Frequently Asked Questions
The Theatre Arts Guild is proud to be Canada’s oldest community theatre with a record of continuous operation. The guild has never wavered in its mandate “to promote the study, practice, and knowledge of the dramatic and musical arts in the city of Halifax and the neighbourhood,” as stated in its Act of Incorporation. TAG remains a true community resource, offering the theatrical experience to both onstage and backstage participants.
The Pond Playhouse is the home of the Theatre Arts Guild. The Playhouse accommodates a maximum audience of 90.
The Pond Playhouse accommodates a maximum audience of 90. The building also houses a lobby with bar and a large rehearsal hall.
No, The Theatre Arts Guild is run completely by volunteers and has no paid employees.
Location
How do I get to the theatre?
The Pond Playhouse is located at 6 Parkhill Road in the Jollimore area of Halifax, just off Purcell’s Cove Road at the Williams Lake Road intersection (map). Halifax Transit Route 25 (GOVERNORS BROOK) stops around the corner from the theatre on Purcell’s Cove Road.
Where can I park?
Limited parking is available at the Pond Playhouse parking lot for audience members. Vehicles may also park (carefully) along the SOUTH side of Parkhill Road (the opposite side of the street from the Playhouse). Parking is NOT permitted on the north side (the side the Pond Playhouse is on). Parking is also available on Forward Ave (off Williams Lake) and in the parking lot at the Frog Pond Trail off Purcell’s Cove Rd. Thank you for observing the parking rules.
How early should I arrive for a show?
The outer doors of the Pond Playhouse open approximately 45 minutes prior to the performance. Come early—we suggest at least 30 minutes before the show, but no later than 15 minutes before show time. The ability to seat latecomers will be determined by each production. Please don’t be late!
We endeavour to minimize the inconvenience to our patrons and the actors when seating latecomers. If you arrive late you will be asked to remain in the lobby until a suitable break in the performance, at which time Front of House staff will direct you to an available seat.
What should I wear?
There is no formal dress code enforced by TAG. Most of our patrons dress casually.
Are snacks and drinks available?
Yes. Snacks are available for sale and there is limited bar service in the lobby pre-show, at intermission, and post-show, with selected alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks, juice, and water. Only bottled water is permitted inside the theatre.
Are any restaurants nearby?
Yes. The closest restaurants are at the Armdale roundabout and along Herring Cove Road.
The Plays
What kinds of plays does TAG produce?
Productions include musicals, comedies, mysteries, dramas, and an ever-popular children’s production during the Christmas season.
How many shows does TAG produce each season?
TAG’s season runs from September through June, with 5 shows per season plus events such as our annual SpringFest.
How long are TAG productions?
Run length differs by production. Typically shows run 2 to 2 1/2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission).
Can I take photos or video of the show?
No. Cameras, video cameras and any other image or sound-recording devices are all strictly forbidden in the theatre.
Will I have an opportunity to meet the cast after the performance?
Yes, you can meet cast members in the lobby when they have had a chance to change out of their costumes. (With the exception of children’s plays, when the entire cast often greets the audience in the lobby in costume for photos and signatures.)
Can children attend performances?
TAG productions are not suitable for children under the age of 3 years. The live theatre experience, which includes a dark auditorium, bright lights, and sound effects, is too overwhelming for children under the age of 3 years. Babes in arms are not permitted in the theatre, out of courtesy to our audiences and our actors. Every person in attendance must purchase a ticket. Age group suggestions will be provided for each of TAG’s plays.
Tickets
TAG uses SimpleTix for the sale of tickets online. Direct links to each production will be provided on the website’s home page when available. When purchasing tickets online, you will receive a confirmation email from orders@SimpleTix.com. Charges will show on your credit card as “SQ*Theatre Arts Guild”
Tickets may also be purchased at the door (subject to availability). The box office is open 45 minutes before and during each scheduled performance.
No.
TAG uses SimpleTix for the sale of tickets online. When purchasing tickets online, you will receive a confirmation email from orders@SimpleTix.com. Charges will show on your credit card as “SQ*Theatre Arts Guild”. Tickets may also be purchased at the door (subject to availability). The Theatre’s Box Office is open 45 minutes before and during each performance.
While uncommon, the Theatre Arts Guild may need to cancel a performance due to weather or illness. In that case, ticket holders will be issued a full refund. The refund will be issued using the same payment method used for the purchase. If you used cash to purchase, please contact us at tickets@tagtheatre.com.
Not at this time.
Yes! TAG partners with Square to provide e-gift cards. These cards may be used to buy tickets online and at the Pond Playhouse box office.
Online: Upon checkout, select Square Gift Card and enter your e-gift card number.
At the box office: Show the gift card email to the box office volunteer.
Yes. While uncommon, The Theatre Arts Guild may, under exceptional circumstances, cancel a performance. Ticket holders will be issued a full refund via the same payment method used for the purchase. If you purchased your ticket with cash, please contact us at tickets@tagtheatre.com.
No. Before purchasing tickets, carefully review your performance details, including date and time.
No. All seats are assigned at the time you purchase your ticket. Please look for the corresponding seat on your ticket and request help from our front of house staff if needed.
TAG does not offer group discounts because of the limited seating available for each show.
No, there is no option to have tickets mailed. All tickets will be emailed. Note: the ticket confirmation email will come from orders@simpletix.com.
When purchasing tickets, select your seat, then choose “Member” to access your Members discounted ticket.
Tickets, once issued, cannot be re-issued. Please keep your tickets in a safe place.
TAG productions are not suitable for children under the age of 3 years. The live theatre experience, which includes a dark auditorium, bright lights, and sound effects, is too overwhelming for children under the age of 3 years. Babes in arms are not permitted in the theatre, out of courtesy to our audiences and our actors. Every person in attendance must purchase a ticket.
Please email TicketHelp@tagtheatre.com.
Special Needs
TAG is wheelchair accessible however we do not offer amplification. The first row is the only floor level floor, of the audience for those in wheelchairs or others that need floor level seating. Select a seat in “Row A” when purchasing your tickets online.
I am hard of hearing. Does TAG offer amplification?
Not at this time. However, seats may be reserved in the front row.
Is TAG’s Pond Playhouse wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the first row of the Pond Playhouse is at floor level and reserved for those in wheelchairs or others who need floor-level seating. Select a seat in “Row A” when purchasing your tickets online.
Do you have a scent-free policy?
Yes. The Theatre Arts Guild is committed to ensuring the enjoyment and safety of cast, crew and patrons, including air quality. Please refrain from wearing scented personal care products of any kind to the theatre. Thank you for your cooperation.
Getting Involved
How can I get involved with TAG?
We welcome volunteers at TAG. If you would like to get involved, please fill out the volunteer form.
How does TAG find actors?
We hold general auditions for each play. Audition notices are listed on our auditions page.
How can I join the TAG email list to be notified of upcoming events?
Please complete the form below to receive emails to keep up with upcoming shows and events.
Have a question?
Do you have a question not answered on this page? Please email us.