First Time Guests

While going to the Niswonger is certainly a special occasion, there is no required dress code. Some people enjoy dressing up and making a special night of it, and others feel more comfortable in khakis and jeans. 

Late-arriving guests can truly dampen the magic and the mood that is created when the lights go down and a performance starts. We recommend planning your travel so that you arrive in Van Wert at least 30 minutes before showtime. The lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to show time; seating areas open 30 minutes prior to showtime. With the schedule we recommend above, you'll arrive with plenty of time to find your seat, get settled, or enjoy a pre-show drink or a light snack from the concession. Most shows require that our ushers hold late arrivals in the lobby until a suitable pause in the program. The timing of allowing late arrivals into the seating area is determined by the show and designed to cause as little disruption as possible to other guests and the performers on stage.

We invite you to enjoy drinks and light snacks before the show in the Grand Lobby or Upper Lobby.

Concessions: Our partners Convoy Road Coffee Roasters and Rhonda's Sweet Treats provide coffee and cookies for sale. Stop by the Concession Stand to purchase yours before, during intermission, or after the show. You can select from variety of flavors, including some that are exclusive to The Niswonger! For recommended pre-show dining options, please visit the Make Plans page.

The ambient temperature at the Niswonger is held between 70-74 degrees. This is affected by lobby doors and the number of warm bodies in the environment. At the very least, a warm jacket is recommended or a heavy coat when colder temperatures set in. As a matter of convenience, we offer a Coat Check for coats and umbrellas in the Grand Lobby complementary for all guests.

Most shows usually last two to three hours, and many have an intermission including almost all Broadway shows. Any exception to this show length will be mentioned in the event description page.

Intermissions for most shows move very quickly and commonly run just 15-20 minutes. While we wish we could extend these breaks, each show we host sets a very strict schedule from which we cannot vary. Within the time allowed, you can socialize with your companions, get a drink or a snack in the lobby, or simply stay in your seat and relax so you'll be ready for the second half of the show.

There are men's and women's restrooms in both the Grand Lobby and Upper Lobby. There is also a Family Restroom in the Upper Lobby. The Women's is located on the West end of the Lobbies and the Men's is located on the East end of the lobbies. Lines do form, so please plan accordingly.

For taller guests looking for more legroom, the Box Office can recommend seating based on seat configurations and availability. Please contact 419-238-NPAC or email boxoffice@npacvw.org to inquire on your options.

The Niswonger offers family-friendly entertainment. However, not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every guest or for all ages. Ticket buyers should take responsibility for making informed decisions regarding their purchases. We recommend visiting the official website of each show, or for popular Broadway shows, websites like Broadway.com are a good resource to learn more about the show you are coming to see at the Niswonger. If you ever have questions about the content or appropriateness of a show, please contact us at boxoffice@npacvw.org.

At the Niswonger, we're committed to Guest Courtesy. Please follow these rules when attending any of our events:

Once the show starts, please let the stage be the center of attention. We ask that you turn off all cell phones and limit conversation. If children are attending this performance with you please exit the theater immediately if they become restless or talkative.

Please also save texting until AFTER the show. The light from phones is distracting to others throughout the theater. Please keep them turned off.

Children three and under are granted admission without a ticket so long as they are held by an adult ticket-holder. The VWAPAF reserves the right to preclude the attendance of children under the age of 5 years determined by the nature of the performance. Guardians will be asked to remove their child/children if they cause disruptions for other ticket-holders during a performance.

Generally, no photography or recording is allowed. On occassion, an artist may give permission from the stage or in advance. Please see the event detail page for artist specific information.  All electronic devices (cell phones, smart phones, tablets, digital cameras) must be in silence mode before entering the seating area.