Spreckels Performing Arts Center — Attraction in Rohnert Park

NOT ADA compliant - My family recently went to see a Sunday matinee performed in the smaller Condiotti Theatre. This theatre is open seating, which is "first come first served" for seating. We got there early because a member of our party is disabled and walks with a cane and needs a handicap accessible seat. I knew from previous experience that only the front row and the 1st row of the balcony is handicap accessible, because there is no railing whatsoever going up and down the stairs to the 2nd and 3rd level of the balcony. When we entered the theatre, ALL the handicap accessible seat were reserved for a group from Oakmont, who were not handicapped. We had to sit on the 2nd level with much difficulty. A handicapped woman behind me on the 3rd level had to lean on my shoulder to get down the steps. I think it is quite dangerous to force handicapped people to climb stairs with no rail, due to their current policy of "reserving" the accessible seats behind-the-scenes for groups who do not need them, but want...

While the theater provides a great audio/viewing experience from a technical perspective, the admin has created the most inhospitable environment -- ushers seem to have been trained to "catch you." I've never experienced such power-tripping in ensuring tickets and seats. When saving seats for a mom next to me, the usher said "well, I'll be back to check." When I bought a ticket to my own show after dancing, apparently there was an arbitrary policy about someone joining the audience even with an over-priced ticket. Admin sounds a little too aggressive in regulating. Calm down, everyone... we're adjacent to the community center in Rohnert Park. This isn't Madison Square Gardens... should someone manage to sneak in, I'm sure the world will still turn.

PS- refill the soap before...

The Codding theatre is a nice size, has comfortable seats and provides a good view from nearly every location. My low rating is due to the freezing temperature endured during an afternoon performance yesterday. We were told the heat could not be turned on due to roof work. That's understandable but it would have been very helpful if signs were posted explaining the situation and we had been informed when purchasing tickets so we could have come prepared with heavy coats or blankets. I have often been cold viewing performances in the smaller theatre at Spreckles, but yesterday really affected our ability to enjoy the show. Bring extra layers...