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San Diego Civic Theatre Rules

For your safety, comfort, and enjoyment, and that of others around you, visitors to the theatre are asked to abide by the following rules once seated in the theatre. These measures are in place to ensure that all visitors have the best entertainment experience possible.

The Civic Theatre has rules and regulations that attendees must follow to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and smooth experience. These guidelines help maintain a comfortable and respectful atmosphere while prioritizing safety and security.

Disruptive behavior, including excessive noise, intoxication, or disrespect towards staff or fellow patrons, will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the venue.

No Food Or Drink

Please do not bring food or drink into the theatre. Refreshments are available in the lobby, and visitors are welcome to make purchases before, after, or during the interval of a performance.

Stay In Your Assigned Seats

Visitors are asked not to change seats on the day of the performance – seats are carefully allocated and non-adherence will cause confusion and disruption.

Once the performance starts, please remain seated throughout. If you must leave for any reason, please do so as quietly as possible.

No Electronic Devices

All handheld electronic devices, including cameras, mobile phones and gaming consoles, are to be turned off or put on silent and stowed away for the duration of the performance.

General Rules

There are standard rules for all events at the San Diego Civic Theatre. These include the following:

  • » Every guest must have their own ticket, including children and infants.

  • » Minimum age requirements may apply for some shows, while family-friendly shows also appear regularly.

  • » No smoking or vaping is allowed inside the venue at any time.

  • » Those entering late will have to wait in the lobby until an appropriate break in the performance – please arrive in good time to avoid this.

  • » Guests can bring purses and bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″, although these may be subject to security checks.

  • » Visitors may also bring prescription medicine and one sealed bottle of water (up to 16 ounces).

Prohibited items

There are several prohibited items at the Civic Theatre. On entry, all guests may undergo security screening. This can involve metal detection, bag checks, and visual inspections.

The list of prohibited items – which will not be allowed to be taken inside the theater – includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • » Bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size.

  • » Weapons of any kind

  • » Drugs and illegal substances

  • » Outside food and beverages, apart from one sealed water bottle up to 16 ounces

  • » Laser pointers, noisemakers, air horns, or whistles

  • » Skateboards, scooters, or bicycles (must be secured outside the venue)

  • » Balloons

  • » Recording devices

  • » Cameras, tripods, recording devices, and drones

  • » Glass bottles, cans, or open containers

  • » Signs, banners, or flags that obstruct views or contain offensive content

This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Please contact the venue directly for more information.

Bag policy 

Large bags, backpacks, and oversized purses are not permitted inside the building, and small bags may be subject to inspection. Security personnel will conduct bag checks and screenings upon entry, and prohibited items must be discarded or returned to a vehicle before entering.

Late seating

Late arrivals may be required to wait until an appropriate break in the performance before being seated.

Mobile devices

Phones and smartwatches must be silent or turned off during the performance to avoid disruptions.