House Rules & Policies

To help maintain a secure environment and expedite entry into our venue, we have implemented the following security & bag policy. By entering the venue, all patrons agree to comply with any security measures implemented by the theatre. 

All bags and personal items are subject to inspection by venue staff upon entry. Patrons may also be required to pass through metal detectors for some events. 

Bag Size & Type Restrictions

• Clear bags: Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed into the venue, and they are recommended for streamlining security screening.
• Small clutch bags: Small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, are also permitted for those who do not wish to use a clear bag.
• Large bags & backpacks: Bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are not permitted.
• Medical and/or parental bags: Exceptions will be made for bags holding medically necessary items, or for parents/guardians with diaper bags or other necessary items, after proper inspection.

Please see the next section of a list of all prohibited items.

For the safety and comfort of all attendees, the following items are strictly prohibited from the venue:

• Weapons — Includes, but is not limited to, firearms, knives, pepper spray, and any item deemed as a potential weapon by security personnel, as well as fake or prop weapons
• Alcohol or illegal substances — Alcohol is only allowed inside the theatre if it is purchased on site at one of our concession bars; all other alcoholic beverages, drugs, illegal substances, or drug paraphernalia are not allowed
• Outside food & beverages — Exceptions are made for baby formula or documented medical necessities
• Bottles, cans, coolers, or other similar containers — Empty reusable water bottles that are empty are allowed and can be filled up once inside at our water fountains
• Laser pointers/devices
• Oversized backpacks, duffels, or other bags
• Electronic cigarettes or vape products
• Noise-making devices — Includes, but is not limited to, airhorns, whistles, bullhorns, and microphones
• Professional cameras — Includes any camera with large, detachable lenses or ports and any recording device larger than a smartphone

If a prohibited item is discovered at the door, patrons may either dispose of the item or return to their vehicles to store it. If a prohibited item is discovered inside the theatre during the event, the item will be confiscated by venue staff for disposal. The Englert does not safeguard any items and will not store prohibited items for patrons.

The Englert Theatre is open to all ages, but certain events may have an age restriction to attend. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or adult chaperone. All children, regardless of age, need their own ticket to enter.

We encourage parents and guardians to use their own discretion when determining if an event is appropriate for children. 

Flash photography and video/audio recording is prohibited at all our events. Additional restrictions may apply for certain events, so please pay attention to any signage posted at the event or policies stated during the curtain speech.

Professional cameras (i.e. cameras with large detachable lenses or ports) or any audio/visual recording devices larger than a smartphone are not permitted into the theatre. Small handheld point & shoot cameras are generally allowed, but this is subject to change.

Smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited inside the venue. This includes e-cigarettes, vapes, and marijuana. Our historic venue has extremely sensitive smoke detectors, and smoking inside will set off the fire alarm and halt the show. We ask patrons to also refrain from smoking within 10 feet of our building entrance.

As of May 2022, we no longer require masking, proof of vaccination, or negative Covid test to attend our events. However, we continue to encourage masking and will have masks available for use upon request.

At the discretion of the performers or event organizers, we may implement additional safety precautions on a show-by-show basis. These precautions will be clearly detailed at the point of sale and will also be included in the pre-show email.

There are risks to attending a public event in the ongoing midst of Covid waves, and The Englert cannot guarantee patrons will avoid exposure in our theatre. If you test positive for Covid or have any symptoms of illness, we strongly advise you to stay home and follow CDC guidelines.

At The Englert Theatre, our top priorities are our patrons’ and staff’s safety and well-being. We understand that inclement weather conditions, including snow and other emergencies, may challenge our audience members. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we have established the following policy regarding shows scheduled at our historic theatre and through partner venues:

Commitment to Scheduled Shows

The Englert Theatre is committed to hosting scheduled shows whenever possible. We will make every effort to proceed with performances as planned, considering the safety of our patrons and performers. 

Utilization of Government Feedback

We actively monitor weather conditions utilizing reliable resources such as weather alerts, emergency declarations, Department of Transportation road conditions, and recommendations for the city, county, and state when appropriate.  Information from relevant authorities, such as the National Weather Service, will be critical to our decision-making process.

Determining if a Show should be Postponed

While every event differs, the following criteria determine whether a show should be postponed.

Snow

Generally, the venue should consider postponing the show if, within 2 hours of show time:

• The Iowa Department of Transportation is reporting that major highways leading to the venue are “completely covered,” “travel not advised,” or “impassable.”
• The Iowa Department of Transportation has issued a “Tow Ban” or “Towing not Recommended” on the major highways leading to the venue.

For this policy, major highways leading to the venues in Johnson County include Highway 80 and Interstate 380. 

Tornado

If a tornado warning has been issued for the affected area, the show should be postponed until the warning elapses or the imminent threat has passed. If the warning is issued while a show is in progress, The Englert staff will follow the Severe Weather During Performance Section of the Fire Safety Booklet. 

Cancellation or Rescheduling

If weather conditions or emergencies necessitate a change to the scheduled performance, The Englert Theatre reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the show. We will attempt to communicate any changes promptly through our official communication channels, including our website, social media platforms, and direct communication with ticket holders. Ticketholders must utilize an active email address when purchasing tickets to ensure we can communicate important information when necessary. 

Refund and Exchange Policy

Patrons who cannot attend a rescheduled performance or choose not to attend a canceled show due to weather concerns will receive information on refund and exchange options. Because of our contract with artists, The Englert cannot provide refunds for shows that have not been canceled or postponed. If a show is canceled or delayed, we’ll provide additional information to patrons about how they can access a refund. 

Within two business days of a canceled show, patrons will receive communication detailing the options available to them, including timelines for when they will see a refund if that is the option they select.  Refunds will be processed using the payment method used to purchase the tickets unless the payment was made with cash, in which case a check will be mailed to the address on file. 

Communication with Patrons

Patrons will receive regular updates and announcements regarding scheduled show status through various channels. Patrons should check our official channels for the latest information.

By implementing this policy, The Englert Theatre aims to balance our performances’ enjoyment with our valued patrons’ safety. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a secure and delightful experience for everyone at our venue.