Student Series FAQs

Student Series shows are open to any public, private, charter, magnet or home school students and their teachers in grades PreK–12. When possible, tickets are also available to the public. Children under the age of two may not attend a Student Series performance. 

When possible, age or grade recommendations are listed for Wortham Center Student Series performances. These guidelines are based on information received from the producing companies. The final determination on propriety is ultimately the teachers’ or guardians’ decision. Children under the age of two may not attend a Student Series performance. 

Funding is available through the Arts for All Kids program to subsidize ticket prices for students from Title I schools or those identified as economically disadvantaged. To apply, first fill out the Student Series Reservation Form, then complete the 2026-27 Arts for All Kids Ticket Scholarship Application. 

Click here to get directions.

Drop Off: Students may be dropped off with a chaperone under the Wortham Center marquee at 18 Biltmore Avenue. 

We strongly encourage chaperones in addition to a bus driver. If this is not possible, please alert the Box Office when you reserve your tickets. 

Bus Parking: Please see this map of free bus parking as designated by the City of Asheville. Bus parking in the city is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If a bus driver plans to attend the performance, they need to arrive with enough time to drop off, park the bus, and walk back to the Wortham Center.

Please contact the Wortham Center Box Office with questions: 828-257-4530, ext. 1 or boxoffice@worthamarts.org.

Street parking is available downtown. Most parking is metered at $2.50 per hour. Come prepared with quarters or use the free PassportParking app. Click here for a downtown parking map.

There is a privately owned parking garage attached to the Wortham Center building with a direct entrance into the balcony lobby off the third level of the garage. There is an hourly rate for this garage, billed fractionally. The Aloft Asheville Downtown hotel sits atop city-owned Biltmore Avenue Parking Garage, which is immediately down the hill from Wortham Center—the first hour is usually free. 

Payment terms depend on your group size: 

• Groups of fewer than 10 people: Full payment is due at the time of booking. 

• Groups of 10 or more: A 25% deposit is due at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due in full no later than 30 days before your performance date. 

Please note: Once your payment due date has passed, your purchase becomes final and non-refundable. 

Complimentary teacher tickets: Groups receive one free teacher ticket for every 10 student tickets purchased. 

Checks:  Make checks payable to Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard and American Express

Wortham Center is unable to offer refunds for absent students.

All children are required to purchase a ticket. Children under 2 years of age are not permitted at performances. You are welcome to hold your child on your lap or to bring a booster seat to help them see the performance. 

• We’ll first try to reschedule your group to another performance. 
• If we can’t reschedule, your school will get a refund minus a $25 registration fee per reservation. 
• Homeschool families: your home county’s snow day schedule applies. 
• Day-of updates: call the Wortham Center Box Office at 828-257-4530 x1 the morning of the performance. 

• Arrive and check in at least 30 minutes before the performance start time—seating large groups takes time. 
• Running late? Call the Box Office at 828-257-4530 x1 to let us know when to expect you. 
• Please note: Late arrivals may delay the start of the performance, which can also delay your group’s return to school. 

Tickets are not printed for Student Series shows. You will receive an invoice that may be used as a confirmation.

Playbills are not provided for Student Series performances as they are a distraction for children during the performance.

Show-specific study guides (when available) are posted on each performance’s individual event page on the Wortham Center Student Series website. 

General visit prep: Use our Guide to the Wortham Center to learn about the theatre and help your class get the most out of the performance. 

• Seating is assigned by Wortham staff, it is not first-come, first-served, and groups cannot select or request their seats. 
• Staff work to place each group in the best available seats while keeping the group together as much as possible (think of it like solving a puzzle!). 
• Seats cannot be changed once assigned, and refunds are not offered for dissatisfaction with seat location. 
• Exception: Some shows also offer public evening performances. For those, you may choose your own seats when purchasing tickets through the Box Office. 

• Wheelchair accessibility: Wortham Center is fully accessible, with an elevator and designated wheelchair seating spaces in each venue. 
• Hearing assistance: Audio loop technology is available in the Diana Wortham Theatre to provide enhanced sound clarity for guests with hearing loss. 
• Important: Please inform management of any special needs at the time you make your reservation so accommodations can be arranged in advance. 

Photography and recordings of any type are not permitted during Student Series events.

Teachers, parents and other chaperones are responsible for student behavior while at Wortham Center. An appropriate number of adults must accompany students at all times. Live performances are fun! Laughter, clapping and audience participation are encouraged when appropriate. However, students who are disruptive will be escorted to the lobby with their chaperone by an usher or by theatre management. No refund will be offered to these students. 

Theatre etiquette guidelines are outlined in the Guide to the Wortham Center.

Please consult with the Wortham Center Box Office for options to eat lunch at the Wortham Center premises. With multiple events happening at the center each day, we cannot always provide indoor space for large groups. We also recommend that you enjoy lunch at the Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park, which is located within walking distance of the center.