This year we are returning to the Alberta Abbey, where we performed last year’s Midwinter Revels production, Emerald Odyssey. The space embodies the Revels spirit of community by allowing audience members to really feel like they’re part of the show and form closer connections with the performers. However, as a historic building, it also has some challenges. Below are some of our Frequently Asked Questions about the facility – read on to learn more about what to expect and what we have planned for this year!
Where is Alberta Abbey?
The Alberta Abbey is located in NE Portland’s King Neighborhood, 2 blocks west of MLK Blvd on Alberta. It is a historical building that has served the neighborhood for many years. The street address is 126 NE Alberta Street.
Where should I park?
Neighborhood parking is available around the theatre. There is also a Natural Grocers a few blocks away at 5055 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., and they have agreed to allow our patrons to park in their parking lot during our shows. (See map below)
How do I get to the theatre if I am not driving?
Bike racks are available in front of the main entrance and there is a Biketown rack just a couple blocks away.
The theatre is available via Public Transit Lines: 6, 72, 44
What time should I arrive, where do I go and what should I expect?
We encourage patrons to arrive between 20 and 35 minutes BEFORE curtain time. This will help to prevent a long line from forming outside of the building, and get you and your party in out of the cold more quickly.
Unless you are entering through ADA entrance, come to the main door (on Alberta St.) to check in by last name. Please have either your digital tickets pulled up or printed tickets in hand when you arrive at the theatre so that we can check you in quickly, and our ushers can help you find your seats.
There are two seating areas – the main floor and the balcony. It is important to note that the balcony is NOT ADA accessible. To reach the balcony, patrons must ascend a staircase – there is no elevator in the building.
Have there been any changes to the space since last year?
We are pleased to share that Alberta Abbey has replaced the cushions of the seats on the main floor, and that this year we will be providing cushions for all balcony seats. These improvements are aimed at making our audience more comfortable while viewing the production.
We have reduced the number of seats on the main floor of the theatre, which will improve people flow in and out of the space.
Our director and sound designer have plans to address some of the auditory issues that were reported last year through strategic speaker placement, as well as changes to equipment to better fit the nature of the acoustics at Alberta Abbey.
Where are the bathrooms in Alberta Abbey?
The Alberta Abbey has only 5 bathroom stalls available for our audience – 2 upstairs in the balcony, one on the main floor, and 2 on the lower level. This has led to very long lines at intermission. We encourage patrons to use facilities prior to arriving, or as soon as you enter the building, in order to shorten the lines at intermission.
This year we are asking that those who are able to easily navigate stairs use the bathrooms in the balcony or those on the lower level, reserving the main floor bathroom for those with mobility challenges.
Can we purchase food and drink on site? What else is available in the lobby?
Inside Alberta Abbey there is a café where concessions will be sold. In addition, our annual gift shop and raffle will be open from an hour before each performance, as well as during intermission. The gift shop will feature work by local artisans, including many members of the Revels community! Norse Fire clothing and mugs will also be available to order. Stay tuned for more about our raffle prizes!
Is the space ADA accessible? What about ADA accessible parking?
Yes, the main floor of Alberta Abbey is ADA accessible. The ADA Accessible entrance is on the Mallory Avenue side of the building (see map below). Outside of this entrance there will be an ADA accessible drop-off zone, where patrons can drop off members of their party before going to park. There will also be a few ADA accessible parking spots for our patrons to use during the show. The Mallory Avenue entrance is ramped and leads into the main theater.
If a member of my party uses a wheelchair or has mobility challenges, what should they expect?
All patrons who purchase wheelchair and companion seats will be contacted by our Box Office in order to discuss your arrival and ensure that your experience in the theatre is comfortable, straightforward and enjoyable! This service will also be provided to any patron who makes a note in their ticket order, or who contacts us about using the ADA entrance.
Anyone who does not want to/is unable to navigate stairs is welcome to use the ADA entrance. If a member of your party plans to use the ADA entrance, but is NOT purchasing an ADA seat, please make a note in your order or contact our Box Office at 503-274-4654.
The ADA entrance is staffed with an usher who will greet patrons at the ADA entrance, escort them into the theatre and assist them in finding their seats.
The main floor seating, café, gift shop, and main floor bathroom are all fully accessible. Please note that the balcony is NOT ADA accessible. Anyone who is unable or uncomfortable navigating stairs should purchase tickets on the main floor.
