White Bird 101

We recommend arriving 30–45 minutes before curtain, as entry lines typically begin forming about 15 minutes before the performance.

To maintain the integrity of the performances, we cannot guarantee late seating. We believe in creating an atmosphere where every movement and moment can be appreciated without disruption. We encourage you to plan ahead and arrive early so you don't miss a single beat. If you find yourself a bit behind, our friendly ushers will try to guide you to your seat during a suitable pause in the performance.

Dress in whatever feels comfortable for you. We enjoy the creativity our audiences bring, so feel free to express yourself — whether that’s chic, casual, or somewhere in between.

We encourage you to clap whenever you feel moved to respond. Some companies especially appreciate vocal support and love when audiences share their energy throughout the performance. When that’s the case, we’ll let you know in the pre‑show welcome so you can join in confidently. Otherwise, feel free to follow the flow of the room — your applause is always welcome.

White Bird has partnered with renowned Portland establishments to offer you a perfect way to enhance your theater experience – tantalize your taste buds and your senses all in one unforgettable evening!

View our Restaurant Partner list for more information.

Snacks and beverages (yes, including alcohol) are available in the lobby of our venues. Drinks with lids are usually allowed back into the theatre.

Pro-tip: Concessions at Portland5 venues are cashless. Need to convert cash? Free cash-to-card machines (aka reverse ATMs) are available in the lobby.

Fear not, we'll help you dance your way in! If your tickets have decided to chassé away, simply call our box office at 503.245.1600 OR inform a White Bird team member at Will Call at least fifteen minutes before the performance. Our ticketing assistant will reprint your tickets.

Our sound is mixed to be safe and within standard levels, but loudness can feel different for everyone. If you’re nervous about the decibels, free earplugs are provided at every White Bird show. Look out for them at our marketing tables upon entering a venue.

Each show includes a recommended age listed in the Sensory & Content Advisory tab on the show page. These recommendations are intended as a helpful guide for families; however, every child is different, and parents and guardians are encouraged to use their own discretion when determining what is appropriate for their family.

Additional information on each show page about themes, language, imagery, and other content may be helpful in making your decision.

We understand that age-appropriateness is highly subjective, and we encourage parents of young children to check in with us directly at boxoffice@whitebird.org or by calling (503) 245-1600 if they would like more assistance.

The haze you’ll see on stage is water‑based and safe for both you and the dancers to breathe.

White Bird reserves accessible seating for patrons who use wheelchairs or have other accessibility needs as well as their companion(s). You can purchase accessibility seating by phone, in person, and online. For personal assistance selecting accessible seats or for more information about accessibility, please contact the Box Office at (503) 245-1600 or email us.

Are you bringing a little one to the show and want to ensure they get to see the dancers on the stage?  Reach out to the Bird Box Office at (503) 245-1600 or email us to request a booster seat for the performance.  Quantities are limited.

White Bird is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees, including those with sensory processing disorders. We provide complimentary earplugs at every performance, allowing individuals to adjust their auditory experience as needed. Additionally, we prioritize transparency by prominently displaying warnings about flashing lights or strobe effects on both individual company pages and in pre-show emails.