Theatre North improves entry experiences new Tickets.com access control solution

Theatre North, the independent, not-for-profit performing arts company located at Launceston’s historic Princess Theatre, has used Tickets.com’s mobile all-in-one access control solution to provide a frictionless venue entry experience.

Theatre North and Tickets.com have shared a ticketing relationship since 1999, with arts company using the ProVenue ticketing software since 2014 for all its events.

With the past year and the COVID-19 pandemic having created unprecedented challenges for temporary closures and new restrictions, the team at Theatre North was keen to welcome patrons back into the venue for ‘Coming Home’, a community-led fundraiser held in September.

With a safety-first approach and eager to meet all of the recommended guidelines, Theatre North took the opportunity to trial, Alfred™, the Tickets.com mobile all-in-one access control solution.

Hayley Dobbs, General Manager Tickets.com - Asia Pacific explained “with so much change in the live experience industry, Theatre North has been strategic by testing new technology and solutions to fit their venue and their patrons.”

Alfred, developed for android devices is fully integrated with ProVenue and offers patrons a frictionless venue entry experience, streamlining the ticket validation process for both patrons and venue staff. Alfred provides the ability to not only validate traditional barcodes but also validate digital tickets and contactless tickets via the convenience of Near Field Communication (NFC).

Alfred supports complex ticket validation rules such as entry/exit scanning, specific entry restrictions, timed admission, and controlled interior access to areas such as suites and clubs.

With centralised, remote management of devices–plus a choice of Wi-Fi and/or cellular data connectivity.

Theatre North General Manager, Mandy Sheperd noted “along with providing additional ticket security, the Alfred scanners allow us to track real-time arrivals and enhance our attendance records.

“After the trial our Front of House team gave Alfred the thumbs up, and they are now able to check tickets using a safe, touchless, mobile system at all our events.”

The use of Alfred at entry points assisted with COVID related regulations and ensured that patrons were moving through the doors promptly to be seated. The use of Access Control at the Princess Theatre created opportunities for ticket delivery to be expanded, enabling patrons to receive their tickets via Tickets@home, utilise Digital tickets with the ability to add tickets to their mobile wallets, and access the online ticket management portal, MyTickets.

Theatre North Box Office Manager, Ange Cole noted “the customer service from the technical support team has been second to none. They have the devices pre-set and talk through the easy operation and any settings we might need to change. The technology also allows for their remote login to provide any technical support we might need at short notice”

After great success with their Alfred trial, the team at Theatre North decided to move forward with the use of Alfred during their end-of-year dance season and as a permanent fixture for shows throughout 2021.

Dobbs added “we are thrilled to assist the Theatre North as they transition to 2021 utilising Tickets.com technology and support.”

Click here to contact Tickets.com through their Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Images: Theatre North at Launceston’s historic Princess Theatre (top and below, credit: Theatre North) and Tickets.com's Alfred™ mobile access control solution (middle).