Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about the theatre, we’ve got answers for you! If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to e-mail us at tickets@dutchapple.com or give us a call at (717) 898-1900.

• Do you have a dress code?

  While some guests may dress up for a special celebration at Dutch Apple, we want you to be comfortable during your visit. Since we are located in a tourist destination, shorts are acceptable, however we ask that you wear a collared shirt - no tank tops; jackets not required!

• Can I bring my own food and beverage?

  It is our policy to not allow outside food or beverages in the lobby and theatre.
  
  We understand there are unique circumstances. To accommodate everyone, we include several meal options:
  
  Mainstage adult and children ticket pricing includes a full buffet that changes with each show title. Current menus are listed online.
  
  An a la carte appetizer menu is also always available at a nominal price.
  
  Thursday nights, we have a no-meal option. Show-only tickets are available.
  
  Children’s Theatre buffets cater to kids with favorites like hamburgers, pizza, chicken tenders, mac & cheese…sure to appease any picky eater.
  

• Are there any drinks included?

  Coffee, tea and iced tea are all included in your ticket price. We do have a full service bar as well with drinks available for purchase within the theatre. No outside food or drinks are permitted.

• What is your weather cancellation policy?

  If the show goes on, but you decide to cancel:
  We ask that you wait until the day of the show to see what happens with the weather. If you decide to cancel, call the box office at 717-898-1900 to reschedule your tickets. If you are unable to reschedule, the money paid towards the tickets will go onto your Dutch Apple account. Ticket money never expires and can be used towards any future purchase.
  Fees are incurred with either option.
  
  If we cancel a show:
  As soon as Dutch Apple cancels a show due to weather, an email will be sent, informing you of the cancellation. There will be posts on our website and social media accounts. All money paid towards tickets will be placed onto your Dutch Apple account for any future purchase, with no fees incurred. If you do not have an email on file, box office staff will call you to let you know of the show cancellation.
  

• Do you have bar service?

  Yes. We have a full service bar serving premium, call and well drinks, imported and domestic beers and our own specialty drinks created for every show. Our wine list includes a variety of vintages from New Zealand, Argentina, France and California.

• How do I figure out the gratuity?

  Many people feel that since the Dutch Apple is a buffet style meal, that a gratuity is not necessary. However, your server and busperson do provide services such as delivering soup to your table for certain shows, clearing your tables, and serve beverages which are all included with your meal. A $5.00 per person gratuity is suggested. A traditional 15% gratuity should be added for any specialty drink that you purchased or for service above and beyond that you feel you have received.

• Does the menu change?

  Menu items change every show. Menus are typically posted on our website about a week before the show opens. Menus are always subject to change.

• Is photography or video taping allowed?

  We encourage you to take pictures of your fun times at the Dutch Apple, and our staff is happy take pictures of your table for you! Share them with us on Facebook, Instagram (@TheDutchApple), TikTok (@TheDutchApple) and other social media platforms. We LOVE it! However, the photographing or videotaping of a show is prohibited by law without written permission from management. This includes cell phone photography and videos.

• Can I use my cell phone during the show?

  Cell phones, pagers and any other digital equipment that makes noise should be turned completely off during the performance. Even a cell phone on vibrate or a glow while texting can be disruptive to your fellow patrons. Take a break, and enjoy the show!

• Do you offer donations for fundraisers?

  We are currently accepting non-profit donation requests by mail. Donation requests must include: an official letterhead, date of event (must receive request 30 days prior to event), address, and must be within a 25-mile radius of the theater. Please send requests via mail to 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster, Pa 17601. Please contact Brianna Huhn with any further inquiries at 717-898-1900 ext. 112 or email at BHuhn@DutchApple.com.

• Are children welcome?

  We suggest that children under the age of 3 not attend a mainstage production. Children's Theatre productions are available for children of all ages throughout the year. High chairs are not available for infants and car seats can not be placed on the floor at the tables, however a limited number of booster seats are available. While we do create a menu that children will like for a family show, there is no separate children’s menu available for mainstage shows.

• Are there meals with the Children's Theatre productions?

  A kid-style meal is planned for each children's theatre production which features everyone's favorites. Some food options used in the past include smiley fries, chicken nuggets, hamburgers, fun fish shapes, salads and desserts. The menu changes with each show. We do not offer a special children's meal for mainstage productions.

• Where is parking?

  Ample parking is available on site in our private lots and is completely FREE! Easy access to the theatre and Routes 30 and 283.

• What if I have special dietary needs?

  Gluten free items are always available on our buffet, as well as vegetarian options (marked with GF and V on the buffet labels, respectively). There is always a fish entrée on the buffet as well. For those with extreme dietary needs, you may contact the Service Manager by calling the box office, at least two weeks prior to the performance that you are attending to advise us of your needs. We thank you for your cooperation.

• Are you wheelchair and handicap accessible?

  Our property is completely wheelchair and handicap accessible. The theatre has five levels that are completely ramped for easy wheelchair access. Show Only seating in the D and E section have one small step up to access the seats. Host staff is also always available to assist with seating and buffet needs. Please let the box office know your special requirements when ordering tickets.

• What if I need hearing assistance?

  We have infrared hearing devices available at no charge through our box office. They are linked directly into our sound system and can be used with a hearing aid as well. A driver's license or another form of identity is exchanged for the device until returned. We suggest that you wait until you are completely finished with your meal to pick up the hearing devices.

• Can I bring my own cake for a birthday or anniversary?

  Although we have an extensive dessert table and offer specialty cakes for purchase, some people opt to bring a special cake for a celebrated milestone. No other outside food or beverage is allowed in the theatre.

• Where are the performers from?

  The performers are selected from national auditions in New York City, at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), and from submissions across the country. These are performers who have studied performing for a living and many have graduated from such schools as New York University, American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AMDA), Temple School of Dance, Milliken University and more.

• Do I have to arrive right when dinner begins?

  You do not. We provide ample time for you to enjoy either the buffet or our four course served dinner. However, some of our guests opt to come a little later. We recommend arriving no later than 12:15pm for matinees and 6:15pm for evenings (5:45pm for Sunday Twilight performances).

• Do I need to have everyone in my party to go into the theatre?

  You do not. If only part of your party has arrived, as long as you have tickets, you may be seated and let us know at the theatre entrance that you are waiting for some of your party to arrive. Their tickets can be held at the theatre entrance. When others from your party are at the theatre, we will escort them to the table.

• Can you hold reservations while I check with others to see if they want to join us?

  Seats cannot be held without a reservation. We recommend that you make the reservation for the most people that may be in attendance. You can always change the party size up to three weeks prior to the performance date.

• Can I pay by check for my reservation?

  You can pay by check as long as it is received three weeks prior to the performance date.

• How do I get my tickets?

  After full payment has been made, tickets can be e-mailed or held at the box office at no extra cost. There is a $3.00 per order fee to mail tickets.

• Ho do I redeem a Gift Certificate?

  You can redeem your gift certificate or check your gift certificate balance when ordering tickets online at DutchApple.com. If ordering over the phone, bring the gift certificate to the box office the day of he performance for payment.

• At what age can I bring my child to a mainstage performance?

  While we love children, for the courtesy of other patrons and for your enjoyment, we advise not to bring toddlers and infants to attend our mainstage productions. Our Children's Theatre productions are recommended for children under the age of 5. Visit our children's theatre page to see the shows recommended for our young audiences.