initiatives, depending on fit and timing.
We don’t accept unsolicited submissions of scripts or other creative work. We’re a small organization, our programming is intentionally curated by our Artistic Director, and we don’t operate as a general production house. If you’re interested in participating more broadly, including non-performing roles, the Get Involved page outlines current pathways and opportunities.
The best place to start is our Get Involved page, which outlines the different ways people can participate and contribute. From there, you’ll find a link to our volunteer sign-up form and information about current needs.
We also ask volunteers to review our volunteer policy, which sets out expectations and helps ensure a good experience for everyone involved. Both the sign-up form and the policy are linked from the Get Involved page, and that page is kept up to date as opportunities change.
Other Questions
Photography during performances is sometimes permitted, provided no flash or additional lighting is used and devices are used discreetly. However, for some productions, photography may be fully restricted to protect the work and the audience experience.
Any photography restrictions are always announced in advance and posted at the venue. Photos around the theatre and sharing your experience on social media are welcome. Video or audio recording of performances is not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Possibly. Our events take place in a public venue where photography is often encouraged, and you may appear incidentally in background or group photos taken by other audience members or by us.
If we plan to do more focused or intentional photography at an event, we’ll make that clear in advance.
Tickets and class registrations are generally non-refundable. In limited circumstances, we may consider a refund, but any exception is at our discretion and depends on the specific situation.
Our full refund policy is available on the website and sets out the details. Please review that page for complete information before purchasing.
Yes. Gift cards are available and can be used toward tickets, classes, and other Tempest offerings.
Online purchase links will be available on the website soon. In the meantime, you can contact admin@tempest.ca to arrange a gift card.
The best place to start is the website, which is kept up to date with upcoming performances, classes, and events.
You can also follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter using the link on the site to receive occasional updates about new work and announcements.