a performance in the prior

Frequently Asked Questions

Prior Performing Arts Center

Where is the Prior Performing Arts Center?

Prior Performing Arts Center is located on Holy Cross’s Upper Campus between the Hogan Campus Center and the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex at 1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610.

Where can I park?

Free visitor parking is available between the Hogan Campus Center and the Luth Athletic Complex. See campus map for additional parking locations. Please allow ample time for parking.

What is your policy on inclement weather during events?

In the rare event that we need to cancel or postpone an event due to a weather emergency, we will email ticket buyers and post to our Social Media pages as soon as this decision is made. Please note that there are no refunds for performances that take place as scheduled.

Ticketing & Box Office

How do I reserve tickets?

Tickets are available 24/7 online at priorperformingartscenter.org. Our website is the best method to purchase tickets to ensure fair and timely processing. Tickets will also be available for purchase in person at our box office table in the lobby beginning one hour before each performance, subject to availability. Certain free events also require ticket reservations; see individual event pages for more details.

What is your ticket refund policy?

All ticket purchases are a final sale. In the event of an event cancellation, all ticket-holders will have the opportunity to request a refund.

How will I receive my tickets after reserving them?

When purchasing tickets, you will have the option to have tickets held at Will Call, located at the box office table in the lobby beginning opening one hour before each performance, or to have tickets emailed to you in the form of a PDF file (one PDF per ticket). Emailed tickets may be printed out and brought to the venue or displayed on your mobile device for entry.

Note for College of the Holy Cross student, Non-HC Student, and Card to Culture discounted tickets: tickets will be held at Will Call for ID check.

Why is there a facility fee attached to my ticket order?

This charge helps to cover operational costs for our box office, including credit card commissions charged by banks. We aim to keep ticketing fees as low as possible and to be transparent about fees during the seat selection proess.

How do I reserve accessible seats?

Accessible seating can be purchased online 24/7 on our website. For events with reserved seating, please look to the seats that indicate accessible accommodations on the seating map to purchase. If you cannot transfer into a seat, but need it removed for a wheelchair, please email priorboxoffice@holycross.edu with your order number so we can have it ready for your arrival.

Please contact priorboxoffice@holycross.edu with any questions or other special requests, and we will reply to you within one business day of your request.

What if I can't find my tickets?

If you selected to have tickets emailed to you, please first check your spam filter and make sure your tickets are not there. If you are sure that you have lost your tickets, please contact priorboxoffice@holycross.edu so that our box office can print these tickets and hold them at the box office table as you arrive for the event. We do not offer ticket mailing at this time.

What is your late seating policy?

In an effort to offer an uninterrupted experience for our audience and out of respect for our artists, latecomers will be seated at the discretion of house management. We recommend arriving early to the Prior Performing Arts Center, and our lobby and box office table will open one hour before each performance. Doors to the theater will open beginning thirty minutes before the performance.

When is the Box Office open?

Walk-up sales are available at The Prior in The Beehive on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm-6pm as well as 90 minutes before each ticketed event. During scheduled academic breaks, the Box Office will be closed during this time.

Discounts for Holy Cross Students, Faculty, and Staff

Is there a student discount?

Holy Cross students receive a special ticket price of $5 for Prior Presents events and $10 for Tickets to Theater Department events. This offer is limited to 1 ticket per student per event, and facility fees apply. Select seating locations are available for this discount, and it is only available while supplies last.

Is there a faculty and staff discount?

Faculty and staff receive a 20% discount for up to two tickets per Prior Presents event. Faculty and staff also are able to purchase $10 tickets to Theatre Department events. Facility fees apply.

How do I redeem my discount?

Students, faculty and staff of the college will have their discounts applied upon logging in to their account online using Holy Cross Credential. You may also purchase additional, full-price tickets beyond your discount ticket limits in the same order.

How do I bring a group of my students to an event?

Faculty members wishing to bring a group of students to Prior Presents events should email priorboxoffice@holycross.edu. Please include in your email the event you wish to attend, the size of your group, and any other relevant information or requests.

Group requests from community groups are also welcome at priorboxoffice@holycross.edu.

Group tickets and accommodations are subject to availability and at the discretion of our box office.

Card to Culture Program

Does the Prior participate in the Card to Culture program?

Yes! The Prior Performing Arts Center is proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health’s WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of cultural organizations across Massachusetts by expanding cultural access for low-income and working families.

How does the program work?

EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders from any state in the U.S. can receive up to 4 discounted tickets at $5 each per card, subject to availability. A valid card must be presented when picking up tickets. The Card to Culture discount cannot be combined with any other offer. EBT card holders may use code “EBTCulture” in their online ticket order for the discount. WIC card holders may use code “WICCulture” in their online ticket order for the discount. ConnectorCare cardholders may use code “CCCulture” in their online ticket order for the discount.

Note: Card To Culture discounts may not be available for every seating section and/or every performance. Email priorboxoffice@holycross.edu or call (508) 793-3690 with any questions.

What other area organizations participate in Card to Culture?

Other participating organizations offering these discounts can be found at the following links: EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare.

Still Have Questions?

For more information on events at the Prior Performing Arts Center, please contact us at priorboxoffice@holycross.edu or call (508) 793-3690. We aim to answer inquiries within one business day of receipt.