Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out about upcoming productions?

Check out www.tokyoplayers.org (this site) regularly for updates about future productions including ticket prices, how to reserve tickets, maps to venues, etc.

To get information about future productions direct to your inbox, click HERE to join our mailing list.

Are there Japanese subtitles to the show?

At this time it is not possible for TIP to provide Japanese subtitles for its shows although it is something we are exploring.

For now, we provide a Japanese language synopsis at all our shows to explain the main plot and details about the characters.

How do I get group/discount tickets?

See HERE for information about all our ticket prices and packages including group tickets.

How do I book/reserve tickets?

Tickets can be reserved online HERE or by TELEPHONE and then paid for and picked up at the Theatre on the day of the show.

Alternatively, book and pay using PAYPAL.

Are the shows suitable for children?

This depends on the show and the child. Firstly, it is a case of whether the child can sit through a play which will usually be at least 2 hours long (with intermission). Normally our publicity will say “Suitable for families” or give warnings if the play’s language or content may make it unsuitable for younger family members.

It is also our policy that our Front-of-House staff reserve the right at any time to deny entry to a parent and child they determine to be disruptive to the overall audience's ability to watch a show, based on issues of noise and appropriateness.

How can I see a show for free?

Volunteer for Front of House for two shows and see the show for free. Or help out twice with a production in another way and see that production for free (e.g. load in, strike, set painting etc). Contact our volunteer co-ordinator here to get involved and see theatre for free!

Where is the venue?

Our shows are held at various venues around Tokyo. Please check the flyer or our website to find out which venue is being used for the production you are going to see. Maps and directions to our venues can be found HERE.

Is there parking at the venue?

This depends on the venue. Please check our MAPS PAGE for information about the venues but all our venues are easily accessible via public transport.

Does the venue have disabled access?

It depends. Some venues do but it is good to check in advance of reserving your ticket. Please check on our MAPS PAGE.

If there is no information, please ask when booking your ticket.

Do I need experience to join TIP?

No, if you would like to take part in a production then we can train you. Obviously, if you are looking to act, the director will need to decide if your ability is suitable for the roles you are auditioning for. However, for backstage crew we can show you what to do and are happy to train new people.

How do I volunteer for TIP?

You can contact our volunteer coordinator here at any time to find out if volunteers are needed or to be put on our volunteer mailing list. The volunteer mailing list will let you know when TIP has specific needs for certain roles (i.e. help with set, load in, strike, backstage crew, Front of House) etc.

To contact our Volunteer Coordinator, please visit our VOLUNTEER PAGE.

If I volunteer, how much time do I need to invest?

It depends on what you want to do. Some roles such as director or stage manager are time intensive for up to 6 months (or more) before the production opens onstage, other roles such as Front of House, only need time when the show is in the theatre and then can be just a couple of hours.

If you are interested in volunteering, let us know what you would like to do, if you have any special skills and how much time you have available to help and we will find a suitable role for you.

Do I need to be a native English speaker to volunteer?

No, our members and performers have included many nationalities, including non-native English speakers, such as Japanese, Spanish, Brazilian and Dutch.

However, depending on how you want to help, you may be required to have a certain level of English ability. For example, if you want to act, the role may require a high level of English comprehension. However, there are other roles where you can still help as long as you are happy operating in a mainly English-speaking environment. Furthermore, as we perform in Japanese theatres, volunteers who are able to help us communicate with the Japanese staff and suppliers are essential!

Is TIP just for adults?

No. Our cast, crew and audience members are primarily adults but depending on the show we are very happy to see students and young people with interest in theatre in our audiences, casts and in the crew. If you are under 20 and interested in getting involved with theatre, please check out our VOLUNTEER PAGE and keep an eye on audience notices which will indicate where there are parts for young actors.

When are auditions?

Auditions are generally held 4-6 months before the production although it does vary depending on the play and director.

Please check out our AUDITION PAGE regularly for audition notices or sign up for our MAILING LIST to receive audition notices direct to your inbox.

Is there a way my Company can sponsor TIP?

Yes, there are a couple of ways. Check out our MEMBERSHIP PAGE for more info.

You can also ask us to tailor a corporate sponsorship for your company. CLICK HERE to contact us and ask for more information.

Is there a mailing list?

Yes, to join the mailing list click HERE. Get information about forthcoming productions, audition notices, related TIP events and more delivered direct to your inbox.

Is there a Japanese website?

At this time there is no Japanese website although as our site has recently been updated, we are looking to increase the Japanese language content for our audience members who may want to see English language Theatre but need advance information in English.

I have an upcoming event of my own. Can you announce it on the TIP mailing list?

The TIP newsletter is designed for sending out TIP announcements. While we've traditionally included, and been happy to include, announcements for shows by other companies, we're not an open mailing list for all Theatre in Tokyo.

We understand the need to get the word out about shows, but we also need to strike a delicate balance: people have signed up to be notified about TIP shows and events, and if we send out separate emails for every event, without accompanying info about TIP events, we risk driving those people away-- which will, in turn, make our list less valuable to everyone.

There's also the issue of the fact that someone needs to spend time writing the newsletter, then it needs to proofed, then it needs to be tweaked to be sent out as an HTML email-- formatting and links need to be checked, etc... in other words, there's a whole workflow that needs to be followed.

So by all means, let us know about upcoming events, and we will do our best to include your announcement in our next mailing.

Also, take note: we likely won't announce an event that conflicts directly with one of our show dates.

Where can I offer feedback?

Anything on your mind that you'd like to discuss regarding TIP?

As we strive to produce excellent theatre, we are open to feedback, not only regarding our skills as a theatre company but also for our interpersonal exchanges, which include interactions that our cast, crew and supporters individually experience with TIP.

Please feel free to contact us about anything associated with TIP, even if a point that is not clearly defined as a theatre issue. Any feelings of confusion, disappointment, irritation, contentment, appreciation or glee are welcome. Communication with the right party at the right time is key, and you'll certainly receive a response to your queries or comments by contacting us via our CONTACT FORM.