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As of October 2020 tours have resumed with COVID-19 protocols in place. The general tour schedule is: 2nd or 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:30am and 12:30pm, and 3rd or 4th Tuesday of the month at 10:30am and 12:30pm. Check the event website 
for the latest schedule and availability. Tours last approximately 60 minutes and cost $15.
As of mid-2018 the Scottish Rite Theater does not offer regularly-scheduled tours, however they welcome visitors to come and view the historic theatre and century-old painted backdrops by making arrangements by email with rental@scottishritetheater.org .
You can also check out the events running at the Scottish Rite Theater on the their website which includes a calendar of events and online booking.
** TOURS RESUMED MAY 2021 **
The Santa Catalina Island Company offers two tours of the Catalina Casino: “Discover the Casino” and “Behind the Scenes”, at 40 minutes and 90 minutes respectively. The “Behind the Scenes” tour contains everything in, and builds upon, the “Discover the Casino” tour. If you have the time you’d be well-advised to take the full “Behind the Scenes” tour. Both tours access the Avalon Theatre and the Ballroom and its outdoor terrace, although all tours are subject to daily operations.
“Discover the Casino” tours run Fri-Sun at 10:30am and 2pm (Adults $19.95, Senior/Military $17.95, Child $17.95). “Behind the Scenes” tours run Fri-Sun at 12pm and 3:30pm (Adults $29.95, Senior/Military $27.95, Child $27.95). Tour booking and further information is available on the Visit Catalina Island website or by telephoning (310) 510-0179 .
As of March 2017, theatre tours are available most Saturday mornings and the occasional weekday. Tours commence 10:30am at the main entrance on St Augustine’s Parade. Tours run approximately 2 hours and include several levels of stairs. The tour takes you around front of house and backstage areas, and includes the history, the shows, the stars, and of course a smattering of gossip and ghost stories.
For more details see the Bristol Hippodrome’s Theatre Tour website . Advance reservations not required although recommended to ensure your chosen tour is not full. Note: Backstage access is dependent on the visiting company’s theatre operations on the day of your tour and is not guaranteed.
The Los Angeles Conservancy runs weekly tours of the Broadway Historic Theatre District. Subject to availability, the tour visits the interiors of one or more of the following: the Los Angeles Theatre, the Theatre at the Ace Hotel (formerly United Artists Theatre), and the Orpheum Theatre.
Access is not guaranteed to any theatres due to events programming and logistics on the day so call ahead for details if you are concerned.
Tours normally run every Saturday at 10am and last approximately 2.5 hours. Tickets $15 ($10 for 17 and under). More info and tickets are available on the Conservancy’s Walking Tour website .
As of February 2020 tours run daily at the Chicago Theatre, generally with no reservation needed unless on a busy weekend. Tours commence 12pm (Noon) at the State St entrance, cost $18 (Students/Military with valid ID $13, Children 12 & under $13, Seniors 65 and older $13), and run for about an hour.
Expect to see the Grand Lobby, Auditorium, Stage (assuming it’s available), Wurlitzer Organ, and the autographed corridors backstage. Exact itinerary depends on the visiting company’s schedule and not all areas may be available on any given day. Check out the Chicago Theatre’s Tour website for more details, online booking, and for any upcoming tour blackout dates.
Tours are available through Broadway In Chicago . Public tours run every Saturday at 11am and visit two of the three Broadway in Chicago venues: the Nederlander Theatre (previously known as the Oriental Theatre), the Cadillac Palace and the CIBC Theatre. Tours cost $16 plus fees when booked in advance online. Walk-up tickets (no fees) are available at the theatre Box Office unless the tour is already full, but check which theatre the tour is set to depart from for your chosen date. Photographs are not allowed inside auditoriums which have a show in place. Information correct as of May 2019.
The San Diego Symphony conducts regular tours of Copley Symphony Hall on a monthly basis. Tours are free, last one hour, and no reservation is required unless your group is over 20. For more details and dates visit the San Diego Symphony History & Tours page .
Copley Symphony Hall has been a regular participant in the annual Open House: San Diego event, which ran for its third year in March 2019. For more details visit the Open House San Diego website .
The Dolby Theatre runs tours seven days a week, throughout the day from 10:30am to 4pm, except when theatre operations prevent tours from taking place.
The docent-led walking tour lasts 30 minutes and includes a visit to the Dolby Lounge where you will see a real Oscar statue. Access to the theatre and particularly the stage is at the discretion of the visiting company and/or theatre operations on the day and is not guaranteed. Tickets are $23 (Seniors/Youth $18) and may only be purchased from the Dolby Theatre Box Office in person. Advance bookings are not usually necessary. Further information is available on the Dolby Theatre’s website . Box Office times are listed here .
As of Summer 2019, American Cinematheque runs monthly tours, schedule permitting. Generally tours run at 10:30am on Saturdays, last around 60 minutes, and cost under $10. Most of the tour is on a level surface with very low gradient ramps. If you want to visit the old Dressing Rooms and Backstage areas be prepared to climb several flights of stairs. Find out more by looking at American Cinematheque’s Calendar . Walk-ups welcome; advance reservations not required.
* * Due to the Covid-19 pandemic all theatre tours are on hiatus until further notice * *
As of mid-2018 the theatre runs 45-minute tours daily, usually at 8:30am, for $12 per person, subject to availability and/or change without notice. The tour includes the auditorium, backstage, dressing rooms, lower lounge, lobbies and the organ – all subject to availability and current theatre operations.
“Express” tours ($9 and lasting 15 minutes) are generally available throughout the day, dependent on current programming, and cover Front-of-House and lobby areas.
Tickets for all tours are available for purchase in-person at the theatre Box Office; advance reservations are not required. For further information check out the El Capitan Theatre Tour Flyer or refer to the El Capitan Theatre ticketing website . For more information or questions call 1-800-DISNEY6 or visit the theatre Box Office.
Note: movie screenings at the El Capitan often feature specially tailored pre-shows, often featuring the Wurlitzer organ and various entertainment features inside the auditorium, so differing requirements of these programs may restrict tour access to certain areas.
As of Spring 2018 tours are available roughly once per month. The full schedule is available on the theatre’s website . Tours cost £10 per person (£8 for Friends) and run for around 90 minutes. Note: Backstage access is dependent on the visiting company’s theatre operations on the day of your tour and is not guaranteed.
Ford’s Theatre is a very popular Washington DC tourist destination in addition to being a working theatre presenting a varied schedule of theatrical and live entertainment events. Ford’s Theatre welcomes more than 650,000 visitors a year. In common with most Washington DC attractions, visitor security checks are in operation at Ford’s Theatre.
The theatre and museum are open daily, generally 9am to 4:30pm although the schedule can vary. The schedule is available on the Ford’s Theatre website . Tickets, available for the theatre, the museum, or both, are timed-entry every half hour and cost $3 for all visitors. Visiting both museum and theatre takes around two hours.
Peak visitor times are March to July. To guarantee admission advance booking is strongly recommended . A limited number of same-day tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, with the Box Office opening daily at 8:30am (closes 5pm). Further information on daily tours is available on the Ford’s Theatre website .
Guided tours, limited to 20 participants, run at 5pm on select Sundays. These tours last one hour and usually included access to the Orchestra, Balcony, view into the Presidential Box, and the Stage. Check the theatre’s website for the guided tour schedule and to book online .
Tours take place every second Tuesday of the month at noon from September through May and last about an hour. The tour is free but donations are happily accepted. For further information check out the Tours page on the theatre’s website .
Private tours for large groups can be scheduled by contacting Tamara Mack (House Manager) at (520) 547-8604 .
Tours run every Saturday at 10am, Easter through October. Tour duration 2hrs 15mins. Adults £8.50, Children (16 and under) £4.50, Family £19 (2 adults & 2 children). Private tours can be made by arrangement and further tours may be available during July and August. Note that due to the original features of the theatre, many parts of the tour are inaccessible for people with mobility related disabilities. Information correct as of January 2020. Check the Villa Gaiety website or telephone 01624 600555 for the most up-to-date information.
April Clemmer’s Old Hollywood Walking Tour will tour you around the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District and even get you inside some of the old theatres. Tours generally run the last Friday of every month plus additional special dates, and last approximately 90 mins. Advance reservations are requested. For more information, tour schedules, and reservations, go to the Old Hollywood Walking Tour website .
The theatre is currently closed to the public and has 24/7 security on-site. Knock on the door and they may let you take a look!
*** TOURS ARE ON HIATUS due to the Covid-19 pandemic ***
Tours run three times a week, generally Tuesday at 2pm, Friday at 2pm, and Sunday at 11am, but check the final schedule on the Tours section of the theatre’s website for the most up-to-date schedule and any blackout dates. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and include some stairs. Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased in advance from the theatre’s website . As of October 2019 pricing is $52 Adult and $47 Child (12 and younger).
Groups have the option of reserving a private tour on an alternate date. Private tour dates are subject to availability; call (646) 975-4619 or email infohudson@theambassadors.com to make your group tour reservation.
As of 2018 tours are available roughly once per month. The full schedule is available on the theatre’s website . Tours cost £10 per person (£8 for Friends) and run for around 90 minutes.
After reminding yourself of the public areas you’ll get to see Backstage and, if you’re lucky, the Understage and Dressing Room areas of the theatre normally closed-off to the public! Note: Backstage access is dependent on the visiting company’s theatre operations on the day of your tour and is not guaranteed. Information correct as of March 2017.
The Music Center offers a variety of tours:
to confirm availability. Note: access to venues is subject to availability and daily operations; you may not get to see inside all venues. to confirm availability. Tours run 60 minutes, are free, and start from the Walt Disney Concert Hall lobby. Note: access to the Concert Hall is subject to availability and daily operations; you may not get to see inside the Concert Hall. to confirm availability. Tours run 60 minutes, are free, and start from the Walt Disney Concert Hall lobby. Note: access to the Concert Hall is subject to availability and daily operations; you may not get to see inside the Concert Hall.Reservations are not required unless groups sizes are 15 or over. Information correct as of March 2017.
Sheffield Theatres offer backstage tours generally once per month however scheduling is subject to visiting companies and production requirements. Tours start 10am at the Crucible Box Office and run for two hours, with refreshments served after the tour. Tours visit the Crucible, Studio, and Lyceum Theatres (subject to availability) and conclude with a cream tea scone with jam and clotted cream and a pot of tea. Tickets £15. Information correct as of February 2020.
As of mid-2019 tours generally run once per month, on a Monday at 5pm and 6pm. Check out the Majestic Theatre website for more information and booking. As tours are subject to production constraints the date is different each month. Tickets are $25 and the tour lasts 60 minutes. The tour will involve the use of stairs; for accommodation requests call (210) 226-5700.
Tours take place on alternating Tuesdays throughout the year, run by the nonprofit Friends of the Orpheum organization. Check the theatre’s Events Calendar for the next available tours. Tours start at Midday and 1:30pm, last approximately 1 hour, and no reservation is required. Tours meet under the marquee on West Adams St.
Call (602) 495-7139 to schedule a private tour for groups of 10 or more.
The Pasadena Playhouse runs ad-hoc tours for individuals and groups. For further information go to the Tours section of the theatre’s website or contact them at (626) 921-1162 / tours@pasadenaplayhouse.org .
Radio City’s signature “Stage Door Tour” runs daily every half hour from 9:30am to 5pm and lasts approximately 75 minutes. Tickets are available in advance on the Radio City Music Hall website or may be purchased in person at the Radio City Sweets & Gifts store located at 1260 Avenue of the Americas (between 50th and 51st Streets).
Tickets are $31 (Children/Students/Seniors $27). Group rates (15+) are available, for pricing and purchasing call (212) 465-6080 or email Group.Sales@msg.com . Information correct as of February 2020.
Note: tour content, prices, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Tours are offered on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability. When an event is in progress there may be limited access to the seating area inside the Music Hall and the understage area. Furthermore, tours may only be able to view the Auditorium from a private viewing area.
The Richmond Theatre offers regular tours although the twice-monthly schedule is dictated by visiting productions. Tours last 1hr 30mins and cost £12.50. A full tour schedule and online booking is available on the theatre’s website . For more information contact richmondcl@theambassadors.com .
The Lyceum runs tours (60 mins) backstage at the theatre, and at their theatre workshop and stores (offsite) for groups between 10 and 20 in size. Further details are available on The Lyceum’s website .
The theatre sometimes participates in the annual Edinburgh Doors Open Day .
As of March 2017 tours are arranged on an adhoc basis for groups of 5 or more. Each tour gives a great insight into the building’s rich history, restoration programs and current activities, affording an overview of the architectural and design elements that grace both interior and exterior, and a demonstration of the renowned Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. For more details check the Mission Playhouse’s website .
The TCL Chinese offers two different tours:
Tours run 7 days a week excluding days when special events are scheduled. For more information and to book tickets check out the theatre’s VIP Tour website , call them at (323) 463-9576, or email tours@chinesetheatres.com. Group rates are available.
Tours are offered approximately every 10 minutes; stop by the Tour Desk when visiting the Kennedy Center where Friends of the Kennedy Center tour guides are ready to give tours every 10 minutes for any individuals or groups with less than 15 in their party. Tour Hours are Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-1pm. All tours are wheelchair accessible.
Group tours for 15-60 attendees should make a group tour request in advance . Foreign language tours are available by request .
The theatre runs regular tours, generally every Wednesday and most Saturday mornings, which last one hour and cost £12 per person (£10 concessions). Spaces regularly included on the tour: the new Bristol Old Vic foyer; the Georgian Auditorium, Stage, Gallery, and Pit passages; the Paintshop and Paint Frame; the Weston Studio; and Coopers’ Hall. Access is subject to theatre operations at the time of your tour and some areas may be restricted. Check the theatre’s website for further details and online booking.
The theatre has previously participated in the annual Bristol Open Doors event and may do so again in the future.
NOTE: Tours will be on hiatus from 6th January 2019 due to major renovation work. Tours will return when the theatre opens in August 2021.
Tours run most days when technical work or rehearsals are not running and cover Front of House, Royal areas, and Backstage. Tours last approximately 1 hour and meet in the main lobby. Tickets cost £10.50 or £8.50 for Children/Seniors. Spaces are limited so advance booking is recommended. Booking line 020 7087 7748 , or online at the theatre’s tour website , which also includes additional information about the tour. Note that there are a lot of stairs on the tour, and that tour content sometimes varies due to rehearsals and restrictions on access to various areas of the theatre.
Photographs copyright © 2002-2021 Mike Hume/historictheatrephotos.com unless otherwise noted.
Text copyright © 2017-2021 Mike Hume/historictheatrephotos.com.
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