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A
The Hobby Center is deeply committed to providing an enjoyable theatre-going experience for all patrons. This includes making its facility and performances accessible for all. For more information about services offered click here or contact us at [emailprotected] or (713) 315-2510.
To view accessible seating click here.
All patrons regardless of age must have a ticket. This includes infants and small children.
Should a show have a specific age recommendation, that information will be posted on the individual show page.
Please plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the show start time to allow plenty of time to park, to go through security, find your seats etc. All patrons must go through a security screening.
All theater lobbies open 90 minutes prior to the show start time, and seating typically begins 30 minutes prior to show start time.
Late seating policies vary based on the performing company. Be prepared to be held outside the seating area should you arrive after the performance begins.
B
Upon entry to the venue, visitors will walk through a touchless digital security screening. The system screens for weapons and other security concerns without requiring individual item searches for every guest.
Over-sized bags, luggage and backpacks may not be permitted inside the venue.
Patrons may be refused entry if they are in possession of prohibited items including, but not limited to: alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, food, drinks, glass/plastic/metal containers, video recorders, audio recorders, laptops, laser pointers, backpacks, knives, mace, pepper spray, weapons of any type (including pocket knives), unauthorized noise makers, glitter, confetti, streamers, helium balloons, parcels or packages, inflatables, skateboards, hoverboards, selfie sticks, GoPros, or large bags of any kind.
The Hobby Center Box Office is located in the ticket lobby immediately inside the front entrance of the building. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby Street in downtown Houston.
Hours:
Monday-Friday 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday-Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
*Box Office hours are subject to change depending on performance times.
Contact:
(713) 315-2525
[emailprotected]
Sarofim Hall
- Box 1 and 2 can be accessed via the Grand Lobby level.
- Box 3 and 4 can be accessed via the Mezzanine level inside the audience chamber.
- Box 4-10 can be access through hallways on the Mezzanine level.
- Odd numbered boxes are located on the left side of the audience chamber, while even numbers are on the right side.
*All Sarofim Hall box seats are limited view.
For stage views from the boxes, click here.
Zilkha Hall
- Box seats are located on the left (Box 1) and right (Box 2) sides of the Mezzanine Level.
- Box 1 is accessible via elevator.
- Box seats are labeled A-J with A being the closest to the stage.
C
Photographing or recording of any and all performances is strictly prohibited. The policies for photos, including selfies, in the audience chamber before shows, during intermissions, and after shows vary and are dictated by the individual productions.
The Hobby Center is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests. Guests are expected to behave appropriately and follow instructions of Hobby Center personnel at all times. For the comfort, safety and security of all guests, staff, cast and crew, the following code of conduct has been established for all guests and visitors:
- Respect other guests, performers and staff
- Be responsible and aware of your behavior
- Adhere to all venue policies including but not limited to security check and photo/video policy
- Sit only in assigned ticketed seat and show tickets upon request
- Consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner
- Do not willfully and unreasonably disturb other guests nor interfere with performers or events in any way
- Supervise children so other guests aren’t disturbed
- Latecomers will comply with late seating policy determined by management and the production
All decisions are made at the discretion of Hobby Center staff. Any guests who fail to behave appropriately may be refused admission to or ejected from Hobby Center events without refund or compensation. Guests are encouraged to report any inappropriate or offensive behavior to an usher or floor captain.
Located throughout the theater, CASHLESS concessions stands are open 90 minutes prior to performances and during intermission and offer an assortment of candies, snacks and beverages, including wine and co*cktails.
Generally beverages are allowed inside the theater with a few minor exceptions depending on the production. Policies for food and drink are posted outside entrances to the audience chamber with staff providing additional guidance and direction.
Food and glass containers are not permitted inside the theater.
800 Bagby, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713-315-2400
Box Office: 713-313-2525
Email: [emailprotected]
OR reach out via our Contact Us page
Floor Captains, identified by their blue jackets, and Hobby Center volunteers are available to provide any help you may need.
Members of the Hobby Center’s Access Team are available to assist patrons with mobility needs. Look for their bright yellow polo shirts.
A House Manager and/or Manager on Duty is available to assist you.
D
Diana American Grill
Located inside the Hobby Center, Diana American grill is the perfect compliment to your theater experience. Named for Diana Hobby – who impacted the Houston community in countless ways and played an instrumental role in the creation of the performing arts center – the restaurant name serves to honor, acknowledge and extend her legacy of grace and generosity.
Click here to make a reservation today or call (713) 315-2562.
Grand Lobby Bistro
Located in the Grand Lobby of Sarofim Hall, the bistro offers a lighter fare of hot entrees, sandwiches and salads. A full bar offers an assortment of beverages including wine and co*cktails.
The bistro is open for Sarofim Hall performances 1.5 hours prior to show time.
Concession Stands
Located throughout the theater, concessions stands are open 90 minutes prior to performance and during intermission and offer an assortment of candies, snacks and beverages, including wine and co*cktails.
Street Address:
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
800 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002
*Make sure to put the full venue name and/or address into your navigation or map app as there are several places in Houston with “Hobby” in the name!
For directions click here.
For up-to-date road closures click here.
There is no required dress for Hobby Center performances. Attire generally ranges from business casual to co*cktail dresses and suits.
Guests may wish to bring a light sweater or wrap to be comfortable in the air conditioning.
E
Elevators are available throughout the building for both Sarofim and Zilkha Hall, along with Diana American Grill. At times, elevators will be monitored by an inside operator.
Elevators servicing Sarofim Hall originate in the Lower Lounge and can be accessed through the Ticket Lobby.
Elevators servicing Zilkha Hall are located on the left side of the Zilkha Lobby.
An elevator servicing Diana American Grill restaurant and Founders Club is located in the Diana hallway at the bottom of the Diana staircase.
Paramedics are on site for all public, ticketed events. Please see a volunteer or staff member for assistance in calling the EMT.
The EMT/First Aid office is located on the ground floor of the venue in the Diana American Grill restaurant lobby immediately across from the restaurant elevator.
The Hobby Center is committed to providing the highest standard of safety for our visitors and employees. Emergency response procedures have been developed to address an emergency or crisis that might arise at the Hobby Center.
In the event of an emergency please follow the direction of staff, volunteers, security/police personnel and any overhead announcements.
In an emergency, a message may be delivered to venue guests by calling 713-315-2444. As there are no procedures for paging guests, please have seating information available when you call.
F-G
A paramedic is on site for all public, ticketed events. Please see a volunteer or staff member for assistance in calling the EMT.
The First Aid/EMT office is located on the ground floor of the venue in the Diana American Grill restaurant lobby immediately across from the restaurant elevator.
Group minimums vary based on production. For group sales contact:
Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center Series
(888) 451-5986
[emailprotected]
Theatre Under The Stars
(713) 558-8888
[emailprotected]
For information on groups for other shows, please call (713) 315-2525, select option four (4)
H-L
The health and safety of audiences, staff, volunteers, artists and all those who make up the Hobby Center community is a top priority. All decisions regarding the necessary protocols and policies for health and safety are guided by current medical and public health advice.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts no longer requires proof of vaccination for patrons, staff, or volunteers. Additionally, masks are not required inside the venue, though all are welcome to wear a mask for personal comfort.
Should requirements change, we will update all policies and communications accordingly.
More information on Hobby Center health and safety protocols can be found here.
Late seating policies vary based on performing company. Be prepared to be held outside the seating area should you arrive after the performance begins.
Most shows last between 2.5 and 3 hours. See individual show pages for more information.
If you have misplaced an item ask any staff member for assistance in locating. If you have already left the venue, please call (713) 315-2400 (option 9).
If your tickets are lost or stolen, please immediately contact the Hobby Center Box Office by phone: 713-315-2525.
In most cases, we can replace tickets with the seats that you originally purchased at the Box Office. You must provide proof of purchase.
Replacement tickets override the original tickets if both were to show up the night of the event.
Please note we cannot replace lost or stolen tickets purchased from a third party/ticket broker.
From time to time, certain productions may have a ticket lottery. Information about the lottery will be shared on Hobby Center social media and on the show’s information page.
M-O
Merchandise for touring and Theatre Under the Stars productions can normally be found at a kiosk located in the Grand Lobby. Additionally, some productions will place merchandise kiosks in the Ticket Lobby, Lower Lounge or Mezzanine.
Outside food and beverage is not permitted inside the venue.
P
Self Parking in the Hobby Center Garage – $15 cash and card both accepted.
The above ground on-site parking garage is located immediately behind the venue and is accessible from both Rusk and Walker Streets.
Valet – $25 cash and card both accepted.
Valet parking is available in the circle drive off Bagby Street.
Lexus drivers enjoy complimentary valet parking courtesy of Houston Area Lexus Dealers, subject to availability (must be attending Hobby Center events).
PLEASE NOTE: Valet and Hobby Center garage parking is subject to availability. Large attendance at various performances will create high demand limiting access, and resulting in the closing of valet and/or self-parking prior to the start time of a performance. Overflow parking is available in Theater District Parking Garages with entrances on both Rusk and Capitol Streets.
Photographing or recording of any and all performances is strictly prohibited. The policies for photos, including selfies, in the audience chamber before shows, during intermissions, and after shows vary and are dictated by the individual productions.
Some shows will offer presales before a general public onsale for members of the Hobby Center’s mailing list. To sign up for this list, click here.
Patrons may be refused entry if they are in possession of prohibited items including, but not limited to: alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, food, drinks, glass/plastic/metal containers, video recorders, audio recorders, laptops, laser pointers, backpacks, knives, mace, pepper spray, weapons of any type (including pocket knives), unauthorized noise makers, glitter, confetti, streamers, helium balloons, parcels or packages, inflatables, skateboards, hoverboards, selfie sticks, GoPros, or large bags of any kind.
Metro Bus and Lightrail
Let Houston Metro plan your trip to the Hobby Center. Simply visit Houston Metro’s Trip Planner website to find the fastest and most convenient route – no matter where you are. Find the Hobby Center listed as an entertainment landmark in the Metro Trip Planner, select your own starting point and you’ll find the easiest way to get to the show.
Light Rail
The light rail provides easy Theater District access to riders on the Red, Purple or Green light rail lines. You may find yourself sharing lanes with trains! Cars, trains, bikes and buses all share the south lane on Rusk and on Capitol. You can still make left and right turns on those streets. Just pay attention to the signs and signals, and make sure you know where the trains are.
It is important to know:
- Trains will share a traffic lane with vehicles exiting the Hobby Center Garage on Rusk.
- Trains will share a traffic lane on Rusk and Capitol throughout downtown. There are several
- entrances to Theater District parking garages on these two streets.
When you are walking to the Hobby Center, please notice whether you are crossing rail lines.
Visit www.gometrorail.org for more information on the light rail.
Taxis
Houston offers a number of taxi services that will gladly bring you to and from the Hobby Center, no matter where you are in the greater Houston area. You can reserve a taxi 24 hours in advance or look for one of our Floor Captains, identified by their blue jackets, to assist you with calling for a taxi at the end of the show.
- Yellow Cab: (713) 236-1111 or www.houstonyellowcab.com
- Liberty Cab: (713) 695-6700
- United Cab: (713) 699-0000
Q-S
Sarofim Hall- Restrooms are located in the lower lounge, as well as on the right side of the Mezzanine and Gallery levels. A family restroom is available in each of these locations.
Zilkha Hall- Restrooms are located adjacent to the Zilkha Hall ticket lobby/restaurant lobby. A family restroom is available in this location.
Seating charts for Sarofim and Zilkha Halls can be found here.
Upon entry to the venue, visitors will walk through a touchless digital security screening. The system screens for weapons and other security concerns without requiring individual item searches for every guest.
Over-sized bags, luggage and backpacks may not be permitted inside the venue.
Patrons may be refused entry if they are in possession of prohibited items including, but not limited to: alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, food, drinks, glass/plastic/metal containers, video recorders, audio recorders, laptops, laser pointers, backpacks, knives, mace, pepper spray, weapons of any type (including pocket knives), unauthorized noise makers, glitter, confetti, streamers, helium balloons, parcels or packages, inflatables, skateboards, hoverboards, selfie sticks, GoPros, or large bags of any kind.
A service animal is defined by the ADA as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability and the presence of the dog is acceptable to the event organizer and venue operator. The tasks performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service animals are welcome inside the Hobby Center and must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times.
Please note that emotional support, therapy, comfort, companion animals or service-animals-in-training are not considered service animals under the ADA. If you intend to bring a service animal to an event, please notify your ticket representative at the time of purchase so that an aisle seat may be reserved for you or contact us in advance by sending an e-mail to [emailprotected] or call (713) 315-2415.
Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes and vaporizers, is prohibited inside the Hobby Center and on all balconies.
T-Z
Please click here for the Hobby Center’s ticketing policies.
Rideshare pick up and drop off is available on Walker Street. Uber and Lyft pickup is prohibited in the valet lane during outbound of a performance.
Valet parking is available in the front of the building in the circle drive off Bagby Street.
Valet is currently $25 per vehicle. Cash and credit are both accepted.
Lexus drivers enjoy complimentary valet parking courtesy of Houston Area Lexus Dealers (must be attending Hobby Center events).
The Hobby Center’s health and safety protocols andcode of conductallow parking personnel at their sole discretion to deny valet service to patron who is deemed to be an undue safety risk to parking staff.
Hobby Center valet parking is subject to availability. Valet service may reach capacity and close prior to the start time of a performance. Due to typical delays from traffic and construction, please plan to arrive 45 minutes early for performances.
A wellness room is available for use by nursing mothers in the EMT/First Aid office with full privacy provided.
The EMT/First Aid office is located on the ground floor of the venue in the Diana American Grill restaurant lobby immediately across from the restaurant elevator.
Complimentary wheelchairs are available along with assistance from Hobby Access Team volunteers who can provide assistance accessing the venue and seat locations. Just look for the teams bright yellow polos or ask any staff member or volunteer for assistance.
Will Call is located at the Hobby Center Box Office in the ticket lobby and opens 90 minutes prior to performances. Please be prepared to provide a photo ID matching the name on the tickets for pick up.
