Audience Services & Box Office Policies

Theatre Etiquette: Due to the intimate nature of performances, almost any noise may be disruptive for other patrons, as well as the performers on stage. Out of courtesy, we insist that all electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, watch alarms, etc.) be turned off.  Read more about Theatre Etiquette.

Photography & Recording: Unless otherwise stated, photography and recording devices of any kind are prohibited during events.

Food and Beverages: Food and beverages purchased outside the theater are not allowed in the auditorium.

Smoking: The Sampson County Exposition Center and Sampson County facilities are entirely smoke-free.

Arrival Time: Plan to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled performance time to allow adequate time for seating. The auditorium normally opens for seating approximately 30 minutes prior to curtain for reserved seating events and 45 minutes to an hour prior to curtain for general admission events. Latecomer Seating – Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the Lobby Ushers at the first appropriate break that allows for the least disruption to the performers and the audience. Ushers may choose to place latecomers in different seating than listed on the ticket to ensure that there is little to no disruption. Please notify the Box Office at 910.592.7200 if you know you will be late to a performance so staff can be prepared.

Accessibility:  Please notify our staff with any special requests. Wheelchair accessible seating is available.  We make every effort to provide effective communication to all patrons and request at least a two week advance notice to request ASL interpreters or captioning services.

Lost and Found:  Please notify any Usher or Staff member immediately upon discovery of lost or found articles. Sampson CenterStage and the Sampson County Exposition Center assumes no responsibility for any article that may be lost or left on the premises by persons attending event(s). Any items or articles that are unclaimed after 10 days shall become property of Sampson County and will be sold at the next available Sampson County Surplus Sale.  In seeking lost items after a performance, you may call the Box Office at 910.592.7200.

Hours:  The Box Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Box Office opens approximately an hour before curtain for weekend events and after normal business hour events.

Purchasing:  Tickets available through the Sampson CenterStage Box Office Service may be purchased in-person inside the Sampson County Exposition Center located at 414 Warsaw Road.  Tickets may also be purchased over the phone at 910.592.7200 during normal Box Office Hours. Tickets may also be purchased securely online 24/7 at www.sampsoncenterstage.com.

Payment: The Box Office accepts cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Tickets may not be reserved without payment.

Sold Out Events:  When an event is sold out, the Box Office does not keep a waiting list. Sold out events may have no-shows the evening of the performance and patrons are welcome to sell unneeded tickets for up to the face value of the ticket. By law, resellers cannot receive funds greater than the face value of the ticket including tax/fees (NCGS § 14‑344).

Refunds:  It is the policy of the Sampson CenterStage Box Office that all sales are final and there are no refunds for purchased tickets. In the case of an event cancellation, refunds may be issued; however, the Box Office will make every effort to exchange tickets to another show time of the same event if available.

Shipping: Tickets ordered over the phone may be mailed directly to the customer for a $3.00 shipping & handling fee per order.

Exchanges:  Tickets may be exchanged, in advance, for different seats or for a different show time of the same event. No exchanges may be processed for a different event. Exchanges must be processed before the show time listed on the original ticket. The Box Office staff has the right to deny exchanges. Please note that upgrade fees may apply to exchanges.

Children: Children under the age of four that do not require a seat and are to able sit on a parent’s or guardian’s lap do not require a ticket; however, if a seat is used by someone of any age, a ticket for that seat must be purchased.

Admissions Tax:  Effective January 1, 2014, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-164.4(a)(10) imposes a privilege tax on the retailer’s net taxable sales or gross receipts to admission charges to an entertainment activity. All advertised ticket prices for events sold through the Paramount Theatre Box Office Service include 7% Admissions Tax when applicable.

Online Ticket Fees:  Tickets purchased online through the Box Office are subject to an online convenience fee or “Ticket Operations Fee.” This fee ranges from $1.75 to $7.50 per ticket depending on the ticket price. This fee is automatically added to online orders. Tickets purchased in-person at the Box Office or over the phone are not subject to this fee.

A note about Third-Party ticket Resellers:  The Sampson CenterStage Box Office including www.sampsoncenterstage.com, and ETIX.com are the only OFFICIAL TICKETING PROVIDERS for events sponsored by the Sampson County Exposition Center, the Sampson CenterStage Performing Arts Series; as well as select rental clients. Tickets obtained from other unauthorized sources may be stolen, counterfeit or invalid due to payment issues and will not be honored. Tickets purchased from other sources are often greatly inflated in price and are not eligible for assistance if tickets are ever lost or stolen or if the event is canceled or rescheduled. The Sampson CenterStage Box Office is not responsible for tickets purchased from other sources.

Alcoholic Beverage Service:   Bar Services are available for most events.  Alcoholic beverages may NOT be consumed in the parking areas. Service of alcoholic beverages shall cease at 12:00 midnight for all events unless specifically specified.  PLEASE NOTE: The legal age for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the State of North Carolina is 21 years of age. NC ABC laws are very strict with regard to the proper ID of patrons. Please note that Bar Staff are instructed to properly ID patrons that wish to purchase or consume alcohol. Please be aware and share with your guests as best possible that in the State of North Carolina there are only four (4) acceptable forms of ID: (1) NC Driver’s License or Driver’s License of any other US state; (2) US Military ID; (3) NC DMV issued ID Card; or (4) Passport. One of the above type ID’s must be presented upon request or service will be denied.  IMPORTANT: Please note that no alcoholic beverages may be brought into the facility. Please inform those participating with your event of this policy. It is suggested that you specifically inform any band, DJ or other service provider of this policy.