Frequently Asked Questions
About Sunset Center
General information about the Sunset Center and our Resident Companies, the Sunset Center Calendar of Events, Classical Music Programs, Holiday and Family Programs, Tours, Programs and Services for People with Disabilities, Lost and Found, Gift Certificates, Mailing Lists, Patron Membership, Volunteer Opportunities, Sunset Center History and Background, and the Sunset Center's Educational and Community Programs.
Calendar of Events help
Helpful hints on finding an event using the Calendar of Events on the Sunset Center Web site.
Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea
Experience Fine Dining and Lodging in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Directions & Parking
Driving to the Sunset Center, Sunset Center Parking, and Handicapped Parking.
Box Office
Ordering Tickets to Events, Box Office Hours, and Seating Charts.
Web site Help
Answers to frequently asked questions about navigating the Sunset Center Web site.
Privacy Policy
Sunset Center's Privacy Policy and Web site security.
About Sunset Center
What is Sunset Center and the Sunset Center Theater?
Sunset Center occupies two city blocks immediately south of Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It was originally built as a school and auditorium, was bought in 1964 by the City of Carmel and renamed the Sunset Community and Cultural Center. In 2001, the Sunset Theater underwent a major renovation and is now the live entertainment venue for more than 100 events each year. The Sunset Center, under the management of SCC, Inc., serves four primary roles: a home to Resident Companies, who offer over 50 classical music programs each year; a 718 seat, live-entertainment venue for a wide array of performers; a resident performing arts organization with a series of events each year; and a community center with class and meeting rooms available for rent. For more information, please see the History section of the Sunset Center Web site.
What is a Resident Company?
Sunset Center's Resident Companies are the many organizations that bring the quality live-entertainment programs to the people of Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula. Sunset Center is the home of four historic Resident Companies: Carmel Bach Festival, Carmel Music Society, Chamber Music Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Symphony. Together, these four nonprofit organizations offer more than 50 classical music events each year, ranging from full orchestral and choral performances to the intimacy of a chamber orchestra. In addition, Sunset Center is host to live-performance events presented by various producer organizations in the Monterey area and beyond. Lastly, Sunset Center offers a wide variety of live performances through its own: Sunset Presents.
For more information, please see the Resident Companies section of the Sunset Center Web site. There you will also find a link to a Resident Companies Web site with further information about subscription tickets, contacts, and organizational background.
Is there a calendar that lists all of the events at Sunset Center?
Yes. Select Events on the Upcoming Events menu, to access our dynamic events calendar. You will automatically see the events scheduled for the next thirty days. For help navigating the Calendar of Events go to Calendar Help below.
How do I search the Events Calendar for a specific event at the Sunset Center?
You can search the Calendar for events by name, date, genre, or Resident Company. Simply enter your criteria in the appropriate search field of the Calendar and hit Submit for a list of events based on your search criteria.
Is there a calendar that lists all of the events for each Resident Company?
You can search the Calendar for events offered by a specific Resident Company by selecting that Resident Company from the list shown in the Resident Company search field of the Calendar and hitting the Submit button.
Where can I find Classical Music events at Sunset Center?
The Sunset Center offers more than 50 classical music performances each year. To see a list of all classical music events, select Classical from the Category search field of the Calendar, and hit the Submit button.
Where can I find events for families and children at Sunset Center?
The Sunset Center offers a number of programs each year designed to entertain families and children. To locate these events, select Family/Holiday Programs from the Category search field, and hit the Submit button.
Does Sunset Center offer Holiday events?
Several of our Resident Companies offer Holiday programs. To locate these events, select Family/Holiday Programs from the Category search field, and hit the Submit button. Those events specifically suited to the celebration of a holiday are highlighted.
Is there a calendar for classes and community events at Sunset Center?
For a list of currently scheduled classes, meetings, and community events held at Sunset Center, select Meetings and Classes from the Upcoming Events/Tickets menu. This page lists all the classes and regularly scheduled meetings taking place at the Sunset Center as well as the name and phone number of the person to call for more information.
What provisions are there for people with disabilities?
Parking for handicap vehicles is located in the parking lot directly adjacent to the Sunset Theater. Select Parking/Directions from the Upcoming Events/Tickets menu to view a map of the Sunset Center and its handicap parking spaces. The Sunset Center theater is equipped with wheelchair accessible aisles and an elevator; wheelchair designated seats are reserved in the theater. To reserve these seats, please contact the Sunset Center Box Office at 831-620-2048.
Can I take a tour of the Sunset Center?
Throughout the year, Sunset Center or our Resident Companies may hold special events where the Sunset Center is open to the public. Currently, we cannot offer individually guided tours of the facility, except when they are directly related to planning an event at Sunset Center.
I lost something at an event, is there a Lost and Found Department?
Our Lost and Found Department is located in the Sunset Center Administrative offices. You may drop by, or call us at 831-620-2040, during our regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Does Sunset Center offer Gift Certificates?
Gift certificates can be purchased online by going to Upcoming Events and clicking on Gift Certificates, by calling the Box Office at 831-620-2048 or visiting the Box Office between 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Monday through Friday or on Saturdays from noon to 4:00 pm.
Can I buy CDs and related merchandise of events at Sunset Center?
Many artists offer their CDs and other merchandise for sale. Except during an event, merchandise is not available.
How can I be added to a mailing list or request a brochure?
Click on Join Our E-mail List at the bottom right of the homepage or anywhere on this Web site where you see “Join”, and enter your name, address, e-mail address, and phone number. Plus, the form includes a way for you to tell us what interests you in the performing arts. Tell us what you like, and we'll do our best to make sure you’re informed of up-coming events specifically related to your interests. See our Privacy Policy for information about the security of your personal information.
To receive a brochure from one of our Resident Companies, use the link on this Web site to contact them directly.
How do I find out about volunteer opportunities and internships at Sunset Center?
Select Volunteer from the Support menu to get more information about volunteering at Sunset Center. To sign up as a volunteer or inquire about an internship, please contact our Volunteer/Intern Coordinator at volunteers@sunsetcenter.org or call 831-620-2047.
How does the Sunset Center support Arts Education?
A number of our Resident Companies sponsor pre-concert lectures and other educational programs. Please use the links in this Web site to contact these organizations. Additionally, Sunset Center will be launching its own Arts Education program in the late fall of 2008. This program aims to place artists in schools, conduct workshops with students, and bring large student groups to Sunset Center for performances.
Does the Sunset Center offer any special programs for the community?
We offer a variety of community programs, including on-going classes and meetings. Sunset Center is also home to the Center for Photographic Art. For information about these programs, select Meetings and Classes from the Upcoming Events/Tickets menu.
Can my community group perform at the Sunset Theater?
Our staff welcomes the opportunity to discuss your performance plans with you. You can find out about performance opportunities for your group at Sunset Center by contacting clientsvcs@sunsetcenter.org, or calling 831-620-2053.
How can I find out about the Sunset Center Endowment Campaign?
For more information on our Endowment Campaign select Contribute from the Support menu or contact us at donorprogram@sunsetcenter.org
How can my friends who don't use the Internet find out what's going on at Sunset Center?
Although this Web site is the best way to find out what's happening at Sunset Center, tell your friends to read The Carmel Pine Cone, which comes out every Friday and is free. An updated schedule of events at Sunset Center appears in the Pine Cone’s; “This Week,” section. Also, selected events are listed in the GO! Calendar of the Monterey Herald and in the Monterey County Weekly.
What is the Sunset Center newsletter?
Once you’ve joined our e-mail list, you can expect to receive an e-mail newsletter at least four times each year. When you sign up or order tickets online, you will be asked to provide your e-mail address and be invited to join our e-mail newsletter list. You may also call the Box Office at 831-620-2048 to provide your e-mail address. The newsletter provides advanced notice of upcoming events, in-depth stories about artists or special programs on the schedule and special offers.
I would like to make a donation to SCC, Inc. How can I do that?
You may make a donation to Sunset Cultural Center, Inc. in any amount. SCC is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3) tax-exempt California corporation, so your donation may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. We will acknowledge your donation in writing. Online donations are accepted by clicking on Contribute from the Support menu. You may also contact donorprogram@sunsetcenter.org, or call Sunset Center at 831-620-2040.
Calendar of Events Help
How can I see all the events within a date range?
To see all events within thirty days of a certain date:
- Select Events on the Upcoming Events menu;
- Scroll through the calendar pages at the top of the screen to select a month of the year and then click on a date within that month.
- The interactive Events Calendar will display all shows for thirty days, including the day you indicate.
To see all events within a certain month:
- Select Events on the Upcoming Events menu;
- Select a Month/Year from the Date search menu on the right side of the Events Calendar page.
- Hit the Submit button, for a list of all performances scheduled for that month.
How do I find all events at the Sunset Theater by a single Resident Company?
To see all events by a single Resident Company:
- Select Events on the Upcoming Events menu;
- Select a Resident Company from the Resident Company search menu on the right side of the Events Calendar page.
- Hit the Submit button, for a list of all events sponsored by the Resident Company.
Can I get a listing of all events of a certain type, like chamber music or jazz?
To see all events of a certain type:
- Select Events on the Upcoming Events menu;
- Select the type of event from the Category search menu on the right side of the Events Calendar page.
- Hit the Submit button, for a list of all events of the type you have indicated.
How can I view all events coming up next month or two months from now?
To see all events scheduled next month or any month during the year:
- Select Events from the Upcoming Events menu;
- Select the Month/Year from the Date search menu on the right side of the Events Calendar page.
- Hit the Submit button, for a list of all events in the Month/Year you specified.
Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea
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I would like to have dinner before a show. Can you recommend any restaurants in Carmel?
Carmel is well known for its fine dining. To see a list of restaurants in the area please visit the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Web site
Directions and Parking
Where is the Sunset Center in Carmel?
Sunset Center is located just three blocks from Ocean Avenue. The Sunset Center Theater is on the east side of San Carlos Street just past Ninth Avenue. For complete driving directions to Carmel, please refer to Parking/Directions on the Upcoming Events menu.
Is there public parking available at Sunset Center?
There are three public parking lots at Sunset Center. The parking lot at Mission Street and Eighth Avenue is free to Sunset Center patrons after 6 pm. The parking lot at San Carlos Street and Ninth Avenue and the lot at Tenth Avenue and San Carlos Street are also free. For directions to the parking lots, please refer to Parking/Directions on the Upcoming Events menu.
Where are the Handicapped Parking spaces at Sunset Center?
There are Handicap Parking spaces in the San Carlos Street parking lot, located on San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue. For directions to Handicapped Parking, please refer to Parking/Directions on the Upcoming Events menu.
Ticketing and Sunset Center Ticket Services
Can I buy tickets to events at Sunset Center through the Sunset Center Box Office?
Yes. Once tickets go on sale to the general public, you can order tickets to shows scheduled at Sunset Center. Whenever you see a green or yellow ticket availability dot and the Buy Tickets button next to a show on the Events Calendar, the Sunset Center Box Office is accepting orders. Please note that the Sunset Center Box Office may not have tickets for some events at Sunset Center.
How can I tell if there are tickets available for a performance?
We update the Events Calendar every day to tell you the availability of tickets for each event. A red dot means that the show is sold out. A yellow dot indicates that there are few tickets and the show could sell out at any time. A green dot means that there are many tickets available.
How do I order tickets to an individual event?
Ordering tickets online is the best way to get tickets. To order tickets online, find the performance on the Events Calendar and click on Buy Tickets. Fill in the ticket order screen with the required information, and hit Submit. We will fill your order and send them to you by the next business day. If your request for tickets arrives less than 10 days before a performance, we will hold your tickets at Will Call. For information on the security of online transactions, review the Privacy Policy below.
You can also buy tickets in-person at the Sunset Center Box Office on San Carlos Street, near Ninth Avenue and by phone at 831-620-2048, Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday, noon to 4 pm.
What does the Sunset Center Box Office charge to handle my ticket order?
Sunset Center charges a nominal fee of $3.50 per ticket. This fee is added to all ticket sales except in-person box office sales.
How did Sunset Center decide on a $3.50 handling fee?
We found that most performing arts organizations charge either a handling or convenience fee on all ticket sales. The fees at many theaters range between $5 and $5.50 per ticket and many ticket services, including Ticketmaster, charge substantially more. Sunset Center feels that we can cover our costs with a $3.50 per ticket handling fee.
Is there a handling fee if I just walk up and buy a ticket on the night of a performance?
No. Sunset Center does not charge a handling fee for walk-up ticket sales.
Can I see a seating chart of the Sunset Theater?
Yes. Select Seating Chart from the Events menu. Click on any one of the five icons to see a photographic view of the stage from that seat in the Theater. Seats in the vicinity of the photo have nearly the same sight-lines.
I have purchased tickets to an event, but they haven't arrived in the mail. What should I do?
If you have not received your tickets by the day of the event, simply go to the Box Office window at the Sunset Theater and request a reprint. A Box Office representative will assist you. Simply show the Box Office representative your photo ID. There is a $3.50 per ticket service charge for lost or missing ticket replacement.
If you purchased your tickets less than ten days prior to a show, they are being held for you in Will Call. On the day of the event, simply go to the Box Office window, show the Box Office representative a photo ID, and you will receive your tickets.
I have tickets to an event, and I am not able to attend. What can I do?
Tickets purchased through the Sunset Center Box Office are non-refundable. If you are not able to use your tickets, we encourage you to return your tickets to the Box Office least 2 days before the event. This means you may receive a tax deduction to the extent allowable by law.
Season subscribers may exchange tickets to events they cannot attend for tickets to another event within the series. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will get the same seats to another event; but we will do our best to seat you in a comparable section of the theater.
For more information about ticket policies, select Box Office Policies from the Upcoming Events menu.
How do I know if an event has been cancelled?
Occasionally, an event is cancelled. For up-to-the-minute information on all events at the Sunset Center, visit us online or call the Box Office at 831-620-2048. All information about program changes or cancellations is updated daily on the Web site.
If weather concerns should arise, please check with the Sunset Center Box Office. The Box Office is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday from noon to 4:00 pm. We are also open two hours prior to each show until after intermission.
May I exchange my tickets for another event?
Season subscribers may exchange tickets to events they cannot attend for tickets to another event within the series. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will get the same seats to another event; but we will do our best to seat you in a comparable section of the theater.
No other tickets purchased through the Sunset Center Box Office may be exchanged. To learn more about ticket policies, select Box Office Policies from the Upcoming Events menu.
How do I purchase tickets for events that are not held at Sunset Center?
The Sunset Center Box Office does not currently sell tickets to events not held at Sunset Center. Please contact the specific organization for tickets to their events.
Does the Sunset Center offer group discounts?
Sunset Center would like to work with you to arrange special group discounts of twenty or more tickets to events. Please contact us early so that we can make certain you get the best seats at the best price. To inquire about group discounts, please e-mail us at ticketsvcs@sunsetcenter.org, or call the Box Office at 831-620-2048.
Can I purchase tickets online?
Yes. To order tickets online, find the event on the Events Calendar and click on Buy Tickets. Choose your seats, fill in the ticket order screen and hit Submit. We will fill your request and send them to you by the next business day. If your request for tickets arrives less than 10 days before an event, we will hold your tickets at Will Call. For information on the security of online transactions, review the Privacy Policy.
If you encounter problems ordering tickets online, please call the Sunset Center Box Office at 831-620-2048, Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from noon to 4:00 pm.
When is the Sunset Center Box Office open?
The Sunset Center Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from noon to 4:00 pm. When there is an event the Box Office window opens two hours prior to curtain time for the show and remains open until intermission.
Web site Help
I am having trouble viewing the site; what should I do?
The Sunset Center Web site works best when you use Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 2.0 (Mozilla) or Safari 3.0. If you can view the site using one of these browsers, it is recommended. If you are having problems with your Web browser, please e-mail us at webmaster@sunsetcenter.org
Whom should I contact if there's a problem ordering tickets online?
For any ticket orders placed through this Web site, please call us at 831-620–2048, Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from noon to 4:00 pm.
While I was on the Web site, I saw a message saying that I was about to view an insecure page. Is the Sunset Center Web site fully secure?
Yes. The technology we use to encrypt information as it passes from your computer to ours is called Secure Socket Layer (SSL). SSL is widely respected as the industry standard in Internet security. The message that you saw is due to a default setting in your browser. Browsers are programmed to detect e-commerce functions on a Web page and warn the user about security. It is possible to disable this warning in the browser settings, but in most cases, the best way to be secure is to read any security information posted on a Web site.
I have seen several files on the Web site that are in PDF format. What are PDF files, and how do I view them?
Portable Document Format (PDF) is the standard for the secure and reliable distribution and exchange of electronic documents and forms via the Internet. Sunset Center uses this file format for such documents as our rental agreements, press clippings, and certain other documents that are updated periodically on this Web site. To view PDF files, you need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer.
Flash is necessary to view some parts of this website. What is Flash, and how do I install it?
In order to better serve our patrons, the Sunset Center has developed a new, interactive Web site aimed at providing you with the best possible online experience. In order to take advantage of our new site, you will need the Flash player, available free from Macromedia.
Privacy Statement & Web Site Security
Sunset Cultural Center, Inc. (Sunset Center) knows that users of its Web site care about the personal information they provide to us. This privacy policy will provide you with information about how we collect, store and use the personally identifiable information obtained through our Web site. We call this information your "personal information," Sunset Center reserves the right to revise this privacy policy from time to time, and by using the Sunset Center Web site, you are agreeing to the terms of the then current privacy policy.
How Information is Collected
When you join our E-mail list or purchase tickets we will ask you for information such as your name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, and (only if needed) credit card information. We need certain information in order to identify you as a unique user of this Web site and let you access various services offered through this Web site, such as ticket ordering.
Like most Web sites, Sunset Center uses cookies. A"cookie" is a text file, invoked by standard browser software, that we place on your hard drive to enable our systems to recognize your browser, track transactions, and allow you to navigate our Web site without having to re-enter information. The information gathered by cookies is not made available to any unaffiliated organizations. We may also automatically receive and store certain other types of information, such as the type of Web browser you use or the pages you link to from the Sunset Center Web site.
Use of Information We Collect
Personal information collected through this Web site may be used by Sunset Center to: communicate with you; register you as a Patron; allow purchasing and shipping of tickets, subscriptions, memberships and/or merchandise; enable you to participate in special promotions and to navigate the Web site without having to re-enter information; administer our Web site; comply with applicable law and as otherwise provided in this Privacy Policy. We may occasionally make personal information available to select other organizations, including but not limited to nonprofit arts organizations, affiliated organizations, agents working on our behalf, companies or organizations with whom we have a contractual or sponsor relationship, or in connection with an asset transfer. We may also provide aggregated data to these and other organizations. Some of our outreach programs use personal information to send updates and notices to registered users via e-mail. If you provide your mailing address or telephone number, Sunset Center may also use your personal information to contact you by mail or by telephone regarding special offers from Sunset Center, updated information about Sunset Center or the Sunset Center Web site, and new services offered by Sunset Center. If you wish to be removed from this contact list, you may do so by contacting Sunset Center directly.
Administration of Our Web Site / Compliance with Law
We may disclose your personal information when we have reason to believe that disclosing this information is necessary to identify, contact, or bring legal action against someone who may be violating our Terms and Conditions of Use or to protect the safety, property or other rights of our users or the public. In addition, we may disclose or access account information for administrative and other purposes that we believe is necessary to develop, maintain, and improve our products and services. We also may disclose your personal information if we believe in good faith that we are required to do so in order to comply with applicable law, a subpoena, or other legal process.
Security Used to Protect Your Information
We store all user personal information in secure databases protected via a variety of access controls, including password protection, electronic firewalls, and data encryption.
Other Organizations Featured on Our Web Site
We may provide links to other Web sites, but Sunset Center is not responsible for the privacy policies, terms and conditions of use, or content of any such Web sites. You may agree to provide personal information to other companies who provide content for various parts of our Web site. If you agree to provide personal information to such companies, that information will be subject to their privacy policies.