Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Most New Muses performances are located in the Dukesbay Theater on the third floor of the Merlino Art Center at 508 6th Ave in Tacoma. We do occasionally perform at alternate venues, please check the listing for your show to ensure you arrive at the correct venue.
Is there an elevator to the Dukesbay Theater?
No. The theater is only accessible by three flights of stairs.
Do you have any accessibility programs?
We are actively developing a closed captioning system to use during our performances. Once we launch that program it will run for one dedicated performance during each production as well as being available on a limited basis during others. If you would like the captioning system to be available during a performance you are attending, please contact the box office so we can work to schedule a caption operator for that performance.
We are also looking at the possibility of audio description, ASL interpreted, and sensory friendly performances for the future. Please contact us with any questions, ideas, or concerns.
Where should I park?
Street parking is available in the area around the theater. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to find a good spot.
When are performances?
Most productions perform on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30*, with Sunday matinees at 2:00. Performances of the one-night-only staged reading series are usually on Sunday evenings at 7:00.
*Please note that WINNIE THE POOH will have a curtain time of 7:00 for evening performances as well as additional 2:00 Saturday matinees to better accommodate the expected family and younger audiences for the production.
When does the box office open?
The box office will open 30 minutes prior to curtain for all New Muses productions. For other performances at our host venues please check with the theater for box office information.
Can I reserve a seat?
Seating is festival style, first come, first serve. If the theater is full please make room to allow other audience members the opportunity to enjoy the production. If you have specific seating needs please contact the box office prior to your arrival.
What should I do if I'm running late?
Please contact the box office. The front doors of the Merlino Art Center will be closed at the beginning of the performance. Latecomers will be required to call the box office, (253) 254-5530, to gain admission. Latecomers will be admitted and seated at the rear of the audience during a suitable break in the performance. All late seating is to be determined at the discretion of the management. New Muses makes no guarantees that latecomers will be admitted prior to intermission if at all. If you exit the building during the performance or at intermission, please ensure another member of your party is able to let you back into the building.
Are your productions appropriate for children and/or sensitive individuals?
Most New Muses productions are intended for a mature audience and may be inappropriate for children and sensitive individuals. We recommend that parents who are interested in bringing children research the show in advance. Although some productions may be appropriate for a younger audience, New Muses does not allow babes in arms or children under five (see exceptions for WINNIE THE POOH below). For specific information on the suitability of a production, including full lists of trigger warnings for each production, please call the Box Office at 253-254-5530.
Minimum age requirements have been waived for WINNIE THE POOH and family members of all ages are welcome to attend. All audience members over 12 months require a ticket. Babes in arms are welcome as long as there is not excessive disruption to the audience or performance. Please note that the Dukesbay Theater is an intimate performance venue and we do not have space to park strollers in the venue or lobby areas, all audience members will be required to be in a seat or in the lap of a parent.
Can I take photos or record the performance?
For the safety of the performers and enjoyment of your fellow audience members there is absolutely no photography allowed during any New Muses performance. Video or audio recording is strictly prohibited by New Muses, all theatrical licensing companies, and federal copyright laws.
Do you sell concessions?
We do not sell concessions, however we do have filtered water available at all performances.
Code of Conduct:
New Muses is committed to upholding a safe environment where people are treated with respect and dignity; we will not tolerate behavior or actions contrary to this commitment. It is our expectation that all staff, visitors, and patrons comply with this code of conduct and we reserve the right to relocate or remove any person from our theater who disregards this commitment. Please contact a New Muses staff member with any concerns.
Can I volunteer?
Of course. If you are interested in volunteering with New Muses please contact us via email at [email protected]. We often have volunteer opportunities available in our front of house and production departments.
How can I donate to support your work?
If you are interested in contributing to the financial health of the company please visit our donations page. Please note that New Muses is not a 501 (c) non-profit organization and donations are not tax-deductible. If you are interested in donating to a non-profit theater for tax purposes feel free to contact us and we can connect you with one of our many deserving partner theaters.
Do you teach classes?
We do not. However, several of our partner organizations have excellent education departments and we would be happy to connect you.
Most New Muses performances are located in the Dukesbay Theater on the third floor of the Merlino Art Center at 508 6th Ave in Tacoma. We do occasionally perform at alternate venues, please check the listing for your show to ensure you arrive at the correct venue.
Is there an elevator to the Dukesbay Theater?
No. The theater is only accessible by three flights of stairs.
Do you have any accessibility programs?
We are actively developing a closed captioning system to use during our performances. Once we launch that program it will run for one dedicated performance during each production as well as being available on a limited basis during others. If you would like the captioning system to be available during a performance you are attending, please contact the box office so we can work to schedule a caption operator for that performance.
We are also looking at the possibility of audio description, ASL interpreted, and sensory friendly performances for the future. Please contact us with any questions, ideas, or concerns.
Where should I park?
Street parking is available in the area around the theater. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to find a good spot.
When are performances?
Most productions perform on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30*, with Sunday matinees at 2:00. Performances of the one-night-only staged reading series are usually on Sunday evenings at 7:00.
*Please note that WINNIE THE POOH will have a curtain time of 7:00 for evening performances as well as additional 2:00 Saturday matinees to better accommodate the expected family and younger audiences for the production.
When does the box office open?
The box office will open 30 minutes prior to curtain for all New Muses productions. For other performances at our host venues please check with the theater for box office information.
Can I reserve a seat?
Seating is festival style, first come, first serve. If the theater is full please make room to allow other audience members the opportunity to enjoy the production. If you have specific seating needs please contact the box office prior to your arrival.
What should I do if I'm running late?
Please contact the box office. The front doors of the Merlino Art Center will be closed at the beginning of the performance. Latecomers will be required to call the box office, (253) 254-5530, to gain admission. Latecomers will be admitted and seated at the rear of the audience during a suitable break in the performance. All late seating is to be determined at the discretion of the management. New Muses makes no guarantees that latecomers will be admitted prior to intermission if at all. If you exit the building during the performance or at intermission, please ensure another member of your party is able to let you back into the building.
Are your productions appropriate for children and/or sensitive individuals?
Most New Muses productions are intended for a mature audience and may be inappropriate for children and sensitive individuals. We recommend that parents who are interested in bringing children research the show in advance. Although some productions may be appropriate for a younger audience, New Muses does not allow babes in arms or children under five (see exceptions for WINNIE THE POOH below). For specific information on the suitability of a production, including full lists of trigger warnings for each production, please call the Box Office at 253-254-5530.
Minimum age requirements have been waived for WINNIE THE POOH and family members of all ages are welcome to attend. All audience members over 12 months require a ticket. Babes in arms are welcome as long as there is not excessive disruption to the audience or performance. Please note that the Dukesbay Theater is an intimate performance venue and we do not have space to park strollers in the venue or lobby areas, all audience members will be required to be in a seat or in the lap of a parent.
Can I take photos or record the performance?
For the safety of the performers and enjoyment of your fellow audience members there is absolutely no photography allowed during any New Muses performance. Video or audio recording is strictly prohibited by New Muses, all theatrical licensing companies, and federal copyright laws.
Do you sell concessions?
We do not sell concessions, however we do have filtered water available at all performances.
Code of Conduct:
New Muses is committed to upholding a safe environment where people are treated with respect and dignity; we will not tolerate behavior or actions contrary to this commitment. It is our expectation that all staff, visitors, and patrons comply with this code of conduct and we reserve the right to relocate or remove any person from our theater who disregards this commitment. Please contact a New Muses staff member with any concerns.
Can I volunteer?
Of course. If you are interested in volunteering with New Muses please contact us via email at [email protected]. We often have volunteer opportunities available in our front of house and production departments.
How can I donate to support your work?
If you are interested in contributing to the financial health of the company please visit our donations page. Please note that New Muses is not a 501 (c) non-profit organization and donations are not tax-deductible. If you are interested in donating to a non-profit theater for tax purposes feel free to contact us and we can connect you with one of our many deserving partner theaters.
Do you teach classes?
We do not. However, several of our partner organizations have excellent education departments and we would be happy to connect you.
