Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Rules

Thomas Wolfe Auditorium works hard to keep a safe and welcoming atmosphere that will allow maximum enjoyment of shows and events. To help with this goal, they have created a set of guidelines and policies that all guests should read and adhere to. Failure to abide by venue rules and policies may result in expulsion from the venue without refund. If an event has any variations on the rules below, they will be detailed in the event description or program guide.

If you have any questions, please contact Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at 828-259-5736.

Accessibility Policy

USCC venues offer limited wheelchair accessible and companion seating as well as semi-ambulatory seating. The accessible seating is listed on the USCC Seating Chart available on this page. Please be aware that the balcony level of the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium does not have elevator access, so guests requiring a wheelchair or semi-ambulatory seating and are unable to take stairs should purchase tickets for the lower levels fo the venue.

The venue also offers assisted listening devices and/or interpreters that should be requested in advance of the event date. You may call the box office at 828-259-5736 for more details or to request assistance for your ticketed event.

Animal Policy

Pets are not allowed except for service animals helping persons with disabilities. Service animals must wear a leash and harness at all times and must accompany the guest at their seat rather than in the aisle. If a service animal poses a threat to staff or guests, then the service animal may be escorted off the property.

Arrival Policy

Arriving late may result in guests being asked to wait in the lobby until a designated break period. To avoid frustration, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium recommends that you arrive no later than 45 minutes before a ticketed event to make sure you have plenty of time to find parking and get to your seat.

Bag Policy

Bags are subject to search. Larger bags are not allowed as detailed in the prohibited item section below.

Camera Policy

Most events allow non-flash, still photography (disposable cameras, smartphones, etc.). Professional cameras with removable lenses are not allowed in most cases. At the event managers’ discretion, these rules may be modified or altered. Please refer to the event program or description for details.

Cancellation Policy

Thomas Wolfe Auditorium will make every effort to announce cancellations due to severe weather or artist cancellation as soon as possible. If your ticketed event is canceled, please call 828-259-5736 to ask about rescheduling or ticket refund procedures and policies. If you know that you can’t make it to an event, you can also call and ask to make an exchange.

Coat Check Policy

During certain events, a coat check station may be available for a small cash fee. Please refer to the event description or program to see if a coat check will be available for your ticketed event.

Flyers and Guest-Sales Policy
Guests and patrons are not allowed to pass out flyers, newsletters, or missives of any kind. Also, patrons may not sell their wares, services, or property anywhere on the premises. This includes the patio on the front of the venue.

Food Policy

Outside food and drink are not allowed in the theater for most events and shows. If a specific show or event allows drinks and refreshments, it will be discussed in the program guide. There are on-site concessions stands available for any refreshments you may need.


ID Policy

According to NC law, alcohol purchases require either a driver’s license, North Carolina special identification card, passport, or military ID card. Even with these IDs on hand, the venue reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who look too young or appear intoxicated. IDs are also required to enter the venue for most shows unless specifically labeled as an all-ages event.

Lost and Found Policy

Lost an item at an event? You can ask event staff for help with finding the lost and found service. You can also call 828-259-5736 Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Please be prepared to leave your full name, contact information, and a detailed description of your lost item. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium does not claim responsibility for your lost possessions.

Prohibited Items

Thomas Wolfe Auditorium restricts certain items to keep guests and event staff safe. Please refer to the list below for details. All bags and guests are subject to visual inspections and any prohibited items may be disposed of or returned to guest vehicles. To avoid frustration, please refer to the list below.

  • Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, pepper spray/mace, flares, and fireworks
  • Drugs and other illegal substances
  • Outside food and beverage, including cans, bottles, flasks, and coolers
  • Video or audio recording devices, laptops/computers
  • Noise making devices (i.e. air horns, drums, whistles, etc.)
  • Flashlights, laser pointers, and other distracting light-producing objects
  • Unapproved promotional pamphlets and/or product samples
  • Wheeled conveyances other than wheelchairs and strollers (i.e. skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, etc.); strollers are not permitted in seating areas
  • Large bags (i.e. backpacks, suitcases, luggage, etc); bags may not be larger than 12”x12”
  • Signs, banners, posters, flags, etc. may not be larger than 11”x17” and may not be attached to a stick; these items also may not be hung or attached to any part of the building, display obscene/offensive language and/or images, or obstruct the view of other guests
  • Other prohibited items: chairs, umbrellas, two-way radios, beach balls, balloons, permanent markers, and spray paint

Re-entry Policy

Except for certain day-long events (craft fairs, expos, trade shows, etc.) USCC venues have a strict No Re-Entry policy. If you have to return a prohibited item to your vehicle or need to exit and re-enter due to personal emergencies, please contact event coordinators or event staff to make arrangements. During events that allow re-entry, guests will have to have their hand stamped. Please contact event staff or refer to program guides for details for your upcoming ticketed event.

Seating Policy

Unless a specific event is general admission, guests must be seated in their assigned seats. During general admission events, seats are first-come-first-served.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not allowed at the venue. Event staff will happily direct you to designated smoking areas outside of the venue.