Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains?
While the weather in May and June is usually quite lovely, there is always the risk that an outdoor event will encounter challenging or unpredictable weather conditions. Over the years we have developed a weather policy that strikes a balance between satisfying our audiences and allowing our small nonprofit organization to survive financially.We make the decision about whether to cancel due to rain on the day of the performance.
Our two possible courses of action in the event of bad weather are as follows:
1. Hold everything for an hour to see if the weather will clear, or
2. Cancel the show.
What happens to ticket holders if a performance is cancelled?
There are no refunds given on any ticket purchase. As a small nonprofit, we would simply be ruined financially if we refunded tickets. However, if the show is canceled due to weather, we will exchange tickets at no additional cost or schedule a make-up date as appropriate, depending on the date of the performance. In the event of a rain-out, instructions will be available on this website, or by calling the office at 415-383-1100.
When/Where do the busses pick up?
All information about our bussing service can be found on the 'How to Get Here' page. This page includes where and when to pick up the bus, directions for those driving by car, as well as information for cyclists.
Free round trip Express shuttles leave continuously from 9:30a.m. to 12:15p.m. from the following locations in Mill Valley:
Manzanita Commuter Parking Lot at the junction of Highway 101 and Highway 1 underneath the freeway, and Tam High.
Directions to Manzanita Commuter lot:
From San Francisco - Take Hwy. 101 north across the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit at Hwy. 1, Stinson Beach. Once you've driven under the overpass, turn left into the commuter lot before the light.
From north of Mill Valley - Take Hwy. 101 south and exit at Hwy. 1, Stinson Beach. Turn right at the stop sign at the end of the ramp. Turn right at the first light to drive toward the overpass. Make the first right into the commuter parking lot.
Tamalpais High School is located on Miller Avenue at Camino Alto.
What is seating like?
Most seating in this 4,000 seat stone amphitheatre is general admission, meaning that the seats are first-come, first-served. Often, people arrive early for the show and picnic at their seats.Because of our unique venue, and because of the large number of people who attend our performances, we have developed some important guidelines to make the Mountain Play a positive experience for all. Please take a moment to review our policies before you come to the show.
Can I save seats?
When you arrive, you may save seats for people in your party who have not yet arrived, but we ask that 1 person not reserve more than 10 seats. Please be courteous to others by using only one seat space per person. DO NOT USE CAUTION TAPE to save your seats. Caution tape is reserved for official uses on the mountain. Blankets and beach towels, or other kinds of tape are excellent ways to save seats. The front gate of the theatre opens at 8:00am.
What Should I Bring?
--Cushions/Blankets
--Sun Protection
--Warm Clothes (for the chilly morning fog!)
--Water
--Snacks
--Alcohol (not exactly a neccesity, but it is allowed in the ampitheatre!)
What NOT to Bring:
--Dogs
Sorry! We love dogs, but absolutely no pets of any kind (except for service animals) are allowed in the theatre on performance days.
--Chairs
Stadium seats are the ONLY kind of chairs allowed in the theatre.
Stadium seats are basically a pillow with a back (see the picture at right for reference). You may bring your own, or they are also available to rent at the theatre (\$10 with a \$5 deposit) or to buy (\$40).Please call if you have any questions regarding chairs. We are very firm on this policy, and we will confiscate any 'illegal' chairs that are brought into the theatre, and return them to you at the end of the show.
--Folding chairs and lawn chairs (even with very short legs)
Our concern is both with blocking the views of the people behind you, and with taking up too much space on the stone bench seating.
--Cigarettes
There is no Smoking on the mountain.
The theatre is in a State Park and dry grass is all around us. We also have many patrons with serious disabilities. Please do not smoke or light fires of any kind.
--Umbrellas (allowed before the show starts)
You are welcome to bring one, as long as it comes down when the show begins. We want the people behind you to enjoy the show as much as you do!