Policies & Plan Your Visit
Welcome to your go-to resource for all the important details to ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the most of your experience with us.
Ticket required to enter
All patrons regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the building.
Children
All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the building. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note some performances may contain adult themes.
Late seating
Once a performance is in progress, seating will be at the discretion of the artist and management. Patrons are strongly encouraged to plan plenty of extra time to find parking and navigate to their seats.
All sales final
All sales are final and non-refundable.
Exchanges
Patrons may exchange tickets to a future performance within the same season based on availability, up until 2 hours prior to the scheduled start of the performance. No exchanges will be processed once a performance has occurred. Additional limitations and fees may apply, including a $3 exchange fee. Subscribers receive waived exchange fees as a subscriber benefit.
Lost tickets
If you misplace your tickets, please bring your order number to the Ticket Center windows prior to the performance for assistance.
Beware ticket resellers
tickets.thefim.org is the official source for buying tickets to events at FIM Venues: Whiting Auditorium, Capitol Theatre, Elgood Theatre, Bower Theatre and MacArthur Recital Hall.
Beware of scalpers and secondary ticket brokers, selling tickets mostly on speculation at inflated prices on websites that may mimic our look. Tickets not purchased through our website may not be valid and admission could be denied.
Purchasing from an unauthorized source may put you at risk of receiving counterfeit tickets or paying too much for your tickets. You also may not be able to get help from the ticketing staff if you have a problem, as there will be no in-house record of your transaction. Help us spread the word and tell your friends!
We urge you to protect yourself by purchasing directly from the official source, tickets.thefim.org, by phone at (810) 237-7333, or at FIM Ticket Center box office locations at Whiting Auditorium or the Capitol Theatre.
All sales are final and non-refundable with the limited exceptions of concert cancellations or illness due to Covid-19. In the rare event of a cancellation due to weather or other extenuating circumstances, FIM will announce the cancellation via email, the website and social media. Patrons will be contacted to discuss their ticket options including refunds. If you are unable to attend a performance due to Covid-19, contact FIM Ticket Center for a refund prior to the scheduled event. Refunds and credits cannot be given after a performance has begun.
Accessible seating is available and tickets must be purchased by phone or in person at FIM Ticket Center. Please inform the patron services representative of any special needs you or your guests may have while purchasing tickets. Accessible seating is available for the patron and one companion. Due to fire code laws, wheelchairs and walkers are only allowed in the accessible seating area and cannot be parked in the aisles.
ASL may be provided at select performances. To request an ASL interpreter, please contact FIM Ticket Center at least four weeks prior to the performance so an interpreter and appropriate seating can be provided. All requests are subject to artist approval and availability of an interpreter.
Service animals are welcome in all FIM venues. Please contact FIM Ticket Center for accessible seating locations available for patrons with service animals.
Familiarization tours are offered to all patrons. Take a tour of the seating area and facilities before purchasing tickets. Guided tours for the visually impaired are available by appointment. Contact FIM Ticket Center to schedule your tour.
The safety and security of all FIM patrons, artists, staff and volunteers is our top priority. In an ongoing effort to reduce concerns about unsafe items which hinder the security, and comfort of all visitors and patrons, FIM has implemented new security policies and protocols as of Oct. 30 2023.
Security screening will take place in the outer lobby or entrance areas of each FIM venue (Whiting Auditorium. Capitol Theatre, Elgood & Bower Theatres, MacArthur Recital Hall), and at FIM Dort Music Center.
New security screening includes the use of walk through and/or hand-held wand metal detectors and bag-checks.
To expedite the security screening process, please limit your bag size to 5in x 7in or clear. Patrons are encouraged to carry minimal personal belongings and allow time for security screening. (Students and family members may enter Dort Music Center with backpacks, duffel bags and instrument cases after all personal items have been screened.)
Patrons will receive security information specific to each event venue prior to all ticketed events in the Know Before You Go email. Please be sure we have an up–to–date email on record.
All FIM venues are weapon free zones. FIM prohibits employees and the public with concealed carry permits from entering any of its buildings with weapons of any kind. All visitors are subject to search. Anyone found in violation will be asked to secure the weapon inside their vehicle or leave the property immediately.
Prohibited weapons include, but are not limited to:
- Firearms of any size or type
- Other weapons and knives of any size or type
- Pepper spray, mace, or other chemicals
Other prohibited items include but are not limited to:
- Cameras and professional recording devices (other than phones)
- Alcohol, illegal substances, or drug paraphernalia
- Animals (except service animals)
- Any items that may be deemed disruptive to the performance such as balloons, banners, signs.
- Cans, bottles or any outside food and beverage
- Car seats and strollers
- Walkers are allowed in accessibility seating areas only. Accessible seating is limited and varies by venue. Please contact FIM Ticket Center for more information.
This list is not all-inclusive and may change at any time without notice.
Patrons will be asked to remove prohibited items in their possession from the premises or may be refused entry. Confiscated items will not be returned.
Licensed law enforcement officers, please contact FIM with appropriate identification upon arrival if carrying a firearm.
FIM continues to reevaluate safety and security processes and new applications may be integrated into our operations to better provide service to our patrons and guests.
For questions or to connect with a FIM staff representative, please contact: Security@thefim.org
Smoke Free and Vape Free Venues
Per Michigan Law, Public Act 188, smoking is not allowed inside the theatre or within 20 feet from the entrance to the building. Additionally, vaping is not allowed anywhere within the venue. Violators will be asked to leave.
FIM offers a wide range of arts programming that may not be appropriate for all people or all ages. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the productions prior to purchase to make informed decisions on whether they consider the content appealing and appropriate. Premieres of new works will include a thorough description of the content to assist in your decision-making. Note that we cannot issue refunds once a performance has started for any reason. If you are uncertain of the appropriateness of a program and have questions, please contact FIM Ticket Center before making your purchase.
FIM offers several food and beverage options at most events. Whiting Auditorium has a main bar on the Orchestra level, as well as satellite bars on other levels. Capitol Theatre has its main concessions inside the Capitol building arcade, as well as satellite bar locations on both the lower level and balcony level. Cash and most major credit cards are accepted.
We offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a number of snack options. Please note that outside food or drinks are NOT permitted.
Drink Policy
No more than two drinks per customer served at a time. Anyone who appears to be under the age of 40 will have their ID checked at the discretion of FIM staff. Outside food or drinks are NOT permitted, including at our outdoor events.
For maps and parking information, click here.
FIM venues offer a variety of convenient parking options for all preferences and needs. We recommend planning extra time to find a great parking spot and encourage ridesharing or carpooling when possible. Please note that FIM is not responsible for damaged or stolen property. All patrons with email contacts on record receive important information prior to each ticketed event in the “Know Before You Go” email including the latest on street closures and parking.
Learn more and access your mobile tickets, click here.
We are excited to announce a new level of convenience and security when purchasing your tickets! Mobile tickets are a contactless way to have tickets delivered directly to your mobile device using a mobile wallet. This offers a safe and easy way to receive, manage, and share your tickets with guests while reducing the ability for stolen or counterfeit tickets. No more stress over how to print at home, running out of ink, or misplacing your tickets, and no apps are required.