Shari Gasper
Six ways to have a stress-free visit to Overture
June 12, 2024
When you visit Overture, we want you to have the best experience possible. Once you’ve been here a few times, you get to know the ins and outs of Overture, but if you’re somewhat new to Overture, we hope the following tips help make your visit stress-free.
1) Before you leave home, log in to your Overture account to access your mobile tickets. We have free WiFi, but it’s faster to have your tickets ready when you get here. You can even email tickets to your guests in advance of the show, so everyone can manage their own ticket.
2) Ever approach a city parking garage only to wait in a line down the block? That’s nerve wracking when you’re in a hurry to get to the show. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before showtime to beat the lines into the parking garages. (And sometimes, if you’re really early, you may even nab free street parking!)
- The Overture Center ramp between West Dayton and Mifflin Street and the State Street Capitol ramp on the corner of State and East Dayton are your best options for parking. These city-operated ramps usually offer $10 event parking, which is paid upon entry via cash or credit card.
- How do you get inside Overture? From the Overture Center ramp, walk down Dayton St. or Mifflin St. toward Overture. Turn left on Henry St. The entrance is past the large garage doors across the street from Shine United. From the State Street Capitol ramp, walk down Dayton St. and cross State Street to enter.
- For more information, including real-time parking availability, visit the City of Madison parking utility website.
- Using Madison Metro Transit Lines? Try these mobile appsto help plan your route. Routes and schedules are also located here!
- Street parking is free after 6 p.m., so there’s a good chance you can find free parking if you head downtown around that time of day. You can use the extra time to grab a drink, shop or eat dinner.
3) Speaking of dinner, if you plan to eat out before the show, make a reservation at a restaurant in advance.
- Let your server know you have tickets to a show at Overture and the start time. This helps the server better accommodate your schedule and help you get to the show on time.
4) Dress in layers so you can cool down (take off the sweater) or warm up (put the sweater back on) according to the temperature in the theater.
- Our goal is to achieve 64-68 degrees on the stage and 68-70 in the house. Sometimes our performers ask for cooler temperatures for their safety.
- In addition, we circulate 100% fresh air through our houses, and that air temperature/humidity dramatically affects temperature.
5) Make the most of your experience by reading up ahead of time on the artists, the show and repertoire.
- Our blogs frequently highlight content relevant to upcoming events.
- Plus, most shows offer a digital or printed program with cast members and bios.
6) Check out our online accessibility services in advance.
- Our website shares how to obtain assistive listening devices, audio description devices, sensory kits (with noise-filtering head setts, assorted fidgets, weighted lap mats), large-print programs and wheelchairs as well as locations of family restrooms and lounges.
Don’t hesitate to ask guest services staff if you have questions or need assistance to make your visit more comfortable. We are here to help make every visit to Overture an extraordinary one. We look forward to seeing you at Overture soon!