Code of Conduct & Patron Policies

Code of Conduct

Orcas Center is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for everyone who comes to experience the arts, participate in a class, attend a community event, or otherwise gather at the Center.

As Orcas Island’s community center for the arts, Orcas Center serves audiences, artists, students, volunteers, staff, and community members of all ages. Our mission is to encourage, sponsor, and present cultural, artistic, educational, and community activities that respond to and nourish our hearts, minds, and souls.

To help ensure that Orcas Center remains a welcoming and safe space for everyone, we ask all patrons and guests to observe the following Code of Conduct:

Respect assigned seating. For performances with reserved seating, patrons should sit in the location indicated on their ticket. Some performances use festival or general seating, in which case seating is available on a first-come basis.
Children and young people should be appropriately supervised by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult while at Orcas Center.
Keep aisles and exits clear. Personal belongings should not be placed in aisles, walkways, doorways, or other areas that could interfere with the safe movement of patrons or emergency access.
Please remain in designated seating areas. Fire and safety regulations require patrons to remain in regular seats and prohibit standing in the back of the theater.
Dancing and movement. At performances where dancing or audience participation is encouraged, please be mindful of other patrons and follow directions from Orcas Center staff, artists, or event organizers.
Food and beverages. Concessions are permitted only in areas designated by Orcas Center and are subject to the policies established for each event. Concessions may be available in the lobby or Madrona Room before performances, during intermission, and/or following performances.
Alcoholic beverages, when offered for a particular event, may be consumed responsibly by patrons of legal drinking age in accordance with applicable law and Orcas Center policies. Patrons who are visibly intoxicated or whose behavior creates a disruption or safety concern may be asked to leave.
Disruptive or dangerous behavior including fighting, harassment, threats, throwing objects, or conduct that places others at risk will not be tolerated.
Harassment and discrimination are not permitted. Orcas Center is committed to creating a community in which people are treated with dignity and respect.
Property damage is prohibited. Intentionally damaging Orcas Center property or the property of artists, staff, volunteers, or other patrons may result in removal and financial responsibility for resulting damage.
Smoking and vaping are permitted only in accordance with Orcas Center’s designated smoking policy. Smoking is allowed only outside the theater and at least 25 feet from lobby doors.
Cannabis and illegal drugs may not be used or consumed inside Orcas Center. Illegal drugs and associated paraphernalia are prohibited.
Electronic devices should be turned off or silenced during performances. Cell phones, pagers, digital alarm watches, and other electronic devices should not be used in a manner that distracts performers or other patrons.
Photography and recording. For the safety of performers and in accordance with contractual arrangements, photography and the use of audio or video recording devices during performances are strictly prohibited unless expressly authorized for a particular event.
Service animals are welcome as required by applicable law. Pets and other animals are not permitted inside the building unless specifically authorized.
Weapons are not permitted at Orcas Center, except as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Items that Orcas Center staff reasonably determine present a safety concern may be refused entry.
Follow staff directions. Patrons must comply with reasonable requests from Orcas Center staff, volunteers, event personnel, and emergency responders regarding facility operations, seating, safety, and emergency procedures.

Orcas Center staff may intervene when necessary to ensure these guidelines are followed. Guests are encouraged to report inappropriate, disruptive, or unsafe behavior to the nearest Orcas Center staff member or volunteer.

Guests who choose not to adhere to these provisions may be asked to leave the facility without refund and may be held financially responsible for damage they cause. Conduct that violates applicable law may also be reported to law enforcement.

Thank you for helping us create a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for everyone at Orcas Center.

Patron Policies

Bag & Personal Belongings Policy

For the safety and comfort of our patrons, Orcas Center may restrict or inspect bags and other personal belongings when circumstances warrant. Patrons may be asked to present bags or other items for inspection before entering or reentering a performance or event.

Guests are encouraged to arrive with sufficient time to complete any necessary security or entry procedures before the scheduled start of a performance.

Large or cumbersome items should not be brought into the theater when they may obstruct aisles, exits, seating, or the view of other patrons.

Prohibited Items

The following items are generally not permitted inside Orcas Center:

Weapons or objects that may reasonably be used as weapons, except as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Outside alcoholic beverages, unless specifically authorized for a particular event.
Items that obstruct aisles, exits, doorways, or other areas required for safe passage.
Laser pointers or other devices that could interfere with performers or audience members.
Noise-making devices or other items that may disrupt a performance.
Drones or remotely operated devices without prior authorization.
Professional photography, audio, or video equipment without prior authorization.
Any other item that Orcas Center staff reasonably determine presents a safety, security, or significant disruption concern.

Event-specific policies may impose additional restrictions.
Patrons should consult the event information or contact Orcas Center with questions before attending.

Weapons Policy

Orcas Center is committed to maintaining a safe environment for patrons, artists, students, staff, volunteers, and community members.

Weapons and items that Orcas Center staff reasonably determine present a safety concern are not permitted at the Center, except where possession is otherwise required or protected by applicable law.

This policy applies to firearms and other weapons or dangerous objects. Patrons may be asked to remove a prohibited item from the premises or otherwise comply with staff instructions. Items that cannot safely be removed or stored may be denied entry.

Nothing in this policy is intended to supersede applicable federal, state, or local law.

Photo & Video Policy

For the safety of performers and due to contractual arrangements, photography and the use of any type of audio or video recording device during performances are strictly forbidden, unless specifically authorized.

Event-specific policies may differ. When photography or recording is permitted, patrons should follow the instructions provided by the artist, presenter, or Orcas Center staff.

Flash photography, bright screens, and prolonged use of phones can be distracting to performers and other patrons. Even when photography is permitted, patrons may be asked to put away phones or other devices if their use becomes disruptive.

Costume Policy

Orcas Center welcomes costumes and creative expression at appropriate events.

Costumes and accessories must comply with the following guidelines:

Costumes may not obstruct the view of other patrons or interfere with aisles, exits, doorways, or seating.
Props or accessories that could reasonably be mistaken for weapons or that create a safety concern may not be permitted.
Masks or other face coverings may be restricted when necessary for safety, identification, or event-specific requirements.
Costumes or accessories that are threatening, disruptive, or reasonably determined by Orcas Center staff to create a safety concern will not be permitted.
Event-specific costume guidelines may apply. Patrons should follow any additional instructions provided by the event organizer or Orcas Center staff.

Social Media Commenting Policy

Orcas Center is a community arts organization committed to creating opportunities for people to gather, share ideas, and experience the arts together. We welcome thoughtful conversation and diverse perspectives on our social media platforms.

To help maintain a constructive community, we ask that comments:

Remain relevant to the original post or discussion.
Treat other community members, artists, staff, volunteers, and patrons with respect.
Do not contain threats, harassment, hate speech, or discriminatory language.
Do not contain pornography or other sexually explicit material.
Do not contain defamatory or knowingly false statements about individuals.
Do not promote illegal activity.
Do not include excessive profanity, spam, repetitive content, or commercial solicitation unrelated to the discussion.

Orcas Center reserves the right to remove comments or posts that violate these standards or otherwise interfere with the appropriate use of our social media platforms.

Reporting a Concern

If you experience or witness inappropriate, disruptive, or unsafe behavior at Orcas Center, please notify the nearest staff member, volunteer, House Manager, or event representative.

Orcas Center staff may intervene when necessary to protect the safety, comfort, and dignity of our patrons, performers, students, volunteers, and staff.

If you believe there is an immediate threat to someone’s safety, contact emergency services by calling 911.

Thank you for helping Orcas Center remain a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place for the entire Orcas Island community.