Paramount Center for the Arts — Attraction in St. Cloud

They have a wide variety of Theatre & Visual Arts programming to check out. Lots of performances and free events for the public.

Unfortunately, the latest event that I attended left a sour taste. I bought tickets last spring. I had a misunderstanding about timing of the events, and I'm sure that because I bought them so far in advance I may have lost some details, but that in itself wasn't the problem.

When I brought it up to a group of volunteers that the time on my ticket did not correspond to the time the concert was supposed to start, let alone the doors open, they seemed to treat me like I was lying about the discrepancy on the timing of the night's events. When I showed them the ticket, which showed that I was correct, all the person I was speaking to could say was, "Oh," and offer me free beverages and snacks, rather than a solid apology or an offer to make things, since there was a hour and a half difference between what my ticket said and what the event actually was.

While in the area where the street was closed off, not once, but twice I was asked, ”Are you supposed to be here?" One of the volunteers, even went as far as to ask me whether I worked at the Regency. This felt like a rather offensive thing to assume, since there were no events happening there at the time, implying that I was a janitor or evening labor, rather than a ticket holder. Of course, once I mentioned that I was a ticket holder the tone changed, but the fact that I was basically profiled as someone who didn't belong there, didn't feel very welcoming or inclusive.

While I understand that parts of the street required ticketing, I did have my tickets. A lot of the staff consists of volunteers. It would have been nice to train them to say something like, "Good evening and welcome to the Paramount. Could you please show me your tickets before entering this area?" What was actually said felt incredibly discourteous, and made me and my companion feel profiled. I was so upset by the whole experience, that I decided to go home, and eat the $120 I spent on the two tickets I bought. Truly a disappointing experience.

I realize that the Paramount has been making great efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, which I appreciate. Unfortunately, the local culture in St Cloud is not necessarily the most enlightened. It would be helpful to coach volunteers and teach them how to deal with the diverse audience that this venue is trying to court. Normally my experiences at the Paramount have been very positive, but this time I see a lot of room for improvement.

I spoke with Bob at the Paramount at Great length about this issue. He was very responsive and was willing to listen. He informed me about the work that has been done so far, but he is aware that there's a lot more work to be done before this venue is truly inclusive and welcoming to...

No handicapped parking whatsoever. Handicapped parking is essential for people with mobility issues. Only handicapped parking spaces available are by Germaine Towers Apartments and are designated only for tenants there which are close to the building. Otherwise this is a nice theater although overcrowded. But do not go here in the winter as with no handicapped parking and having to walk where you darnn need get hit by cars coming in and having to step over curbs in the winter thus us a icy fall and Hazzard waiting to happen. If it was not for my mom enjoying a play once or twice a year I would not come back and I will only come in fall and in spring as I do not want to fall in the winter and my main issue is no handicapped parking and having to walk over curbs and thru adjoining lots just to get to the close s to the closest door from the...

Extremely disappointed - reserved early for good seats - 2nd row, and in the center - only to find an obstructed view. Something on the stage - right in the middle - maybe strobe light, or monitor - BUT it totally blocked the view of things going on in the center of the stage. Had been excited to take my grand-daughter to see the Nutcracker Suite - but she is much shorter than me, and could only see the dancers upper half. So sad to not be able to see the ballet steps. For such a great theatre, to put an obstruction in the way makes no sense. I definitely would have selected seats 15 rows back if I had known that we would have such an obstructed view...