FAQs
Box Office and Ticket Sales
When is the box office open? - Chandler has an off-site box office managed by Kathy Corrao, our part-time box office and rental manager. She takes phone orders at 802-728-6464, between 3 and 6 PM Monday through Friday, and from 11 AM until one hour before the performance on the day of the performance. The Box Office at Chandler Music Hall is open two hours before performance time. Tickets may be purchased online at any time.
Where can I see a seating chart? –View a copy of Chandler's seating chart online.
Can I return my tickets? - Tickets are non-refundable, but they may be exchanged for another event of the same season of equal value or less (patron pays the difference), if the tickets are returned 48 hours in advance. If you are unable to attend a performance for which you have purchased tickets, we encourage you to donate these tickets to a social service agency or share them with a friend.
What do I do if the show is canceled? - In the event of a cancellation, we will make every effort to notify patrons beforehand, often by telephone. You will be instructed to return your tickets to the Box Office, at which time the price of the tickets will be refunded. If you purchased your tickets with a credit card, your account will be credited. If you purchased your tickets with cash or a check, you will be mailed a refund check. Refunds cannot be processed for cash.
What if I can't make it because of the weather? - If the performer has arrived and goes on as scheduled, we are contractually obligated to pay the performers. Therefore, we do not offer weather-related refunds. If you are uncertain about an event because of inclement weather, please call the Chandler office phone, 728-9878. A recording will notify you of any cancellations or changes. An announcement will also be posted on the homepage of our website.
Are cameras/recording devices allowed at the performance? - No. Cameras (with or without a flash), video equipment or recording devices are not allowed unless the performer grants special permission. Unauthorized equipment is subject to confiscation. If you would like to check your equipment during the performance, please contact an usher or the House Manager.
Does my infant need a ticket if she is going to sit in my lap? - Yes. Every person attending a performance is required to have a ticket, including babes in arms. This allows us to keep track of the number of people at an event in case of emergency.
If I purchase multiple tickets, will my seats be together? - Our staff will always select consecutive seats when filling your order, unless you have specifically requested otherwise. If there is any problem placing your seats together a Box Office representative will contact you before processing your order when you order by phone, email or mail.
How will I know if I can see from my seats? - The Box Office will always advise you about obstructed-view seats.
Can I buy tickets for another performance while I'm at the theater to see a show? - The Box Office is staffed for performances so that it may efficiently serve patrons attending the show, and cannot sell tickets to other shows.
Do you have rush seats/discounts? - Chandler does not offer discounted “rush” tickets.
Do you sell gift certificates? - Yes. You can purchase gift certificates online in any amount at the Box Office or by phone at 802-728-9878.
General Convenience
Where do I park? - There is plenty of free parking within easy walking distance. There are several Municipal Lots off Main Street and South Pleasant Street. There is also a small lot at the corner of School and Summer Streets. The VT United Church of Christ office across from Chandler has room for about 30 cars. Parking is allowed in the Dubois & King parking lot across from Bethany Church on School Street after 6:30 PM. Finally, parking on the street is free.
Where is the handicapped parking? - There are spaces for handicapped parking along the side of the building in the laundromat parking lot to the left of Chandler.
Where is the closest ATM? - Just past Randolph National Bank on Main Street, about a block from Chandler.
Where are the closest restaurants? - There are several restaurants within easy walking distance of Chandler and many offer dining discounts for Chandler patrons: Black Krim Tavern serving farm-fresh contemporary food with global influences (728-6776), Chadwick's Restaurant and Pub serving steaks, fish and vegetarian entrees, Al's Ristorante serving classic Italian food (431-0240), Ketner's 2nd Cup Café serving classic home cooking (728-6678), Village Pizza serving pizza, salads and grinders (728-9677), and East Garden serving Chinese food (728-3288). Morgan's Pub at the Three Stallion Inn is located 3 miles from Chandler (728-5575).
What is the history of the building? - Chandler Music Hall was a gift to the community of Randolph from Colonel Albert B. Chandler in 1907. For about 25 years afterwards Chandler Music Hall was a busy place, under the management of local arts promoter Edgar Salisbury. Plays, concerts, lectures, silent films, operas, political meetings, and school events made it a real treasure for the Town. But the cumulative impact of the 1927 flood, the stock market crash and Great Depression, World War II, and the advent of home entertainment such as radio and TV combined to turn the hall into an echo chamber of memories. For more details and a happy ending, please refer to our history.
Do you do tours? Can I see the theater? - Yes, we are always happy to welcome individuals or groups for an informal tour. Please call the Chandler Office to make arrangements at 802-728-9878.
What kinds of other activities take place at Chandler? - In addition to a full schedule of performances and Gallery exhibits, Chandler hosts meetings for various community organizations, elections and Town Meeting for the town of Randolph, educational workshops, benefits, artist and author talks, dance recitals, and performances by community organizations such as Randolph Singers.
Visit our rentals page to learn more.
Programming and Marketing
Where can I see an up-to-date list of all shows coming to Chandler? - Up-to-date listings can be found in our season flyer which is mailed each summer to those patrons in Chandler's database. Rack cards can also be found in the Gallery and the main lobby of the Music Hall. View a complete listing of all Chandler-sponsored performances, gallery exhibits and activities, as well as those events sponsored by other organizations, online.
Who is responsible for deciding which shows will be booked? - The majority of shows presented at Chandler are booked by Executive Director Becky McMeekin. Occasionally shows are presented by outside promoters who rent the theater and are responsible for setting the ticket prices, advertising and the quality of the production.
Why don't you bring (insert your favorite artist here)? - There are many factors that go into deciding what artists to book — artist fees and availability, the size of the show (will it fit on our small stage?), how many people will attend and how much will they pay. Oftentimes, your favorite artist either doesn't have a big enough following or is so popular that we can't afford him or her.
The performance was different from the advertising. Why did this happen? - We strive to provide accurate information at all times about upcoming performances. Occasionally information provided to us by artists does not accurately reflect the performance presented because Artists reserve the right to make last-minute changes or because information passed on to us is outdated.
I have an idea for a performer that I think will do well at Chandler. Are you interested? - Absolutely! You can email Executive Director Becky McMeekin with your suggestions.
Your Experience at the Show
What should I wear? - Remember this is rural, small-town Vermont! We'd rather you were comfortable than stylish! It's always a good idea to dress in layers so if you're too cool or too warm, you can adjust your dress accordingly.
Why is the sound so loud? and its flip-side, Why can't I hear? - Artists and their staff have specific requirements about how their shows should sound. The Chandler technical staff works closely with the artists to ensure that the levels are appropriate. However, from time to time, some audience members may find the levels either too loud or too soft for their personal taste.
Chandler is pleased to announce the availability of an assisted listening system for performances in Chandler Music Hall. The system works much like a Walkman or iPod. The patron wears a belt pack with headphones and receives a wireless signal that transmits the same sound the rest of the audience hears, but with the advantage of adjustable volume.
Patrons can either bring in their own headphones with a standard 1/8 inch headphone jack or can use earbuds or headphones provided by Chandler. Neck loops that connect to hearing aids are also offered.
Those interested in using this system are encouraged to indicate their need when ticket reservations are made and to arrive for a performance with sufficient time to get properly set up.
Can I bring food or drinks into the hall? - No, the only exception is bottled water.
Why is it so hot? Why is it so cold? - Personal tastes aside, regulating the temperature of a large building filled with as many as 600 people is a tricky matter, as all those bodies raise the air temperature by several degrees. If you find it cool when you enter the building, you can expect the temperature will rise quickly as the theater fills.
Why isn't there more leg room? - When the Music Hall was built at the turn-of-the-century, the average American male was around 5 feet, 6 inches tall, significantly shorter than today's average height.
Why are the seats so uncomfortable? - We've found that patrons either really like our seats or don't like them at all! We do provide cushions for a nominal $1 rental fee for those who need a little extra comfort. You're also welcome to bring a cushion from home. During Chandler’s recent renovation project, replacing the seats was never a serious option. Chandler's acoustics are legendary, and replacing these historic wooden seats with cushioned ones would have a significant negative impact.
Do you provide a wheelchair for patrons? - Chandler currently has one wheelchair for use by patrons. If you anticipate a need for this, we suggest that you reserve it when you make your ticket reservations. Wheelchair seating is limited and we want to be well-prepared for your visit.
What should I do if I'm being disturbed by the behavior of a nearby patron? - Please notify an usher or the house manager on duty.
Can I meet artists? Get autographs? - Occasionally artists agree to meet with patrons after the show and will usually do so in the Gallery where CDs are sold. Audience members are not allowed backstage.
Why do I have to wait in the lobby if I'm late? - Each show has its own policy for late seating, and we are contractually obligated to honor this. Classical music performances and theatrical productions are easily disturbed by late seating and patrons must wait until an appropriate break in the performance before being seated.
Can I move into unoccupied seats? - We do not encourage audience members to move into unoccupied seats as those seats may belong to late-arriving patrons.
Where do I put my coat? - Chandler has a coat closet, located off the lobby next to the handicapped restroom, however we are unable to assume responsibility for any items left unattended. We ask that you do not drape coats over the balcony walls.
Where is the Lost and Found? - The Lost and Found is located in the Box Office. You may ask an usher to look for a lost item or call the Chandler office at 802-728-9878 the next business day for assistance.
Membership and Donor Relations
How do I become an usher? – To sign up please see our volunteer sign up form, call head usher Polly Frankenburg at 728-5118 or speak to an usher or house manager at a performance.
Why do you ask for money beyond ticket costs? - Ticket revenue covers only about 70% of Chandler's expenses, so we rely on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations and corporate sponsors. Chandler is a non-profit organization and must continually raise money to support its mission of bringing high-quality performances and educational opportunities to the community.
Facilities
How do I get into the theater? - The two doors on the left hand side and at the center of the building provide direct access to the lobby of the Music Hall.
How do I know where my seats are? - If your ticket is numbered from 1-9, your seats are on the left hand side as you face the stage. Seats numbered 10-19 are in the center section. Seats 20-28 are on the right side of the theater. Those tickets with double letters, AA, BB through HH are in the balcony.
Where are the restrooms? - The men's and women's restrooms are located downstairs. Take the grand staircase from the Gallery lobby. There is also a wheelchair accessible restroom off the main lobby, and two are located on the second floor in the Upper Gallery kitchen.
Where is the telephone? - If you don't have access to a cell phone and you must make an emergency call, you can request use of the Box Office phone. During the busy sales period before a performance, this is not possible. There is a pay phone located across the street from Chandler. All cell phones must be turned off during a performance.
Where can I find a water fountain? - There are two water fountains downstairs in the hallway of the restroom area.
Where are concessions? - Intermission food sales are usually located in the Chandler Gallery. For most performances, sales are managed by non-profit organizations in the Central Vermont community who use this opportunity to earn funds for their organization's activities.
Who owns and operates Chandler Music Hall? - Chandler Music Hall is owned by the Town of Randolph, and programming and activities within the facilities are overseen by the Chandler Center for the Arts Board of Directors. Staff includes Executive Director Rebecca McMeekin, Community Outreach Manager Betsy Cantlin, Upper Events Manager Claire Garner, and Box Office and Rental Manager Kathy Corrao. Emily Crosby is Chandler's technical director.