Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the funds come from to operate The Center?
Approximately 40 percent of the operating income is derived from the investments of the endowment funds, 22 percent from rental income; 16 percent from the hotel/motel guest tax, 5 percent from grants; 5 percent from donations and the other 12 percent from miscellaneous interest and tuition revenues. We do not receive any funds from the city budget although the hotel/motel tax is processed through the city. We are not a line item in the city budget as the library, golf course, etc. are.
What are the Box Office hours?
The Box Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and does not close during the lunch hour. The Box Office is also open one hour before show time. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event if The Center is open on that day. Please call 918-336-2787 for further information, or you can purchase tickets online any time.
How do I buy tickets?
For your convenience, you can purchase tickets online. If you prefer, you may purchase tickets in person at the Box Office located at 300 SE Adams Blvd, or by phone with a credit card. We accept cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express and debit cards.
Can I choose my seat?
Yes, you can view the seating chart before making your purchase and pick your preferred available seat. Occasionally, events at The Center are advertised as general admission and in those instances the seating will be first come, first serve.
Do I have to buy a ticket for my child?
If your child is up to the age of two years and will sit in your lap for the entire performance, usually they do not need a ticket. However, a child three and older requires a ticket and their own seat.
What should I wear to the performances?
Various styles of dress are appropriate. Some patrons prefer formal to semi-formal attire, while others prefer business, casual or even jeans. The most common attire for events would be business casual.
Where do I park when I come to The Center?
We have a spacious parking lot near The Center main entrance that patrons are welcome to park in for events and performances. For larger events, this lot does tend to fill up quickly. Click here to see other nearby parking in downtown Bartlesville.
Besides performances, what other events happen at The Center?
We do have performances, but they actually account for only approximately 16% of the rental. Other rentals include rehearsals, dinners, luncheons, proms, weddings, wedding receptions, wedding rehearsal dinners, antique shows, style shows, birthday parties, anniversary parties, class reunions, conferences, conventions, business meetings, banquets, fundraisers, art exhibits, pageants, festivals, church services, clubs and organizations meetings, and many specialized events within those categories.
Is it expensive to rent The Center for an event?
Not really. We have cost comparisons of other rental facilities in Bartlesville and nearby areas and we are actually the least expensive, especially when you consider the equipment offered without additional charges that cost extra at most other facilities. View our rental rates.
Can I take a tour of The Center?
Absolutely! We would love to show you around. We welcome individuals and groups to come and tour our magnificent facility. Simply call 918-337-2787 to schedule your tour today.
A to Z guide to The Center
ADA Seating: Limited ADA accessible seating is available on Row ZZ and in Row D on the right (south) side of the auditorium; additional seating in Rows E, F, & L is also available for those with mobility concerns and who can navigate a couple of stairs. Your seating needs are very important to us, and we wish to speak to you personally to customize your seating selection. For seating questions or to purchase seats in the ADA section, please call the Box Office at 918.337.2787 or email eat1@eau1eav1eaw1
Alcoholic beverages: Oklahoma law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Patrons will be required to show proper identification and proof of age when purchasing alcoholic beverages. Patrons may not bring in outside alcoholic beverages. Patrons under the age of 21 who are found to be in possession of alcoholic beverages will be turned over to the security office.
Assisted Listening Devices: Assisted listening devices are available upon request from the Box Office. A valid driver’s license or major credit card will be requested as a deposit for the equipment.
Attire: Various styles of dress are appropriate, depending on the event. The most common attire for performances is business casual.
ATM: There is no ATM inside The Center; however, there is one at the On Cue gas station across the street (Cherokee & Adams).
Backstage Access: No one is permitted in the backstage areas, including the green room, without prior authorization from the Bartlesville Community Center. Failure to adhere to this policy is grounds for removal from The Center. Refunds will not be issued for patrons who are in violation of this policy.
Box Office Hours: The Box Office is open M-F, 9am to 5pm. On show days, the Box Office opens one (1) hour prior to the performance start time.
Camera Policy: Unless otherwise specified, the use of cameras and other recording devices, including cell phones, is strictly prohibited. Due to fire code, tripods are not permitted inside the auditorium.
Concessions: Concessions are available in Community Hall during most events and may be purchased before the show or at intermission. No outside food or beverages are permitted in the auditorium. All uncapped drinks must be enjoyed in a BCC Signature Cup, except water bottles with screw top lids.
Cell Phones & Electronics: As a courtesy to other patrons and for the safety of our performers, please turn all electronics to silent or off, and refrain from using them inside the auditorium during a performance. Lights from cell phones and electronics are distracting to other patrons and pose a safety hazard to our performers.
Child Tickets: Children two and younger (prior to their third birthday) do not require a ticket, as long as they are seated in your lap for the entire performance. Any child three and older requires their own ticket. Child ticket prices vary. Please be advised that not all performances are suitable for all ages. We kindly ask that if your child becomes restless during a performance that they are taken into the lobby area until they are ready to return. Please note that tickets are non-refundable. Due to fire code, strollers and car seats are prohibited from the auditorium. You are welcome to leave these items in the lobby; however, the Bartlesville Community Center is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Doors Opening: The lobby doors open one (1) hour prior to performances. Generally, house doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance. These times may vary based on the needs of a particular show. Most shows adhere to this schedule.
Elevator: Please be advised there is NO ELEVATOR in The Center. If you are unable to do stairs, please contact the box office at 918.337.2787 for seating help.
Emergencies/Severe Weather: In the unlikely event of an emergency or severe weather, please follow instructions from the ushers and/or Center staff members.
Entrances: There are two main entrances. The main doors are off Adams Blvd. by the main parking lot, and the north doors are off Silas St.
Etiquette: All patrons, regardless of age, are expected to be courteous to each other and to our performers. Patrons who are disruptive may be asked to correct their behavior, and if they fail to do so, may be asked to leave the performance.
Family Restrooms: There are no family restrooms; however, changing facilities are available in the restrooms. If you require additional space, please contact a BCC staff member for assistance.
Field Trips: We would love to show off our beautiful building to your group! Please contact us to make arrangements.
First Aid: Please contact the nearest usher, Center staff member, or security if you need medical attention.
Funding The Center: Approximately 40% of operating income is derived from the investments of the endowment funds, 22% from rental income; 16% from the hotel/motel guest tax, 5% from grants; 5% from donations; and the other 12% from miscellaneous interest and tuition revenues. We do not receive any funds from the city budget, although the hotel/motel tax is processed through the city. We are not a line item in the city budget as the library, golf course, etc. are.
Group Sales: Some performances offer group sales discounts. For more information, please contact the Box Office.
Guest Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the building, there is NO ELEVATOR at The Center. Limited ADA accessible seating is available on Row ZZ and in Row D on the right (south) side of the auditorium; additional seating in Rows E, F, & L is also available for those with mobility concerns and who can navigate a couple of stairs. Your seating needs are very important to us, and we wish to speak to you personally to customize your seating selection. For seating questions or to purchase seats in the ADA section, please call the Box Office at 918-337-2787 or email eat1@eau1eav1eaw1
History of The Center: More information about the history of the Bartlesville Community Center may be found here: The Center History
Late Arrival: To cause the least disruption, patrons who are not seated when the performance begins may be asked to wait in the lobby until an appropriate break in the performance. Due to the continental seating, late patrons may be assisted to alternate seats by the House Manager or ushers and may take their assigned seats at intermission. The Center assumes no liability for inconvenience. The box office remains open for approximately 15 minutes after the start of a performance.
Lost and Found: The Lost and Found is located in the Main Office, off the lobby on the south side of the building. Items are kept for three (3) months, then donated to local charities.
Merchandise: Some performances offer merchandise, available in Community Hall. Non-approved vending on Bartlesville Community Center property is prohibited.
Parental Guidance: Please see each individual performance page for information regarding suitability for younger patrons.
Parking: There is a spacious parking lot near the main entrance. For larger events, this lot does tend to fill up quickly. Click here to see other nearby parking in downtown Bartlesville.
Prohibited Items: The following items are prohibited from the Bartlesville Community Center:
- Outside food or beverages
- Chewing gum (auditorium)
- Video cameras or other recording devices
- Weapons or any item that could be construed as a weapon
- Laser pens or laser products
- Illegal substances
- Noise making devices (air horns, whistles, etc.)
- Projectiles
- Selfie sticks
- Any other item deemed unacceptable by a Center Staff Member
Possession of prohibited items may be grounds for ejection from The Center property.
Refunds: All ticket sales are final. No refunds. No exchanges.
Rentals: We would love to host your next event! More information about rentals can be found here: The Center Rentals
Security: Depending on the nature of the event, or when deemed necessary, security officers will be on site. Patrons are expected to comply with security officers.
Service Animals: Trained service animals are permitted to assist guests inside The Center. If special accommodations are required for your service animal, please notify us at the time of ticket purchase or by calling 918.336.2787. All other animals, including emotional support animals, comfort animals, or pets, are strictly prohibited.
Smoking Policy: Smoking, including vaping or e-cigarettes, is prohibited within the Bartlesville Community Center.
Ticket Information:
Continental Seating: The Center features continental seating, with no center aisle and enough room between rows to allow easy passage. Seats 1 & 2 are in the middle of each row. Even numbered seats (2, 4, 6, etc.) are on the north side of the auditorium, while odd numbered seats (1, 3, 5, etc.) are on the south side. The lower the number the closer the seat is to the center. Rows are labeled A through ZZ, with A closest to the stage and ZZ in the back.
Purchasing: Tickets may be purchased in person at The Center; by calling 918.337.2787; or through the The Center website . All ticket sales are final. No refunds. No exchanges.
Lost Tickets: Replacements for lost ticket may be obtained at the Box Office.
Scalping: To avoid problems with counterfeit, stolen, void, or other invalid tickets, tickets should only be purchased directly from the Bartlesville Community Center. Purchase tickets only through The Center to avoid fraudulent tickets.
Cancellations/Postponements: In the unlikely event that a performance is canceled or postponed, The Center will contact patrons to arrange reticketing options.
Charity requests: Interested organizations should contact the Box Office Manager with requests.
Touring The Center: We invite you to come tour the Bartlesville Community Center! Tours are free of charge. Please call 918.337.2787 to schedule your tour today.
Volunteering: The Center utilizes volunteers to assist in many areas. Please contact Elise Enterkin, our Volunteer Coordinator, to discuss your interests and availability.
Wheelchairs and walkers: Due to fire code, within the auditorium, wheelchairs are allowed only in the ADA section. Guests who are seated elsewhere must be able to transfer from a wheelchair, and an usher will park your wheelchair in the lobby. Guests who utilize a walker may take the walker to their seat, and an usher will park it in the lobby. The Center has two wheelchairs available, free of charge, for guests to use while in the building. These are available on a first come, first served basis.