Powell Hall Rules

Maximize your enjoyment of your evening with Powell Hall by reading and following these venue rules and policies.

Accessibility Policy

Accessible seating is available for every performance at Powell Hall. Trained service dogs are welcome. You should contact the Box Office at 314-534-1700 for more information.

Powell Hall also offers fully accessible restrooms and an elevator on the right side of the orchestra level. Wheelchair lifts are available that provide access to seating in the balcony and is available on the Grand Tier level. Large-print programs are available for Classical concerts at Customer Service in the Wightman Grand Foyer. You may also request assisted listening devices at Customer Service with the deposit of a valid photo ID. These devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applause Policy

During Symphony performances, SLSO recommends and requests that you hold applause until the entire symphony is completed. This allows the orchestra and conductor to maintain optimal concentration between movements. Generally speaking, if the rest of the audience is clapping, you can too.

During Live at Powell Hall events and any other event, it is generally advised to wait until appropriate moments to applaud or clap. If in doubt, if the rest of the audience is clapping, then you can too.

Arrival Policy

Doors open to SLSO classical concerts 75 minutes in advance and 60 minutes before Live at Powell Hall events. SLSO recommends that you arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of your scheduled performance. This gives you time to find parking, visit the Box Office, and find your seat.

If you arrive late, you will be asked to wait until the first seating break. The first seating break usually occurs after the first piece of the program at during an intermission that minimizs disturbances to other audience members. If you leave the hall for any reason and return during the performance, you will be asked to wait and seated during an appropriate break.

Children Policy

SLSO encourages children to attend their performances and events. SLSO recommends that classical concerts be attended by children of ages 5 and older, while children of all ages are welcome to attend Live at Powell Hall, Family, Education and Youth Orchestra concerts and events. All patrons, regardless of age, must have their own ticket.

Children pricing for classical concerts is $10 with a paying adult. You can contact the Box Office for more information.

If your child is restless or crying during the performance, SLSO requests that you step out of the auditorium momentarily. Ushers will gladly help you return to your seat during an appropriate break during the performance.

Clothing and Attire Policy

SLSO and Powell Hall recommends business casual as a good way to dress for events, but you are welcome to dress as you see fit for the occasion. You will see a variety of attire at Powell Hall including khakis, jeans, suits, and skirts.

Concert Information Policy

Besides subscriber emails, you can find information on all SLSO performances and events by going to their website (https://slso.org) or by emailing SLSO at [email protected] .

You can also attend pre-concert conversations to find insight to the concert program. These free events begin one-hour before every subscription concert and are sponsored by Washington University Physicians. Program notes can be found online prior to each subscription performance.

Food and Beverage Policy

Outside food and drink is not permitted on the premises. Non-iced beverages can be purchased in SLSO Keep-Cups and may be taken into the auditorium for all performances. Concessions purchased on site may be taken into the auditorium during performances as indicated by the signage. You may call the Symphony at 314-534-1700 to see if your selected event or performance has any special concessions policies.

Green Mission

The St. Louis Symphony and Powell Hall do its part for sustainability with several outreach programs and services. This includes the use and procurement of green products when feasible. To save on fuel for transportation, Powell Hall gives preference for local vendors when all measures are equal. Additionally, Powell Hall equipment is purchased to be Energy Star when possible.

The facility also uses marked recycling bins that all employees and patrons are encouraged to use. Powell Hall also makes every effort to reduce junk mail from their mailing/distribution lists and incoming sources. When possible, internal documents are circulated electronically.

Powell Hall also encourages the use of reusable water containers so you can avoid buying bottled water when possible.

Group Order Policy

Group orders to SLSO performances and events require a non-refundable 25% deposit. The deposit is payable by check or major credit card and is credited towards your total balance. SLSO requires the remaining balance to be paid three weeks prior to the concert date. Once the final payment is received there are no refunds or exchanges. Group orders may be adjusted until the time of final payment.

SLSO makes every effort to seat members of your group together, but it is advised that group orders be made in advance of the performance. The sooner you order, the more you can guarantee close seating for your group.

Lost and Found Policy

If you lose an item during a performance, you should call Powell Hall at 314-286-4166 and leave a message. You should include your name, phone number, address, an in-depth description of the lost item, as well as the date of the performance or event you attended. Powell Hall will get back to you as soon as they can.

What if I lose a personal item while at Powell Hall?

To inquire about lost items, please call 314-286-4166. Powell Hall is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal property.

Photo and Video Policy

Photos and video taken before the concert, during intermission, and after the concert are welcome. Audio and video recording and photography during concerts and events are strictly prohibited. This policy is in effect to limit distractions to performers and audience members. Powell Hall also requests that all cell phones and electronic devices be silenced during performances.

Safety Policy

SLSO and Powell Hall permits bags, backpacks, and belongings smaller than 16’’ x 16’’ during events. All items are subject to search upon admission. Guests are welcome to store small personal belongings in lockers on the Orchestra and Grand Tier levels for 25¢.

Powell Hall is a firearms-free facility and does not permit any firearm possession on the premises for any reason.

Smoking Policy

Powell Hall is a smoke-free facility and smoking is prohibited on the premises.

Special Seating Requests

SLSO recommends that if you want more leg room that you should request Box Seating tickets or tickets for the Orchestra Level.