Q&A

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What age group are your shows appropriate for?
Our Summer Shows are created as “ALL AGES” performances. Though each child is different, and we can’t guarantee, we feel our shows are less scary than the evil characters in Disney movies.

How long is the show?
Most of our shows run approximately 1.5 hours with no intermission.

How much does it cost?
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-14, and free for children ages 3 and under. However, we feel that it’s important to make art accessible to all – we won’t turn anyone away due to lack of funds.

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available by pre-sale. This year, there is a limit of 800 pre-sale tickets per show. 200 tickets will be held at the door for folks without access to digital ticketing.

Please note that there are no physical paper tickets. You can show us proof of purchase on your phone or printed out, or just show up and tell us your name – if you buy tickets online, your name will be on a list that we have at the door. There is also a PDF link to your tickets on the bottom of your confirmation email.

All tickets sold at the theatre are on a first come first serve basis. Seating is general admission.

If you need to switch show nights because you are unable to attend on the original night for which you purchased tickets, it is possible to do so. Just bring your original ticket(s) and mention the change at the show entrance. Come to any night that works for you but we suggest you come early on a Saturday as that is the most likely night to sell out.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Email us at Paperhand.org@gmail.com. All questions should be sent to the Paperhand Puppet Intervention group. Please DO NOT contact the show venues.

Buy tickets for the Forest Theatre in Chapel Hill

Buy tickets for the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh

*Saturday shows at the Forest Theatre usually sell out! Pre-buy your tickets ASAP.

Where is the Forest Theatre?
The Forest Theatre’s address is 123 South Boundary Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. It is located on the eastern part of the UNC campus and is sandwiched between Boundary Road (north side of the theatre) and Country Club Drive (south side of theatre). The entrance is on Country Club Road and directly across the street from Playmakers Repertory Theatre.

Where is the NC Museum of Art?
The NC Museum of Art’s address is 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: (919) 839-6262
www.ncartmuseum.org

How can I apply to be an opening act?

Fill out an Opening Act Application Form! But applications for our 2023 show are no longer being accepted. Keep us in mind for 2024.

Can I bring food to the show?

It depends on the venue! You’re welcome to bring a picnic dinner or any other food to the Forest Theatre. Unfortunately, the North Carolina Museum of Art’s policies mean that folks cannot bring their own food to those shows, although there will be concessions available.

Can I buy food and drinks at the show?

At the Forest Theatre: Water from the public tap at the Forest Theatre doesn’t taste great and is possibly unsuitable for drinking. Event goers should bring their own water to the Forest Theatre shows. We will have Just Water (16 oz. boxes) for sale at the front gate and also a limited supply of aluminum water bottles w/stickers for sale – pre-filled & chilled w/filtered water for optimal win-win.

At the NCMA: You may enjoy food prepared by Iris restaurant (cash only). An ATM is located just outside East Building. A full menu is available during concerts; traditional concessions are offered during movies. Beer and wine may be purchased inside the venue for all events.

• Visitors may not bring alcoholic beverages of any type into the Museum Park.
• You must be at least 21 to consume wine or beer on the premises. IDs are checked at the gate.

Any further questions about food and drink allowed in the amphitheater can be directed to NCMA, thanks!

Should I wear a mask during the show?

We are recommending but not requiring that audience members wear a mask during the show, especially if they have not yet been vaccinated. Thank you for helping us keep the show as safe as possible! Ushers will be available as well to help folks stay spaced out.

What should I bring to the Forest Theatre?
The Forest Theatre is rustic stone and wood. We recommend bringing a cushion or blanket to sit on. You’re welcome to come early and bring a picnic if you like! It’s a great way to get a choice seat and enjoy the pre-show. We also strongly encourage folks to bring reusable water bottles.

Please turn off cell phones. Phone use is allowed at performances, but please silence your ring tone and be courteous of those around you.

*Please remember to pack out whatever you take in to the Forest Theatre. There are several trash cans and orange recycling bins for your use. Please take a minute after the show to pick up any fallen trash or food and dispose of recyclables in the orange bins.

What should I bring to the NC Museum of Art?
• Blankets and folding chairs are permitted for lawn seating.
• Pets are not allowed on the premises.
• Smoking is permitted only in a designated area near the theater entrance.
• Public restrooms and water fountains are at the bottom of the entrance walkway to the left. Portable toilets are added for large concerts.
• Please turn off cell phones. Phone use is allowed at performances, but please silence your ring tone and be courteous of those around you.

Are the venues outside?
Both The Forest Theatre and NC Museum of Art are outdoor amphitheaters.

What if it rains?
We try to adhere to the adage, “The show must go on,” however occasionally we have to postpone or cancel a show to prevent damage to the puppets, instruments and sound equipment.

Rain before a show: We wait until 6:00 pm to make a final decision as to whether or not the show can go on.

Rain during a show: We will pause the show to see if the rain will pass, but will not delay the show longer than 30 mins.

Updates will be posted on the front page of www.paperhand.org, on our Facebook page: Paperhand Puppet Intervention, and on our Facebook event page.

At The Forest Theatre: If the show is cancelled after you have purchased your ticket, you may use your program or digital ticket/receipt as a ticket for another performance at Forest Theatre. Programs from the Forest Theatre can be used for entry at the North Carolina Museum of Art or The Carolina Theatre of Greensboro.

At NC Museum of Art: Events take place rain or shine unless conditions endanger the safety of artists and the public. We’ll post weather updates on the event listing as well as on Facebook: North Carolina Museum of Art and Twitter: NC Museum of Art. You may also call the Museum Box Office, (919) 715-5923, for updates.

When should I arrive?
At The Forest Theatre and NC Museum of Art: Evening performances begin at 7:00 with a pre-show act at 6:20.  Matinees begin at 3:00 with a pre-show act at 2:20.  We highly recommend arriving early to see the wonderful opening acts and to ensure you get the seating you desire. On Saturday’s, we recommend arriving extra early (around 5:45) to ensure you have a seat. *Saturday shows at the Forest Theatre usually sell out! Get there EXTRA early or, if possible, choose a Friday or Sunday. Same great show, more elbow room.

What performance should I attend?
At The Forest Theatre and NC Museum of Art: Desire to have more room with friends and family at the show? Then attend a Friday or Sunday performance! Saturdays are our most attended shows. At The Forest Theatre, these are the performances are at full capacity (500 people this year) and it’s necessary for everyone to scoot in and make room for all to enjoy the show.

Is there a difference between the matinee & evening performance?
At The Forest Theatre: Sometimes. Some of our shadow puppet and illuminated segments of the performance necessitate darkness. Therefore, we may shift the performance slightly in order for the show to be beautifully presented!

Where do I park at The Forest Theatre?
Forest Theater Lot: We ask that the lot directly behind Forest Theatre be reserved for disability and performer parking.

Parking can be a little tricky in Chapel Hill.  Your best option is the Park Place Lot, located on S. Boundary St. just beyond the Forest Theatre. If the Park Place lot is full, the visitor lot on South/Raleigh Rd is not too far away. Street parking is open to the public most nights and weekends. Here is a link to the UNC campus parking map.

Franklin St Parking Map: There are parking decks on Franklin Street that are a short walk away, check out the Franklin St Parking Map for more info.

ALWAYS read the signs before you park and NEVER park in unauthorized spaces or along the road – they WILL ticket and/or tow!

Where do I park at NC Museum of Art?
Visitor Parking: Visitor parking is free and available in the Blue Ridge Lot, on the right after entering the Museum drive. Overflow parking is behind West Building, on the left after entering the Museum drive.

Visitor Drop-off: Visitor drop-off is located between West and East buildings and can be reached by turning left after entering the Museum drive and following the signs.

Is there handicap parking and accessibility at The Forest Theatre? The Forest Theatre was built in 1916 and is not easily accessible for all audience members. We always save a few spaces in the lot directly behind Forest Theater for disability parking and are more than happy to help those in wheelchairs and with other mobility issues to find a way to see the show.

Directions below.

• Go to the parking lot behind the Forest Theatre located off of S. Boundary St.
• Drop off your passenger(s) and/or, if possible, park. We try to keep a space open for handicap accessibility, but do be prepared that it may be taken.
• For seating, enter from the rear of the theater and proceed to the left. Once you pass the stone wall of the stage, the wheelchair seating is located on the ledge, beside the speaker, to the right of the main audience seating. The sound is louder here, please bring ear plugs just incase they are needed.
• There is not a tremendous amount of room here for others to sit, but perhaps room for another chair. If this is desired you would need to bring a chair.
• To purchase tickets, enter from the rear of the theater and proceed to the right. There will be a “box office”. You may also go to the main entrance and purchase your tickets at our main box office.
• Do not hesitate to ask one of the puppeteers (they are usually wearing all black) for help.
• If you would like to view the seating before hand, the Forest Theatre is accessible throughout the day.

We realize this is not ideal seating, but are glad it’s a possibility for our wheelchair audience members to see the show at the Forest Theatre. Another option is to view the show at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh which is ADA-compliant.

If you have any questions about accessibility or if you would like to let us know in advance that you have special parking/accessibility needs to insure we can accommodate you, please email: donovan@paperhand.org

Is there fully accessible at the North Carolina Museum of Art?  The Museum Park Theater is wheelchair accessible from the main parking lot. Volunteers and security personnel stationed at the entrance will provide assistance if needed. If you have a question, view their accessibility on their website, call them at (919) 664-6743 or send email.

• Free ADA-compliant parking is available.
• Curb cuts are located at all entrances to the Museum.
• Motorized and regular wheelchairs of standard size as well as rollators are available free of charge and may be checked out at the Information Desk in West or East Building.
• Service animals are welcome.

Where are the restrooms?
At The Forest Theatre: Port-a-potties are located near the main entrance of The Forest Theater.

At the NC Museum of Art: Public restrooms and water fountains are at the bottom of the entrance walkway to the left. Portable toilets are added for large concerts.

What should I bring?
We encourage you to bring cushions, blankets, picnics and anything else that will help you comfortably enjoy the show.  We do ask that you be respectful of those around you and try not to take up too much space!  Please do not bring dogs to the show.

May I bring my dog to the show?
At The Forest Theatre: Although we love our 4-footed friends, please do not bring dogs to the show.

At the NC Museum of Art: Pets are not allowed on the premises.

May I smoke?
At The Forest Theatre: Smoking is not allowed.

At the NC Museum of Art: Smoking is permitted only in a designated area near the theater entrance.

May I buy merchandise?
Yes! You can purchase t-shirts, DVD’s, music, stickers, postcards and more at our ticket counter. Also, be sure to stop by our “Cheap Art” table for incredible unique art at low prices made by our cast! (The DVD for the current years production will be available at the following years show.)

May I see the puppets and talk to the puppeteers after the show?
We love talking to the audience and are happy to show off the puppets after the show.  That being said, packing up at the end of the night is quite a process. We carry heavy and sometimes delicate materials, so we do ask that you be mindful and make room for the puppeteers and musicians who begin packing up after the show.