F A Q s

How can I purchase tickets to OEBS?

On-line:
You can purchase both subscriptions and single tickets to OEBS concerts on our web site. We're pleased to announce that we have a new online ticketing system that will make it faster, easier and more affordable to order tickets to our individual concerts online.

For subscriptions: Click on "Subscription Orders" in the column on the left side to order via our secure server. There is a $10 handling fee for subscription orders.

For single tickets: Select the "Tickets" pull-down menu at the top of the page, or the "Buy Tickets" button on individual concert pages. (These buttons become visible when single tickets are on sale.) You'll be able to select your own seats. There is a $3 per ticket service charge on tickets up to $30 and a $4 per ticket service charge on tickets $30 and over for orders placed through our new online ticketing system.

A limited number of tickets to our concerts are also available online through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster service charges apply to tickets purchased in this manner.

By Phone: Subscriptions and single tickets can be purchased by calling the Symphony office at 510-444-0801 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).

In Person: A limited number of tickets to our concerts are available for sale at the Paramount Box Office (21st Street at Broadway, downtown Oakland). $10 service charge on subscription orders; no service charge on single ticket purchases at the window. Cash or credit card only; checks are not accepted.

When is the Paramount Box Office open?

Tues.-Fri: 11:00am-5:30pm - Sat: 11:00am-3:00pm. Closed Sunday & Monday.

Event Box Office opens 2 hours prior to event.

For Box Office Summer Hours, please check: www.paramounttheatre.com.

How do I get my tickets if I ordered them by phone or on-line?

If you ordered your tickets online through the Symphony's website, you'll have the option of printing your tickets at home; having your tickets mailed to you (for an additional $1) if you ordered more than a week prior to the performance; or picking them up at the Symphony table (21st Street entrance to the theatre) the night of the concert. Tickets will be available at the Symphony table two hours prior to curtain for all performances.

If you ordered your tickets by phone through the Symphony office, you can have your tickets mailed to you (time permitting; additional $1 charge applies), or you can pick them up at the Symphony table the night of the concert.

If you ordered your tickets online or by phone through Ticketmaster more than 10 days prior to the performance, they will be mailed to you. Ticket orders placed through Ticketmaster fewer than 10 days prior to the performance will be held at Will Call, 21st Street entrance to the theatre. Will Call opens two hours prior to curtain for all performances. Will call for Ticketmaster orders will not be available until that time.

When picking up tickets at either the Symphony table or Will Call, be sure to bring the credit card you used to purchase the tickets and photo ID.

Are there student discount tickets available for the concerts?

Yes, a limited number of student discount tickets are available for most OEBS concerts approximately 2 weeks prior to the performance. Student discount tickets can be purchased online through the Symphony for $10 (plus service charge), or in person at the Paramount Box Office starting 2 hours prior to curtain. Check our web site for updates on ticket availability.

Student discount tickets ordered in advance must be picked up at the Symphony table the night of the concert. Be sure to bring a valid student ID and the credit card used to purchase the tickets.

What should I do if I'm interested in bringing a group to a concert? Do groups get special discounts or seating arrangements?

Groups of 10 or more get 20% off the regular ticket price, as well as assistance with seating. If you're interested in purchasing tickets for a group, contact our Group Sales Coordinator via email (grouptix@oebs.org) or phone (510-836-1981) for help with your order.

I've misplaced my tickets for the next concert. What should I do?

Subscribers: Lost or misplaced tickets should be reported to the OEBS office at 510-444-0801. Replacement tickets will be issued at No Charge as a benefit of subscribing. Replacement tickets will be available at the Paramount Box Office Will Call the night of the performance after 6:00pm.

Single Ticket Buyers: If the tickets were bought online or by phone through OEBS, please call 510-444-0801 for assistance.

If the tickets were purchased through Ticketmaster using a credit card, call Ticketmaster Customer Service at 1-800-653-8000.

If the tickets were purchased in person at the Paramount Theatre Box Office, please call the Box Office directly at 510-465-6400. Tickets purchased with cash cannot be replaced.

Replacement tickets, once issued, will not be replaced. Replacement tickets may not be exchanged or donated.

I can't use my tickets for one of the concerts. What should I do?

Subscribers: If you are a subscriber, you can exchange your tickets from one concert date to another. Bring the tickets you wish to exchange in person to the Paramount Box Office during regular business hours and exchange them for a different subscription concert in the same season at no charge. Only subscribers have exchange privileges.

All ticket exchanges are subject to availability and may be exchanged for future OEBS concerts in the same season at the same price level or higher. Ticket exchanges into a higher price level will be charged the price difference. Ticket exchanges to a lower price level are permitted if only lower price level tickets remain available. The price difference will be considered a donation to OEBS.

Subscribers can also donate tickets back to the Symphony in advance as a tax-deductible contribution. The total ticket value is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. By donating your tickets, you give another music lover the opportunity to hear a concert they might not otherwise be able to attend. Please mail your tickets to the Symphony office (2201 Broadway, Ste. 300, Oakland 94612) or tear your tickets in half, make a copy, and fax that to 510-444-0863. Tickets donated by fax MUST be torn in half before being photocopied. We must receive the tickets or fax by noon the day of the concert. Ticket donations by phone are not permitted.

Single Ticket Buyers: If you purchased single tickets online through the Symphony's website or by phone through the Symphony and cannot use them, you can donate them back to the Symphony in advance as a tax-deductible contribution. The total ticket value is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. By donating your tickets, you give another music lover the opportunity to hear a concert they might not otherwise be able to attend. Please mail your tickets to the Symphony office (2201 Broadway, Ste. 300, Oakland 94612) or tear your tickets in half, make a copy, and fax that to 510-444-0863. Tickets donated by fax MUST be torn in half before being photocopied. We must receive the tickets or fax by noon the day of the concert. Ticket donations by phone are not permitted.

Single tickets purchased through Ticketmaster or the Paramount Box Office cannot be donated as a tax-deductible contribution.

All ticket sales are final; refunds are not given (except if an event is cancelled).

Can I leave tickets for a friend at Will Call the night of the concert?

The Paramount Theatre does not accept Will Call Ticket Drop-Off. But patrons desiring to drop off tickets may do so at the Symphony Table located in the Paramount Theatre Box Office Lobby beginning at 6:30pm night of the performance.

Where is the Paramount Theatre located, and how do I get there?

The Paramount Theatre is located at 2025 Broadway between 20^th and 21^st Streets in downtown Oakland.

By Car: Driving Directions

THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE IN DOWNTOWN OAKLAND

Where can I park?
In addition to an outdoor parking lot adjacent to the theatre,
the Paramount is surrounded by three major parking facilities.
Click to view parking near the Paramount Theatre

By Public Transit:

BART: The 19^th Street, Oakland station is just steps from the Paramount Theatre.

AC Transit: Buses on the #51 and other lines stop across the street. For details call  AC Transit at 510-839-2882 (24 hour recorded information) or visit www.actransit.org.

Assistive Listening Headsets are now available at the Paramount Theatre
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES (ALDs) Assistive listening devices (ALDs) amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. An Infrared assistive listening system is installed in the theatre and headsets may be used at any seat. Headsets with induction neckloops are available for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a "T" switch. Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a "T" switch (telecoil) and how to use it with an assistive listening headset. Headsets are distributed free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis from the Coat Check, located on the Main Floor, just outside Aisle #1 auditorium doors.

Are there restaurants near the Paramount where I can eat dinner before the concert?

Yes, there are now many excellent restaurants within walking distance of the theatre, in Oakland's "Uptown" district. Some of these restaurants offer special deals or discounts when you present your Symphony ticket on concert day. Please visit our Restaurant Partners page for details and directions.

Is downtown Oakland safe?

The reality is that downtown Oakland is very much like San Francisco now, with people going to restaurants, clubs, theatres, etc. Patrons can find secure parking adjacent to the theatre, and those arriving by BART can take the train to within 1/2 block of the theatre at the 19th St. station. The theatre provides security personnel at the door.

What time do the concerts start and end?

Oakland East Bay Symphony concerts start at 8:00pm (unless otherwise noted, such as the Holiday Concert) and generally end by 10:15pm. There are free pre-concert talks before the subscription concerts that begin at 7:00pm. Plan to arrive in time to find parking and, if applicable, to pick up your tickets at the theatre.

What if I need wheelchair seating?

The Paramount Theatre Ticket Office staff is trained to assist you in acquiring seating that best meets your individual needs. To talk to ticket office staff about accessible seats, call 510-465-6400. There are wheelchair accessible locations, as well as transfer seats with removable armrests for those who would like to transfer out of their wheelchair. These seats are located in the Orchestra and Orchestra Rear sections on the main floor. The Paramount Theatre does not provide wheelchairs. There is no elevator in the Paramount Theatre. Wheelchair seats are also available for purchase online.

What should I wear to an OEBS concert?

You can wear just about anything that makes you feel comfortable. Most people will be wearing business clothes or slightly dressy casual clothes, but you'll see some people in polo shirts and khakis, some in fancy dresses, and just about everything in between. Some people enjoy dressing up for the Symphony, especially for Opening Night, so feel free to do that if you like!

Can I take pictures at the concert?

Due to copyright issues and as a courtesy to the musicians and other patrons, cameras, video cameras and tape recorders are not permitted in the auditorium.

Can I bring my kids?

That depends partly on the age and attention span of your children, and the nature of the program. Children under 3 will not be admitted to the theatre for subscription concerts; there is a "No Babes in Arms" policy for the Holiday Concert. Each person entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

In general, we have observed that most children under the age of about 7 find it challenging to sit through a two-hour concert in the evening. Many teenagers, however, enjoy coming to our concerts, as do some younger children who play instruments themselves. If you do bring a child, make sure that concert etiquette is part of the experience. Children love learning new things and will grow up to be better audience members if they are educated about what is expected at a live performance.