Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
June 2, 8, 9, 16 2024!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mountain Play Staff carefully monitors the weather the days before a performance. If there is any concern or cancelations, we will post a status message on our website home page, office voicemail by 7:00 A.M., and social media pages.
On Mount Tamalpais, the weather is one of the characters and a part of the story and overall experience. As an outdoor event and performance, we are subject to the limitations that inclement weather and Red-Flag Warnings can bring. For more information about Red-Flag Warnings, check out the Cal Fire website.
NO REFUNDS are given on any ticket purchase if canceled for weather. Suppose the performance is canceled due to weather or a red flag advisory. In that case, all tickets for the canceled date will be valid for the backup performance date or, if available & at Company discretion, any remaining shows.
Always check our website and Facebook page for weather updates on the morning of each performance.
All exchanges are subject to seating & parking availability. Please call our office Mon – Fri 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at 415-383-1100.
In case of a weather-related cancellation, tickets for the affected date are valid for the backup performance or, if available and at the Company’s discretion, any remaining performance. We assess weather conditions on the morning of the show and will post updates on our website, social media, and office voicemail by 7:00 A.M. All exchanges are subject to seating and parking availability. To request an exchange, please call our office at 415-383-1100 or email [email protected].
Backup Date for Kinky Boots is June 15, 2024!
Mountain Play has provided shuttles since the 1980s to reduce traffic and minimize environmental impact. Shuttles are available for $10 (Adults) and $5 (Youth 4-25; free on Opening Day). Shuttles pick up from two free parking lots in Mill Valley: Shoreline Parking Lot and Tamalpais High School. The first bus departs around 10 AM, running continuously until 12:45 PM. Color-coded passes (orange or yellow) help guide you to the correct parking lot and bus. After the show, use the pass to board the right return bus.
Other information: A volunteer shuttle leaves early for the amphitheater so volunteers can arrive before the front gates open at 9 AM. Some shuttles carry the drivers back to the front entrance from the reserved parking at the Air Force Lot past the front gate – the shuttle fare is included in the parking reservation price.
Seating in the Cushing Memorial Amphitheater consists of 3,750 stone seats and is primarily general admission, meaning it is first-come, first-served. Built by the Works Project Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1936 to 1940, these seats are mined from Mount Tamalpais. While historically impressive, sitting on rocks and dirt can be uneven. For added comfort, stadium seats (Cushions with a Back and No Legs) are available for rent or purchase starting at $10. Blankets, towels, and cushions are permitted, but chairs with legs are prohibited. If you bring a picnic, be mindful of the foot space behind you as it is the aisle for the row above.
YES, but with some limitations. You may reserve seats for up to 10 people in your party who have yet to arrive, but we ask that one person not save more than 10 seats, using only one stone seat per person. The front gate opens at 9 A.M., and audience members may only save seats after that time. Any towels, sheets, or items left to save space before that time will be picked up by security and taken to the lost and found. Caution tape is used by Mountain Play security staff, and if it is found around seats, it will be removed. Instead, blankets, beach towels, small signs, or other kinds of tape are excellent ways to set seats aside for your group.
TL;DR
What’s most important to remember:
- Arrive after 9 A.M.
- One person can save ten seats and no more
- You may not use caution tape to save seats – Security will remove it.
If you don’t want to worry about saving seats for you and your party, consider purchasing reserved seating. Click here for more information about Reserved Seating.
Absolutely! Stadium seats (aka LEGLESS and cushioned) are available for purchase ($50) or rent ($10). Find our friendly Stadium Seat Booth stand at the top of the entry path.
Remember that we do not allow “legged” seats or chairs. If you bring your own, ensure they have NO LEGS like the ones pictured here. Finally, other ideal seats include blankets, cushions, or sheets – they make good picnic areas!
Over its 100-year history, the Mountain Play has primarily performed in the Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre on Mount Tamalpais or the same clearing pre-stone seat installation.
However, the Mountain Play has been expanding its “off the mountain” offerings. In 2019, 2021, and 2022, Mountain Play produced or co-produced shows in The Barn Theatre, home of the Ross Valley Players, on the grounds of the Marin Art and Garden Center.
Bring a group of 10 or more for significant savings. When purchasing tickets in a group of 10 or more General Seating Tickets, a $2 discount will automatically apply to every General Seating Adult and Senior ticket. Youth Tickets are not discounted but count towards the 10-ticket group discount minimum.
If you want to bring a group larger than 25, please contact our office so we can discuss your transportation and planning.
(415) 383 – 1100 or email [email protected]
The Mountain Play is a nonprofit Theatre Company in Marin County, California. Established in 1913, the Mountain Play has brought Theatre to a natural Amphitheatre – with stone seating added in the 1930s- for over a century. To read more about our history and our mission statement, click here.
All shows begin at 2 P.M.
The front gate and box office open at 9 A.M.
Pre-show performances on the Main Stage are at 12:30 P.M. Details TBA.
Tickets to the Mountain Play can be purchased online or over the phone. We do not have a physical Box Office to sell tickets in person until 9 AM on the morning of each performance at the front gate of the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre.
To save the most on each General Seating ticket purchase Online. To buy Reserved Seating, call 415 383 1100.
While the venue is on a mountaintop, we do our best to accommodate wheelchairs and assist those with limited mobility. Traveling to and from the front gate to the wheelchair platform does require traveling over a flat but natural dirt path. The main entry path leads to a steep slope; please use the Golf Cart to travel from the front gate to the path into the theatre. Volunteers will be there to assist anyone in getting to the seats.
Prepare for your Day at the Mountain Play!
The Mountain Play suggestions are listed on the Your Visit page, Linked Here!
Bringing a picnic is a part of the mountain play experience for many. We also have food, drink, and treats available for sale as fundraisers for the Mountain Play and other local organizations. Remember to bring water, being at the altitude of the amphitheater does dehydrate you faster than when you are at sea level.
Restrooms at the Venue
Year-round there is an ADA Bathroom near the amphitheater, maintained by the California State Park personnel. During the performances, the Mountain Play provides extra portable restrooms in the same area to the right of the theatre, as well as a hand washing station.
Photo and video recording of the performance is not allowed as a part of the agreement with the rights owners for the show and the actors’ union. Enjoy the nature around you and take photos of yourself and your friends before the show.
Most of the Amphitheatre is General Seating, meaning first come, first served. When you purchase General Seating online, that ticket is for any unclaimed space when you arrive.
Our Reserved Seating sections are marked off and available to purchase over the phone only. These reserved seats included a stadium seat rental and are each in different parts of the theatre; please review our seating map for more about these sections. Theatre Seating Map
No. Pets are not allowed at Mountain Play performances. Hikers with pets may pass through the Theatre, but anyone whose pet disturbs other audience members or performers will be asked to leave. Pets may not be left in cars outside the amphitheater. Service Animals are not considered pets and are allowed into the theatre. The owner and pet will be instructed to go if a pet disturbs a working service animal.