Ordway Center in South Minneapolis: Performing Arts – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, located in the heart of Saint Paul—not South Minneapolis—is one of Minnesota’s most iconic cultural landmarks and a cornerstone of the Upper Midwest’s performing arts scene. Despite common misconceptions about its location, the Ordway is a world-class venue that hosts Broadway tours, symphony concerts, opera performances, dance recitals, and community education programs. For patrons, donors, and partners seeking assistance, the official customer support team is dedicated to ensuring seamless experiences before, during, and after every performance. This comprehensive guide provides accurate contact information, service access details, industry impact, and answers to frequently asked questions about the Ordway Center’s official customer support channels.

Introduction: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts – History, Legacy, and Cultural Impact

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors in 1985, named in honor of James S. Ordway, a prominent local businessman and arts philanthropist. Located at 345 Washington Street in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, the venue was conceived as a flagship cultural institution to elevate the region’s artistic profile and provide a permanent home for the Minnesota Opera and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Over the decades, the Ordway has evolved into a multidisciplinary arts complex that welcomes over 300,000 patrons annually.

Unlike many regional theaters, the Ordway operates as both a presenting and producing organization. It doesn’t merely host touring Broadway shows—it co-produces original works, nurtures local talent, and invests heavily in arts education through its Community Engagement programs. The venue features two primary performance spaces: the 1,700-seat Concert Hall and the 750-seat McKnight Theatre, each designed with acoustics and sightlines optimized for immersive experiences.

The Ordway’s impact extends beyond entertainment. It is a vital economic engine for the Twin Cities, generating over $100 million annually in direct and indirect economic activity. The center employs more than 200 full-time staff and supports hundreds of freelance artists, technicians, and vendors each season. Its educational outreach programs reach over 50,000 students annually through school partnerships, in-school residencies, and free youth ticket initiatives.

While the Ordway is often mistakenly associated with South Minneapolis due to its proximity to the metro area’s broader cultural corridor, it is geographically and administratively situated in Saint Paul. This distinction is important for visitors navigating public transit, parking, and local accommodations. However, its accessibility from both cities—via I-94, the Green Line light rail, and regional bus routes—makes it a shared cultural asset for the entire metropolitan region.

Why Ordway Center in Saint Paul: Performing Arts Customer Support is Unique

The customer support experience at the Ordway Center is not just about answering phone calls or resolving ticketing issues—it’s about cultivating a relationship between the arts and the community. What sets the Ordway apart from other performing arts centers is the depth, personalization, and cultural sensitivity embedded in its customer care philosophy.

First, the Ordway’s support team is trained not only in ticketing systems and venue logistics but also in the artistic context of every performance. Whether a caller is asking about the historical background of a Broadway musical or the significance of a dance choreography, representatives are equipped with curated knowledge to enhance the patron’s understanding and appreciation.

Second, accessibility is prioritized at every level. The customer support team offers multilingual assistance, including Spanish-language support, and works closely with the venue’s accessibility services to accommodate patrons with visual, hearing, mobility, or cognitive impairments. This includes real-time coordination with sign language interpreters, audio description services, and sensory-friendly performances.

Third, the Ordway’s support model is proactive rather than reactive. Through digital newsletters, personalized email reminders, and pre-show welcome calls for season ticket holders, the team anticipates needs before they arise. For example, if a performance is delayed due to weather, patrons receive automated alerts via SMS and email, followed by a personalized call from a support specialist to assist with rescheduling or transportation concerns.

Fourth, the Ordway treats every interaction as an opportunity for community building. Customer service representatives are encouraged to share behind-the-scenes insights—such as upcoming artist meet-and-greets, post-show talkbacks, or volunteer opportunities—to deepen engagement beyond the performance itself.

Finally, the center’s commitment to equity and inclusion is reflected in its customer support policies. Discounted ticket programs for low-income families, students, and seniors are administered with dignity and discretion. Support staff are trained to handle sensitive inquiries with empathy, ensuring no patron feels judged for their financial situation or background.

Customer Support Philosophy: Art, Access, and Advocacy

The Ordway Center’s customer service ethos can be distilled into three core principles: Art, Access, and Advocacy.

Art means understanding that every ticket purchase is an investment in culture. Support staff are not order-takers—they are ambassadors of the arts. They know the difference between a Puccini opera and a Sondheim musical, and they can explain why a particular production is groundbreaking.

Access means removing barriers. Whether it’s helping a senior citizen navigate online ticketing, arranging wheelchair seating with companion options, or providing large-print programs, the support team ensures that no one is excluded from experiencing live performance.

Advocacy means speaking up for patrons. If a customer has a complaint about seating, sound quality, or service, the Ordway doesn’t just apologize—it investigates, improves, and follows up. The customer care team has direct access to venue management and frequently implements feedback into operational changes.

This holistic approach transforms customer support from a functional necessity into a core component of the Ordway’s mission: to make the performing arts accessible, meaningful, and transformative for everyone.

Ordway Center in Saint Paul: Performing Arts – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

To ensure patrons receive timely, accurate, and compassionate assistance, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts provides multiple official channels for customer support. Below are the verified, up-to-date contact details for all official support services. Please note that these are the only authorized numbers—avoid third-party websites or unverified listings that may charge fees or provide outdated information.

Official Ticketing and Customer Service Helpline

Toll-Free Number: 1-800-228-8677

This is the primary helpline for all ticketing inquiries, including purchases, exchanges, refunds, group sales, and accessibility accommodations. The line is staffed Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM CT, and Saturday through Sunday, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM CT. During performances, extended hours are available until 9:00 PM CT to assist with last-minute issues.

Callers can expect to speak directly with a live representative—no automated menus for ticketing. The team is trained to handle everything from forgotten passwords to last-minute seating changes.

General Inquiries and Administrative Support

Phone: (651) 224-4222

This number is for non-ticketing inquiries, including venue rentals, sponsorships, donor relations, educational programs, and employment opportunities. It is monitored during regular business hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT. Voicemail is returned within 24–48 hours.

Accessibility Services Hotline

Toll-Free: 1-888-899-5273

Dedicated exclusively to patrons requiring accessibility accommodations, this line connects callers with the Ordway’s Accessibility Coordinator. Services include wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, captioning, audio description, and sensory-friendly performance scheduling. Available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT. Emergency requests during performances can be directed to the Box Office at (651) 224-4222.

Donor and Membership Support

Phone: (651) 224-4224

For current donors, members, and patrons interested in contributing to the Ordway’s mission, this line provides personalized support for gift processing, tax receipts, membership benefits, and planned giving. Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT.

Online Support and Live Chat

In addition to phone support, the Ordway offers a secure, real-time live chat feature on its official website: www.ordway.org. The chat is available during box office hours and is staffed by the same team that answers the phone. No login is required.

Email Support

Email: info@ordway.org

For non-urgent inquiries, patrons may email the general information desk. Response time is typically within 2 business days. For ticketing issues, please include your order number and performance date for faster resolution.

How to Reach Ordway Center in Saint Paul: Performing Arts – Official Customer Support Support

Reaching the Ordway Center’s official customer support team is designed to be simple, intuitive, and responsive. Whether you prefer speaking to a live person, sending an email, or using digital tools, multiple pathways ensure you’ll always get the help you need.

1. Calling the Toll-Free Number

The most direct and efficient method is calling the toll-free number: 1-800-228-8677. This line is monitored during all box office hours and connects you to trained specialists who can assist with:

• Ticket purchases and exchanges
• Seating upgrades or changes
• Lost or forgotten tickets
• Group discounts for 10+ people
• Accessibility accommodations
• Refunds due to cancellations or weather delays

Callers are not placed on hold for extended periods. If all representatives are busy, you’ll receive a callback within 15 minutes.

2. Visiting the Box Office In Person

For those who prefer face-to-face interaction, the Ordway’s Box Office is located at 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102. It is open:

• Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• On performance days: Open until 30 minutes after curtain

Visitors can purchase tickets, pick up will-call orders, request accessibility services, and speak directly with a customer service manager. Free parking is available in the Ordway Ramp (entrance on Jackson Street), and the venue is fully ADA-compliant.

3. Using the Online Portal

The Ordway’s online ticketing system at www.ordway.org/tickets allows patrons to manage their accounts, view upcoming events, print or download mobile tickets, and request exchanges or refunds. The portal also features:

• Interactive seating maps
• Performance runtimes and content advisories
• Season subscription packages
• Donation and membership portals

If you encounter technical difficulties, use the “Help” button on the website to initiate live chat or submit a support ticket.

4. Social Media and Messaging

The Ordway maintains active, monitored profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@OrdwayCenter). While these channels are not for ticketing transactions, they are excellent for:

• Reporting service issues
• Asking general questions
• Receiving real-time updates on weather delays or cancellations

Responses are typically provided within 2–4 hours during business days. For urgent matters, always call the toll-free number.

5. Mailing and Written Correspondence

For formal inquiries, donor documentation, or legal correspondence:

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Attn: Customer Support Department

345 Washington Street

Saint Paul, MN 55102

Letters are processed within 5–7 business days. Please include your full name, contact information, and reference number if applicable.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

While the Ordway Center primarily serves patrons in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, it occasionally hosts international touring companies and welcomes visitors from around the globe. To assist international callers, the Ordway provides a global directory of contact options.

International Calling Instructions

To reach the Ordway’s toll-free number from outside the United States:

• Dial your country’s international access code (e.g., 00 from the UK, 011 from Canada/Mexico)
• Then dial: 1-800-228-8677
• Note: Toll-free numbers are not free from outside the U.S. Standard international rates apply.

For a more cost-effective option, use the following international direct line:

International Direct Line: +1-651-224-4222

This number is monitored during U.S. business hours and can be dialed directly from most countries. It connects to the same support team as the domestic line.

Time Zone Information

The Ordway operates in the Central Time Zone (CT). Please adjust accordingly:

• Eastern Time (ET): +1 hour
• Mountain Time (MT): -1 hour
• Pacific Time (PT): -2 hours
• London (GMT): +6 hours
• Paris (CET): +7 hours
• Tokyo (JST): +15 hours
• Sydney (AEST): +17 hours

Language Support for International Patrons

The Ordway offers limited multilingual support for non-English speakers:

• Spanish: Available via phone during box office hours
• French and German: Available by appointment via email (info@ordway.org)
• Other languages: Interpreter services can be arranged with 48 hours’ notice

Patrons from abroad are encouraged to email inquiries in advance to ensure accurate translation and timely response.

About Ordway Center in Saint Paul: Performing Arts – Key Industries and Achievements

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is more than a theater—it’s a multi-industry hub that intersects culture, education, technology, tourism, and economic development. Its influence spans several key sectors, each contributing to its national reputation and community impact.

1. Performing Arts Production

The Ordway is a leading presenter of Broadway touring productions in the Midwest. Since 2000, it has hosted over 200 Broadway shows, including multiple Tony Award-winning productions such as “Hamilton,” “The Lion King,” “Wicked,” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” It also produces its own original works, including the acclaimed musical “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” and the annual holiday favorite “A Christmas Carol,” which has become a regional tradition.

2. Classical Music and Opera

The Ordway is the permanent home of the Minnesota Opera and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. It has presented over 1,200 opera performances and 800+ orchestral concerts since 1985. In 2019, the Ordway received the National Medal of Arts—the highest honor given to arts organizations by the U.S. government—for its contributions to American culture.

3. Arts Education and Community Engagement

Through its “Ordway Education” division, the center reaches over 50,000 students annually. Programs include:

• “Arts for All” – Free or reduced-price tickets for Title I schools
• “Young Artists Program” – Scholarships for high school performers
• “Teaching Artists in Residence” – In-school workshops
• “Open Rehearsals” – Public access to dress rehearsals

In 2023, the Ordway launched “Voices of the Future,” a new initiative to amplify underrepresented voices in theater and music, funded by a $2 million grant from the Mellon Foundation.

4. Tourism and Economic Development

The Ordway is a major driver of tourism in Saint Paul. According to a 2022 study by the University of Minnesota, the center generates:

• $108 million in annual economic impact
• 1,200+ full-time equivalent jobs
• Over $20 million in local business revenue (restaurants, hotels, parking)
• 25% of out-of-state visitors cite the Ordway as their primary reason for visiting Saint Paul

5. Technology and Innovation

The Ordway has invested heavily in digital infrastructure:

• Mobile ticketing via QR codes and Apple Wallet
• Live-streamed performances for remote audiences
• AI-powered chatbot for basic inquiries (24/7)
• Accessible streaming with closed captioning and audio description

In 2021, the Ordway became the first performing arts center in the Midwest to offer fully accessible virtual performances for patrons with disabilities.

6. Sustainability and Green Operations

The Ordway is committed to environmental responsibility:

• LEED Gold-certified building
• 100% renewable energy for operations
• Zero single-use plastic in concessions
• Composting and recycling programs serving 95% of patrons

These initiatives have earned the Ordway recognition from the Green Theater Initiative and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Global Service Access

While the Ordway Center is physically located in Saint Paul, its services extend globally through digital innovation and international partnerships.

Virtual Performances and On-Demand Streaming

Since 2020, the Ordway has offered a robust digital platform: www.ordway.org/stream. Patrons worldwide can purchase access to archived performances, including full-length operas, ballets, and concerts. All streaming content includes:

• Multiple language subtitle options
• Audio description tracks
• High-definition video quality
• Secure, DRM-protected viewing

Streaming access is available via desktop, mobile, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire Stick.

International Partnerships

The Ordway collaborates with arts institutions across five continents:

• Co-productions with the Royal Opera House (London)
• Artist exchanges with the National Ballet of Canada
• Residencies with Japanese noh theater troupes
• Educational partnerships with universities in Germany and Brazil

These partnerships enable global audiences to experience the Ordway’s productions and allow international artists to bring their work to Minnesota.

Global Donor and Membership Network

The Ordway accepts international donations and offers global membership tiers. Contributors from over 40 countries support its mission through:

• Wire transfers (USD)
• Credit card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
• Planned giving via international estate planning

Donors receive digital membership cards, exclusive streaming content, and invitations to virtual donor events.

24/7 Digital Support Infrastructure

Though live phone support is limited to U.S. business hours, the Ordway’s digital systems operate globally:

• AI-powered chatbot answers common questions in English, Spanish, and French
• Automated email responses for ticketing, donations, and accessibility requests
• Online FAQ database with video tutorials
• Global time-zone-aware event calendars

Patrons outside the U.S. are encouraged to use these digital tools for immediate assistance.

FAQs

Q1: Is the Ordway Center located in South Minneapolis?

No, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is located in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, at 345 Washington Street. While it is part of the broader Twin Cities metro area and easily accessible from Minneapolis, it is not in South Minneapolis. Many confuse its location due to its proximity to the I-94 corridor and shared cultural identity with Minneapolis.

Q2: What is the official customer support phone number for the Ordway Center?

The official toll-free customer support number for ticketing and general inquiries is 1-800-228-8677. For accessibility services, call 1-888-899-5273. Always verify numbers on the official website: www.ordway.org.

Q3: Can I get a refund if I can’t attend a performance?

Refunds are only available if a performance is canceled or rescheduled by the Ordway. Exchanges are permitted for season ticket holders and single-ticket buyers under certain conditions. All policies are outlined at www.ordway.org/tickets/policies.

Q4: Does the Ordway offer discounted tickets for students or seniors?

Yes. Students with valid ID can purchase discounted tickets for select performances. Seniors (65+) receive discounts on most shows. Additionally, the “Arts for All” program provides deeply discounted or free tickets to qualifying low-income families.

Q5: How do I request accessibility services?

Call the Accessibility Hotline at 1-888-899-5273 or email accessibility@ordway.org at least 72 hours in advance. Services include wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, large-print programs, audio description, and sensory-friendly performances.

Q6: Can I purchase tickets for international visitors?

Yes. International visitors can purchase tickets online using major credit cards. The box office can assist with currency conversion and international shipping for physical tickets (if applicable).

Q7: Are there parking options near the Ordway?

Yes. The Ordway Ramp (345 Washington Street) offers secure, covered parking. Rates are $12 for events, with validation available at the Box Office. Additional public parking is available on surrounding streets.

Q8: How do I donate to the Ordway Center?

Visit www.ordway.org/donate to make a one-time or recurring donation. You can also call the Donor Services line at (651) 224-4224 or mail a check to the address listed in the “How to Reach” section.

Q9: Does the Ordway offer virtual performances?

Yes. The Ordway’s streaming platform, www.ordway.org/stream, offers on-demand access to past performances with closed captioning and audio description. New titles are added regularly.

Q10: What should I do if I lose my tickets?

Contact the Box Office immediately at 1-800-228-8677. If your tickets were purchased online, they can be reissued to your email or mobile device. Will-call tickets can be retrieved at the venue with photo ID and order confirmation.

Conclusion: The Ordway Center as a Beacon of Artistic Access and Community Service

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts stands as a testament to the enduring power of live performance and the vital role of compassionate customer service in the arts. Far more than a venue, it is a living institution that connects people through music, drama, dance, and storytelling—regardless of background, ability, or geography.

Its official customer support team is not a back-office function but a frontline expression of its mission: to make the performing arts accessible to all. From the toll-free helpline that answers a child’s first ticket inquiry to the accessibility hotline that ensures a blind patron can experience a symphony, every interaction reflects a deep commitment to equity, excellence, and empathy.

As the cultural landscape continues to evolve—with digital streaming, global audiences, and shifting economic realities—the Ordway remains steadfast in its dedication to human connection. Whether you’re a local resident, a tourist from abroad, or a donor halfway across the world, your voice matters to the Ordway. And its doors, both physical and virtual, remain open.

For the latest updates, performance schedules, and direct access to customer care, always visit the official website: www.ordway.org. Support the arts. Experience the magic. And never hesitate to reach out—you’re not just a customer. You’re part of the community.