FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have a question regarding this year's festival? We have the answers! Keep reading for more information about tickets, food, accessibility and seating in the Spiegeltent.
How do I volunteer at the festival?
Sign up using this form or email us at volunteer@freewillshakespeare.com. Volunteer shifts are available for every performance. The minimum age requirement for volunteering is 12 years old, although box office volunteers must be 16 and 50/50 volunteers must be 18 years old. Click here to sign up!
When do the festival gates open?
For the matinees, the Freewill box office and the gates open at 12:30pm (90 minutes before the show starts at 2:00pm). For the evening shows, the Freewill box office and the gates open at 6:30pm, and the evening show starts at 8:00pm. For all shows, the Spiegeltent doors will open 30 minutes before the show starts.
When should I plan to arrive?
If you have bought tickets ahead of time, we suggest arriving an hour before the performance starts to claim your seat and enjoy a beverage in the Spiegel-garden.
How long is the performance?
Each show has a 15 minute intermission. We estimate each act to run around 60 minutes.
TICKETS AND SEATING
Should I purchase tickets ahead of time or at the gate?
Because we are in a much smaller space this year, we recommend buying your tickets ahead of time. Visit the Tickets page to secure your preferred dates!
Which performances are Pay-What-You-Will (PWYW)?
As always, you can set your own ticket price at our Tuesday night or Saturday Matinee performances.
Are there special ticket prices for seniors and students?
Yes! Seniors and students pay $25 for general admission (students need to show a valid student ID). Children under 12 can come for free!
How do VIP passes work?
If you purchased a VIP pass, that gives you six tickets to redeem any way you like! Use the information in your booking email to log in to our ticketing site and purchase your tickets. Whether you want to take five friends to Romeo and Juliet or attend the festival six times on your own, add your preferred tickets to your basket. When you check out, the total will show $0.00. You can split your tickets into multiple transactions too.
Are there group prices available?
Please email us at info@freewillshakespeare.com to inquire about group pricing for groups over 10. For a cozy seating option for groups from 4-6, consider purchasing a private booth!
Can I choose where I sit in the Spiegeltent?
All seating is general admission, meaning that if you've reserved one of the private booths for your chosen date, you cannot specify which table you would like. We recommend arriving early if you want to ensure you are seated in a specific spot.
What is the seating like?
There are two seating options; private booths with small tables and padded benches that seat six people, and general seating in straight backed chairs on the floor around the stage. The chairs have padded seats.
GETTING TO THE FESTIVAL
Parking
Explore Edmonton will be charging festival patrons $15 for parking. We at Freewill are encouraging people to take transit to the festival this year (the LRT conveniently stops just across the bridge from us!) or to walk, roll, or cycle to the Expo grounds. There will be secure bike parking available on site.
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
The Edmonton EXPO Centre is connected by outdoor pedway to the Coliseum LRT Station. Please visit the ETS website for further information and schedules.
Bus Transit
Guests can access the Coliseum Transit Centre by passing through the Coliseum LRT Station. Please see Edmonton Transit System for further information and schedules.
For more information, visit the Edmonton Expo Centre website.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Spiegeltent is fully accessible; there are no stairs to access the site or the tent, and wheelchair seating will be available at the same level as our booth seating. Please purchase a general admission ticket and indicate your seating preference in the Special Requirements section at checkout, or email us at info@freewillshakespeare.com.
Service Animals
Service Animals are welcome at Freewill Shakespeare Festival. If you plan to arrive with a service animal, please reach out to our team at info@freewillshakespeare.com so that appropriate seating may be arranged.
Hearing Assistance
Our venue will be equipped with a hearing loop system (T-Coil Loop) for patrons with hearing loss. These loops transmit directly to a hearing aid or cochlear implant electromagnetically, with no extra equipment. To use the system:
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Ask your hearing aid provider to activate your t-coil function.
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When you arrive at the Spiegeltent, locate the t-coil accessible seating area. Our ushers can assist you!
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Switch your hearing aid to your t-coil function and adjust the volume as needed.
Audience Access Performances
These are the following Audience Access Performances for this year:
ASL Interpreted Performance: August 16
Masked Performances: August 20 at 2pm and August 30 at 8pm
Relaxed Performances: August 24 and 31
More information about accessibility can be found on our Accessibility page on the website. If you have any questions about this project, or you have suggestions, please email dev@freewillshakespeare.com to connect with our staff.
FOOD AT THE FESTIVAL
Concessions will be served outside the tent in our Spiegel-garden. Patrons can bring their popcorn and drinks back into the tent with them. There will also be a bar inside the Spiegeltent.
What’s on the menu this year?
We are excited to offer our famously delicious popcorn, cookies from Cookie Love, gelato and sorbet from Little Bear Gelato, tea from Acquired Taste, coffee and hot chocolate from Planet Coffee, and assorted candy and snacks at our concession tent.
If you want something more substantial, our Date Night charcuterie boxes are available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, or enjoy a Brunch Box at our Sunday matinee performances. Each box serves two people, and includes two drinks.
Can I bring my own snacks to eat during the performance?
We encourage you to bring your water bottle; we have a fountain in the Spiegel-garden where you can refill it. We ask you not to bring anything covered in sugar (i.e. donuts, candy, etc.) or things that may be sticky (i.e. ice cream, jams, etc.). Otherwise, you are free to bring along food or snacks to enjoy during the performance.
If you have other questions or concerns, please email us at info@freewillshakespeare.com
