Updates

Shenkman Arts Centre welcomes you back beginning Monday, September 14. 

The Centre will reopen incrementally over the weeks ahead. For the safety of our guests and staff, local, provincial, and federal public health COVID-19 guidelines regarding indoor spaces, masks, capacities and social distancing will be followed. 

Stages of reopening:

Monday, September 14: 

• Doors open to the public.
• Resident partners’ instructional programming begins.
• Rental spaces are available for booking.

Thursday, September 24: 

• Trinity Art Gallery will open a new exhibit.

Through October:

• City of Ottawa instructional programs begin.
• Theatre performances begin this month

We appreciate and thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. 

For information on COVID-19 please visit the Ottawa Public Health website.

 
Shenkman Arts Centre  – FAQ for Theatre Performances

Theatre Performances 

Information regarding spring 2020 shows missed due to COVID-19: The status of some spring 2020 performances remains on hold. As shows become rescheduled or cancelled, ticket holders will be contacted. If you have not heard about the missed show, it is because the presenter still intends to reschedule the show. Should you wish, exchanges and refunds of those tickets will be granted, and administrative fees will be waived.

Q: If a performance is cancelled, when and how will I receive a refund? 

If you purchased tickets online for an event that is cancelled, refunds will be processed through our online ticketing partner and returned to your credit card. 

If you purchased tickets over the phone or in person, we will call you to refund your purchase. Once the box office re-opens, refunds can be processed in-person at the Shenkman Arts Centre.

Q: If a performance is postponed, what do I do? 

If you are holding tickets for a performance that is postponed, we will announce the new dates as soon as possible. Your current tickets will be honoured for that date, or we will refund you at your request if you are unable to attend the new date.

Instructional Programming 

Instructional programs will resume beginning September 14 with public health protocols in place.  

The Resident Arts Partners websites list all their program information. Direct contact with them is the best way to receive specifics about their programs and procedures. An overview of each of their offerings is here.

Courses offered by the City of Ottawa will be listed at ottawa.ca/recreation as of September 28. Registration begins October 5 and courses start October 13.

Rentals 

Q: What protocols are in place for theatre and performance studio rentals?

Seating capacities will be based on the type of seating configuration you prefer. In all cases, a 70 square foot distance is required between audience members.

Here are some examples:

• Masks must be worn indoors.
• Pairs of people from the same bubble can be seated together at a cabaret table or side by side in theatre seats.
• Non-cohorts will be seated at a distance of 70 ft2 or six (6) meters2.
• Depending on the nature of the performance, performers may require an impermeable shield between each other.
• Box office services are not available at this time. Presenters and hosts must sell their tickets independently.
• Each person entering the space, whether a guest, host or presenter will be required to complete a self-assessment. A list of contact information will be retained on file and shared with public health authorities if contact tracing is required after the event.

Q: What spaces are available for rentals?

All the rental spaces are available unless they have already been booked. For the full list of options, see our rentals page.

Q: Exactly how many people can fit in each space?

Seating capacities will vary based on the type of seating. Our rental clerk can help you with the specifics based on the parameters of your event. Please reach out by email.