Interior of Bass Concert Hall
Interior of Bass Concert Hall

Theater Policies

All Are Welcome

Texas Performing Arts is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all guests, both in the venue and on our campus.

We ask our guests to:
  • Respect other guests, performers, and staff
  • Be responsible and aware of your behavior
  • Know the Rules: Guests must adhere to all theater policies, including special policies and requests from the artists or touring productions.
  • See Something, Say Something: Guests are encouraged to report inappropriate or suspicious behavior to an usher, our security staff, a uniformed law enforcement officer, or Texas Performing Arts staff member.

Guests who violate the policies will be removed from the venue without a refund.

Venue Policies

Texas Performing Arts Policies
Clear Bag Policy
Campus Carry
Open Carry
Costume Policy
Prohibited Items
Health & Safety

Texas Performing Arts Policies

  • All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the venue
  • No outside food or drink, including water, may be brought into the venue
  • All persons and bags are subject to search
  • The University of Texas at Austin is a tobacco-free campus

*Exceptions will be made for those with disabilities, medical requirements, and/or special needs. Patrons with specific/special dietary needs due to disabilities, medical conditions, or special needs should contact Guest Services by calling 512.471.2787 or by email prior to attending the event to arrange for reasonable accommodation.

Clear Bag Policy

With your comfort and safety in mind, we have installed a touchless security screening system in Bass Concert Hall. After you scan your ticket, walk through at a normal pace while carrying your personal items. We do not require clear bags. We encourage bringing only small items with you to the performance. Large purses, backpacks or luggage are prohibited. All persons and bags are subject to search.

Campus Carry for Professional Entertainment

Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensed law), may not enter Texas Performing Arts venues with a concealed handgun at events where alcohol is served and TABC RED 51% signs are posted at each entry. For more information visit campuscarry.utexas.edu.

Open Carry 

Texas Performing Arts is part of The University of Texas at Austin. Pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 46.035, it is illegal to openly carry a handgun on campus, including at Texas Performing Arts venues.

Costume Policy

  • All final decisions on costumes entering the venue shall be at the discretion of Texas Performing Arts venue management. All guests must pass through the security checkpoint, including a bag check, before entering the building.
  • Your costume must not exceed 28 inches across and 78 inches high.
  • You must be able to maneuver your costume over stairs and ramps unassisted. You must be able to sit in your seat while wearing your costume.
  • Full-face masks are not allowed. You must have an unobstructed vision at all times and not need to remove a piece of your costume to see.
  • Armor cannot pose a threat to others by way of sharpened metal edges, spikes, or bladed surfaces.
  • Prop weapons and prop firearms will be allowed providing they are fabricated of foam or cardboard only. The barrel of all prop firearms must be covered with brightly-colored caps. The following are prohibited: bladed weapons, metal, wood, fiberglass, PVC, glass, air guns, and cap guns. Firearms of any kind are prohibited at events where alcohol is served and TABC RED 51% signs are posted at each entry. Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensed law), may not enter Texas Performing Arts with a concealed handgun at events where alcohol is served and TABC RED 51% signs are posted at each entry.
  • Any bow-type weapons must be unstrung. If not unstrung, then venue staff may destring. All prop arrows must have soft, non-metal, blunted tips made out of foam or cardboard only.
  • You may display your prop weapons only as costume pieces. Do not swing or brandish your prop in any way that could be considered unsafe or threatening.
  • You may pose with a prop in a brandishing manner, so long as no reasonable person would interpret for anything other than theatrical effect.
  • You may not include liquids, gels, or other substances which could cause a mess.
  • You may not use smoke effects, fire, explosives, or any other environmental hazard. 

Prohibited Items

  • All forms of tobacco and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, per UT’s Tobacco-Free Policy
  • Large purses, backpacks or luggage
  • Outside food or drink (including water)*
  • Recording devices of any kind
  • Cameras with detachable lenses or tripods
  • Hard containers including glass and vases
  • Items deemed as weapons (including pocket knives) and fireworks
  • Banners, balloons, and noisemakers
  • Selfie-sticks
  • Tablets, iPads, and laptops of any size
  • Pets (Trained service animals or service animals in training with identifiable vests will be allowed. Service animals must remain on leash or in a harness at all times.)

*Exceptions will be made for those with disabilities, medical requirements and/or special needs. Patrons with specific/special dietary needs due to disabilities, medical conditions or special needs should contact Guest Services by calling 512.471.2787 or by email prior to attending the event to arrange for reasonable accommodation.

Health & Safety

Texas Performing Arts is committed to the health and safety of our guests, artists, staff, and community. If required, we will implement health and safety protocols in accordance with applicable guidelines and State law. Health and safety protocols may be in effect for our performances. Updates will be sent to ticketholders in advance of each performance or posted on our website. All ticketholders are required to comply.

  • Proof of vaccination or a negative health test is not required to attend.
  • Masks are welcome in the theater.
  • Restrooms and high touch areas are cleaned regularly.
  • Food and beverage purchases are cashless and contactless.
  • We use mobile tickets to facilitate contactless entry.
  • The level of air filtration was upgraded in 2021.
  • The Bass Concert Hall lobby was renovated in 2021 to increase available space and reduce crowding.