Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center

FAQs

Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Q. Where is the Alys Stephens Center located?
A. The ASC is located at 1200 10th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. View directions.

Q. What does sold out mean?
A. Last season many of our events sold out. Sometimes shows sell out weeks in advance. We definitely recommend that you buy your tickets early. While we can never guarantee that additional seats will become available, it is possible that some will open up 48 hours prior to the performance even for shows deemed "sold out." There are several reasons why this could happen.

Each show contains sponsor, media, and artist holds. Beginning 48 hours prior to the performance and sometimes up until 30 minutes before the show starts, some of those holds may be released and go on sale to the general public. Or perhaps a subscriber has exchanged her tickets for another event, thus opening up a seat. Or a non-subscriber is unable to attend the show and he donates his ticket back to the Alys Stephens Center.

Your best chance to buy a ticket to a sold-out show is to start calling the box office 48 hours prior to the performance. The Alys Stephens Center Box Office does not keep a waiting list but releases tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Again, our recommendation is for you to buy your tickets early!

Q. Where can I find information about the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and UAB's Departments of Music and Theatre?
A. Along with presenting its own season of the world's brightest performers, the Alys Stephens Center is the home of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and other resident companies including UAB's Departments of Music and Theatre. Visit our new Resident Company section on the website to learn more about each organization and view a list of their 2011-2012 performances at the ASC.

Q. If I can't use my tickets can I get a refund?
A. While all ticket sales are final, we know that sometimes missing a performance can be unavoidable. One of the benefits of becoming a season subscriber is the option to easily exchange tickets for seats to another ASC performance up to 48 hours prior to the concert. That is just one of the special perks of subscribing. Single ticket buyers can also return their tickets to the box office prior to the performance. Although no refunds will be given, you can receive a tax credit for the value of your tickets, and you'll give someone the opportunity to attend the performance. You can even specify that your tickets go to students.

Q. Can I have the same subscription seats next year?
A. Because of the flexible nature of our "It's Your Choice" package, we can not guarantee subscribers the same seats from season to season or performance to performance. However, subscribers always get first choice on seats to guarantee the best seats in the house! Current subscribers can renew now. New susbscription orders can be placed beginning June 13. Single tickets go on sale August 15. Summer tickets are on sale now. Our box office will work closely with you to best to accommodate your needs. For more information, call the box office at (205) 975-2787.

Q. What happens if I arrive late to a performance?
A. The Alys Stephens Center makes every attempt to start performances promptly at scheduled times. If you arrive late, ushers will seat you during the first convenient pause in the program. For weeknight or sold-out performances, we recommend allowing more time for parking.

Q. What are the benefits of subscribing?
A. Alys Stephens Center subscribers enjoy great benefits such as guaranteed & top priority seating; savings up to 30%; first choice on single tickets; easy exchanges; and invitations to special events. View subscription benefits information.

Q. How did the Alys Stephens Center get its name?
A. A lifelong patron of the arts with a particular devotion to piano, the late Mrs. Alys Robinson Stephens was a familiar name in the Birmingham arts community, serving on several organizations' boards, providing funding for pianos and music scholarships, and establishing numerous endowments. The Center serves as a lasting tribute to Alys Stephens's love of the arts and her desire to bring the best of the arts to the community she loved. Her legacy provides endless hours of entertainment and education for all of us, and the Stephens family is delighted to help her carry on her mission fostering patronage of the arts and developing and encouraging young performers. The collaboration between UAB and the community is an ideal way to attain these goals, in an ideal, world-class venue.

Q. When do single tickets go on sale for the 2011-2012 Season?
A. Single tickets go on sale to the general public at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 15, 2011. You may purchase single tickets by calling the ASC Box Office at (205) 975-ARTS or by ordering online. To guarantee seats to a possible sold-out performance, consider a season subscription and save money! Purchase tickets.

Q. Where is the best place to park?
A. Parking is free and convenient at the Alys Stephens Center! The ASC is located at 1200 10th Avenue South. Street parking is available on 13th Street South, 10th Avenue South, and other adjacent streets. There is a parking lot across the street from the ASC and on the other side of the UAB School of Business and Engineering. Circle Club Patrons receive a preferred parking pass which gives access to the parking lot closest to the ASC.

Q: How much do you charge for parking?
A. There is no charge for parking at the Alys Stephens Center. Street parking is available on 13th Street South, 10th Avenue South, and other adjacent streets. There is a parking lot across the street from the ASC and on the other side of the UAB School of Business and Engineering.

Q. How can I support the Alys Stephens Center?
A. Ticket sales alone do not cover the cost of bringing the world's brightest performers to Birmingham. As a non-profit organization, the Alys Stephens Center depends on the generosity of our patrons and corporate sponsors. When you support the Alys Stephens Center with a tax-deductible donation, you are sharing what inspires you most with people in Birmingham, across Alabama, and throughout the Southeast.

With a contribution of $500 or more patrons can join the Alys Stephens Center Circle Club. Members are offered a variety of benefits, including a preferred parking pass, invitations to special events and artist receptions, and access to the Abroms Patrons Lounge. With a contribution of $60, you can become a Friend of the ASC. Additional supporting opportunities include Endowed Giving Opportunities, Gifts of Securities, and Corporate and Individual Sponsorship Opportunities. For more information, please call (205) 975-9540.

Q. What is VIP Seating?
A. For select performances we offer VIP tickets which include the best seats and the opportunity to attend a meet & greet with the artists.

Q. What are "Continue the Experience" events?
A. When you think of the ASC, we hope you think of it not just as a venue for seeing the performing arts, but also as a place where you are engaged as an active participant in the arts. Our new "Continue the Experience" events are designed to enhance your visit and make each experience more fulfilling. Look for the special "CTE" icon throughout the brochure which includes offerings such as courtyard parties, dance lessons, book signings, and more!

Q. What are Alys Stephens Center JPs?
A. The JP organization is a membership group comprised of young professionals who come together to experience great live performances and support the Center's programming. The group is ideal for those who want to have fun, meet new people, and participate in unique and fulfilling arts events. Members receive discounted tickets to ASC performances, free admission to the JP lounge and events throughout the season, drink tickets, and more. View JP organization information.

Q. Can I come over and look in the hall to see where my seats are located?
A. The box office staff is happy to help with your desired seating choice. Looking in the actual venue depends on what's going on at the time. If there are performances, events, or rehearsals taking place, then no. If the hall is vacant, then yes, but please call first.

Q. When do the doors open? When does seating begin?
A. The Center typically opens two hours before show time. The venue will open for seating at 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Q. Is there a concession stand at the ASC? When is it open?
A. Yes. It's typically open before performances and during intermission. Please note that no food or beverages are allowed in the venues.

Q. Where can I find venue seating charts?
A. View the different venue seating charts in the "Visit Us" section of the website.

Q. How can I buy tickets?
A. Buy tickets online.

Q. I lost my tickets! What do I do?
A. Contact the ASC Box Office at (205) 975-2787. Ticket insurance is built in for every ticket purchased through the ASC Box Office, so just give us a call and we'll handle the rest!

Q. What accommodations are provided for handicapped patrons? Where is handicapped parking available?
A. Easily access seating is available for handicapped / wheelchair-bound patrons and their guests. If possible, please notify the box office of any accessibility needs at the time of ticket purchase, and notify a member of our house management team when you arrive at the performance so they can make sure that every need is met. Handicapped parking is available near the lower circle, just outside the Engels Plaza, and of course, patrons can be dropped off at either of the two circular drives, conveniently located on both the upper and lower levels of the Center.

Q. Is there a discount if I purchase a block of tickets?
A. Yes! We make it easy for your group to enjoy a performance at the ASC. Whether celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, entertaining business associates, or gathering with your alumni, church or social club, groups of 10 or more receive discounted tickets and special benefits. View information on group tickets or call (205) 996-7153.