Frequently Asked Questions

Theatres

Parking and Directions to Marian and Severson Theatres

Parking

  • Parking is free, no permit required. Please park only in the designated student parking (white spaces). Yellow is for staff only.

From points North

  • Take Hwy 101 south to Stowell Rd. exit.
  • Turn Right onto S. Bradley Rd continue north across Stowell and past the Olive Garden restaurant.
  • In the second block turn left at the first campus entrance, then immediately right.
  • The theaters are to your left.

From points South

  • Take Hwy 101 north to Stowell Rd. exit.
  • Turn right onto Stowell Rd travel over the bridge.
  • Turn right at the stop light at Bradley heading north.
  • In the second block turn left at the first campus entrance, then immediately right.
  • The theaters are to your left.

Directions to Solvang Festival Theater

From Points North or South via Hwy 101

  • Exit Hwy 246 at Buellton and travel East into Solvang
  • Turn Right on 5th Street
  • Turn Left on Oak Street
  • Turn Left on 2nd Street
  • The Theatre is on your Right

From Points South via Hwy 154 (The San Marcos Pass)

  • Exit Hwy 246 and travel West into Solvang
  • Turn Left on Alisal Road
  • Turn Right on Oak Street
  • Turn Right on 2nd Street
  • The Theatre is on your Right

How Many Venues Does PCPA Perform At?

PCPA performs in three venues. All are located on the beautiful California Central Coast mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The Marian and Severson Theatres are located on the campus of Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria .

The Solvang Festival Theater is located 30 miles to the south of Santa Maria at 420 2nd St, Solvang.

Inclement Weather Policy For Solvang Festival Theater

In the event of inclement weather, PCPA may elect to stop the performance for the safety of the cast, crew, and audience members. We will make every effort to perform, including playing in light rain. If conditions worsen then we will hold production until deemed safe. In the event of a cancellation please see refund/exchange policy below. For further information please contact the box office at (805) 922-8313 or  boxoffice@pcpa.org.

Refund/exchange policy:

  1. PCPA will do exchanges or refunds if the show never starts.
  2. PCPA will do exchanges or refunds if we do not get to the intermission.
  3. PCPA will do exchanges only if:
    • We are past the intermission.
    • If there are only a few performances of the particular show left, we will exchange for any remaining performance of any show in the season.

Is there a child age requirement for the theatre?

No children under the age of 5 are permitted in the theatre.

What can I bring in the theatre?

Marian Theatre– Only water is allowed inside the theatre. Concessions are available in the lobby.

Solvang Theater Fest– Only water is allowed. No outside drinks are permitted, concessions will be available for purchase from Solvang Brewing Company. The garden is open for picnicking at 6:30pm.

Shows

Does PCPA Offer Group Tickets?

It’s more fun to come as a group!

Bring a group of 12 or more for great savings. With a small deposit, we’ll hold your seats while you organize your group. Final payment will be due two weeks before your select performance. If you plan on seeing more than one show with your group, take advantage of extra savings with a group subscription!

Contact Kelly Stegall, PCPA Group Sales
  (805) 928-7731 ext 4150
 kstegall@pcpa.org
Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

What is the Military Discount?

PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre welcomes U.S. military personnel, spouses and children as well as U.S. veterans.

PCPA has a long-standing commitment to the military personnel in our community and we welcome you to our theatre.

PCPA offers U.S. military personnel, U.S. veterans, and their immediate families 25% off the adult priced ticket.

Please identify yourself as military personnel at the box office when purchasing tickets.
or
Phone the Box Office
(805) 922-8313
Wednesday – Sunday – 12:30pm – 7pm

 

Blue Star Theatres logo

Can I Purchase a Gift Certificate?

PCPA Gift Certificates can be for any amount and used toward the purchase of any PCPA production in Santa Maria or Solvang. And, they never expire.

Click here to purchase a gift certificate.

Are tickets refundable?

All ticket sales are non-refundable. Single-ticket purchasers may exchange their tickets for a $7 exchange fee per ticket.  The box office must be notified at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled event.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible seating is available for all shows. Accessible seating is reserved exclusively for guests with accessible needs and their companions. To purchase accessible seating please contact the Box Office at (805) 922-8313.

Hearing Loop System

Hearing Loop Installed logo

The Hearing Loop system, a wireless technology that transmits speech or music on the stage directly to the cochlear implants and hearing aids with T-Coils. Patrons will hear sound picked up by the theatres PA system rather than from the microphone in the implant or hearing aid, resulting in a clear sound with less background noise. Please inquire with an Usher when you arrive at Marian and Severson theatres.

Plan Your Stay

Hotels

Santa Ynez Valley/Solvang Hotels

Atterdag Inn | (805) 691-9125

Hamlet Inn | (805) 688-4413

Hotel Corque | 1-800-624-5572 | no packages

King Frederik Inn | 1-800-549-9955

Mirabelle | (805) 688-1703 | 1-800-786-7925

Pea Soup Andersen Inn | 1-800-PEA-Soup

The Landsby | (805) 688-3121 | 1-800-321-8985

Royal Copenhagen Inn | (805) 688-5561 | 1-800-624-6604

Santa Ynez Valley Marriott | (805) 688-1000 | 1-800-638-8882

Svendsgaard’s Danish Lodge | (805) 688-3277 | 1-800-733-8757

The Viking Inn | (805) 688-1337

The Hadsten Solvang | 805-688-3210

Hampton Inn Buellton | 805-686-1555

 

Santa Maria Hotels

The Best Western Big America | (805) 922-5200 | 1-800-426-3213

The Historic Santa Maria Inn | (805) 928-7777 | 1-800-462-4276

The Radisson Hotel | (805) 928-8000 | 1-866-292-4676

Local Weather

Special Events

Strawberry Festival – April

Santa Barbara County Fair – July

Christmas Parade of Lights – December

Conservatory

Do I need any experience to audition for the conservatory?

No.
Experience is nice but not necessary to audition for the acting conservatory.

How long is a monologue allowed to be?

Monologues should be no longer than 90 seconds in length.

What are two contrasting monologues?

One comic and one dramatic – or one classic and one contemporary.
It is the actor’s discretion how they choose to “contrast”.

How long should music be?

16 to 32 bars.

What is 16 to 32 bars?

This is about 30 to 60 seconds of a song.

Can I sing from something other than a musical?

Yes. Songs from musicals are the most common, but it is up to the actor’s discretion.

Do I need to bring sheet music?

Yes!
Unless otherwise specified.

"Please bring a picture and resume." What does that mean?

A picture for an acting audition is traditionally an 8″ x 10″ head and shoulder full face photograph.
An acting resume traditionally has the actor’s name, phone number, and email address. It also lists previous theatre training and experience.

If I can’t make it to a location to audition can I submit a video?

Yes!

How old do I need to be?

You need to have a high school diploma or be 18 years old to attend the conservatory.
We are a conservatory and have students of all ages and education levels.
We have students right out of strong high school programs and students with their bachelor’s degree.
Our youngest students are 18 and we have had students in their 40’s as well.

How long is the program?

Two years.
(See Conservatory pages on our website to fully answer these questions)

When does it begin?

We usually begin the third week in August.

How do I apply?

Please refer to our How to Apply on the Conservatory page on our website for a list of what you need to apply.

Are there Callbacks?

Yes.
We hold Callbacks for the Conservatory in March.

How many students audition?

Over 500 students audition depending on the year.
PCPA invites 60 to 70 students to callbacks.

How many students do you accept every year?

We accept approximately 30 students a year.