ticketing policies & faqs

PLEASE NOTE: All sales are final. See below for our ticket exchange policy.

Pay-what-you-will wednesdays and previews

For the June 26 and 27 performances (before the official openings) plus every Wednesday performance throughout the festival, all tickets are Pay-What-You-WILL (PWYW). You get to choose the price that works best for you. You can pick your price online or contact the box office to reserve your PWYW tickets. Note that the PWYW minimum is $6 in order to cover fees (see FEES below).

accessibility

If you need assistance getting into into The ARC or into your seat, please contact the box office prior to the performance or ask an usher to assist you. Fully accessible seating is available online or by contacting the box office. GRSF staff are happy to make your trip to the theater as enjoyable as possible. If you need accommodations such as a breastfeeding/pump area, audio description, space for a service animal, assistance with mobility/cane, or anything else, please contact the box office at (507) 474-7900. GRSF works to ensure all patrons can enjoy the theater.

ACCESSIBLE AND FIDGET-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES

Friday matinee performances will have scheduled accommodations (check the performance schedule to see which services are on which dates). Available services include American Sign Language (ASL) and audio-description for the blind (via headphones), and adjustments to accommodate those who may struggle to sit quietly through an entire performance or who have sensory concerns (indicated as “Fidget-Friendly” on the performance description). Accommodations include priority seating with easy access to the exits, provided space to move around the theater if necessary, increased audience lighting, and an introduction to sudden sounds and lighting effects. Those who would benefit are encouraged to discuss their needs with the box office so that special seating requests can be accommodated. Visit or call the box office (507) 474-7900.

cameras and recording

The use of cameras or any other recording device is strictly prohibited.

children

We recommend that our performances are suitable to theater-goers age 11 and up. Some shows can include stage violence and/or content that requires the discretion of the parent or guardian. All children in attendance are required to have a ticket. Absolutely no children under the age of 6 are allowed in the theater during professional performances. Please contact the box office with questions.

CHILL WITH WILL: free workshop and show FOR STUDENTS AGE 11-18

Students age 11-18 can enroll in a FREE workshop prior to each Friday afternoon performance. The festival’s education team will guide them through theater games and activities related to the show. Past experiences have included a Shakespeare’s text workshop, backstage tour, and narrated fight call. Chill with Will participants will then receive FREE tickets to the afternoon show. Guardians wishing to accompany a student must purchase a ticket but will receive a discounted rate of $20. Reserve tickets here.

discounts

Click here to learn more about all our discount ticket options including Pay-What-You-WILL Wednesdays and Previews, Student Rush, and Chill with Will! Please note that discounts cannot be combined with any other offer.

exchanging tickets

GRSF is happy to accommodate changes. If at all possible, contact the box office 24 hours prior to the scheduled performance. Exchanges are subject to availability. In the event you cannot use your tickets, you may call the box office to donate them back to the theater; this will count as a tax-deductible donation.

electronic devices

Sounds and light from electronic devices are extremely disruptive to other audience members and performers. Please refrain from using any devices during a performances and make sure all devices are turned off or silenced.

fees

Minnesota law now (as of 2025) requires that all ticketing fees that cannot be reasonably avoided be included in the listed ticket price. Ticketing fees that are included in the ticket price are as follows:

• Facility use fee: $3 per ticket. This fee is passed to Winona State University as rent for the use of the Performing Arts Center.

• Order fee: $2 per ticket. This fee helps offset about 10% of the annual ticketing software license plus hardware and credit card processing.

Additionally, a mailing fee of $1 per order will be added if you choose to have your tickets mailed to you.

food and beverage

A variety of food and beverages are available for purchase in the lobby prior to the performance and during intermission.

groups

GRSF loves groups! Whether you are bringing students or taking a trip for entertainment, we’re happy to cater to your specific needs. Groups of 10 or more receive ticket discounts. Click here for more information.

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Are you a designer, director, technician, or actor visiting the festival? Or perhaps a theater educator looking to see a show and learn more about the programs we offer to students? We offer discounted tickets to visiting professionals in the theater industry. Simply call the box office at (507) 474-7900 or email boxoffice@grsf.org to receive discounted pricing on your ticket, and we’ll have it waiting for you at will call.

late seating

Please plan to arrive early for your performance. Guests arriving after the start of a performance will be seated at the discretion of house management staff.

lobby hours

The lobby is open 90 minutes before each performance. Seating begins 30 minutes prior to showtime.

lost and found

Please turn in any found items at the box office. If you have lost something, stop by or call the box office at (507) 474-7900.

parking

Ample free parking is available throughout downtown Winona in City lots. Please see below for a detailed map. Accessible spaces are located on 5th and Main Streets directly in front of the building. There is also a sheltered drop-off driveway on the northeast side of the building (access via the eastbound side of 5th Street).

performance venue

The ARC - Home of the Historic Masonic Theatre is located in downtown Winona at the intersection of 5th and Main Streets. Thanks to a recent investment by the City of Winona, this historic building has an updated HVAC system. Happily, this means our performance space is climate controlled. Some audience members feel chilly in the theater, so please bring a wrap if you are sensitive to air-conditioned temperatures.

Green Show

Beginning about 45 minutes prior to every performance, our professional understudy company will present a variety of scenes from the Shakespeare canon. These entertaining and informative shows will tune your ear to Shakespeare’s verse before enjoying the main production. The scenes will rotate depending on the mainstage show, so come back and see them all. Each Green Show performance will end with an entertaining introduction to the characters, plot, and world of the play you are about to see. This introduction to the show will get you up to speed and ready to dive in! Be sure to grab a printed primer to use as a reference during the show. The Green Show will take place outdoors on the green adjacent to the Performing Arts Center and will end in plenty of time for you to make it to your seat inside.

refunds

Monetary refunds are not part of GRSF’s ticket policy. Every effort will be made to assist patrons in attending an alternate performance. In the event you cannot use your tickets, you may call the box office to donate them back to the theater; this will count as a tax-deductible donation.

restrooms

Restrooms are located in the Performing Arts Center lobby.

ticket pick-up (will call)

Tickets will be available at the will call window at The ARC beginning 90 minutes before each performance. You may also pick up your tickets in advance during weekday Box Office Hours.

season passes

Season passes include one ticket to each professional show of the summer season. The pass holder is responsible for contacting the Box Office to reserve their seats for the date of the performance that they wish to see. This must be done over the phone, in person, or via email. Please note: Season Pass discounts cannot be combined with any other discounts.

smoking

The ARC is owned and maintained by the City of Winona. Smoking on the property is strictly prohibited.