FAQ
Fenix Summer Performances
in Deering Oaks Park, Portland Maine
PARK EXPERIENCE
Q: Is there a bathroom in the Park?
A: There are two accessible port-a-potties near the performance area.
Q: Can I bring food and beverages?
A: Yes, please! We highly recommend it! Please note we have a zero-tolerance policy at Fenix and will ask audience members to leave if they are causing a disturbance or are making our artists uncomfortable.
Q: Can I smoke in the park?
A: No. Smoking and vaping are prohibited, as is alcohol.
Q: What else should I bring?
A: We recommend you bring a chair (for prime views!) or blanket, a layer in case it gets chilly, and sunscreen or bug spray depending on the weather. For audience members who like to keep their hands busy, we also welcome you to bring knitting, embroidery, quiet fidgets, or whatever else is helpful!
Q: Will I be able to see if I sit on a blanket?
If you plan to sit on a blanket or low chair, we recommend arriving early to secure seats in front, and see a house manager, Fenix board member, volunteer so they can help you get a good view in the roped off BLANKET AREA. 10 minutes before curtain, if the BLANKET AREA isn't full, we will move people in the CHAIR AREA forward.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: As long as your dog is well-behaved and leashed at all times, yes.
Q: Can I bring a big group?
A: Yes please! If you need a reserved seating area for a large group or have accessibility needs, please email info@fenixtheatre.com
KEEPING FREE THEATER FREE
Q: Do I need a ticket?
A: You can always just show up and you do NOT need a ticket, but due to the increasing unpredictability of weather, we recommend making a free reservation HERE. That way you'll get show reminders, and we can email you in case of cancellation. You don't need to check in at all when you arrive!
Q: It's free, right?
A: Yes! However, free theater is not free to produce. As a nonprofit organization run by a volunteer board of directors, we rely heavily on your donations to cover production costs and pay our artists for their time and talent. Each summer Fenix show costs approximately $14,000 to produce.
Q: How can I donate?
A: We take cash, check, and Venmo (@fenix-theatre) donations in the park before and after the show. Click here to donate online anytime.
Q: How much should I donate?
A: Our suggested donation is at least $25/person or $50/family. If you have the means to donate more, it helps us keep our donate-what-you-can model for those who need it.
A $25 donation gets you a collectible show-specific vinyl sticker.
CONTENT & KIDS
Q: Is the show appropriate for children?
A: Yes! Fenix is known for big physical comedy and fast-paced performances that are accessible to and loved by all ages. HENRY IV, PART ONE has some bawdy jokes and exciting swordfights! Kiddos are welcome to get up to wiggle and move behind the audience, and there's a wading pool nearby for extra splashy fun.
Q: Remind me, what's the plot of HENRY IV, PART ONE?
A: Plot & character guide coming soon!
Q: How long is the show?
A: At time of writing, we estimate HENRY IV, PART ONE will run 90 minutes without intermission - from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
Q: Will you tell me what songs are in the show?
A: No spoilers! You'll just have to come to find out!
ACCESSIBILITY
Q: Is the performance space accessible for wheelchairs?
A: There is disability parking along the paths in Deering Oaks Park, and accessible pathways from there to the performance area. Please note the ground may be soft depending on weather conditions once leaving the sidewalks.
Q: Where exactly are you performing HENRY IV, PART ONE?
A: On the bandstand in Deering Oaks Park, right off the parking paths before the State Street exit. It's the same location as Comedy of Errors (2021) and Shakespeare Abridged (2023). See the map below.
Q: Do you offer other accessible performances?
A: Our Thursday July 16th performance will feature Audio Description via headset for our blind and visually impaired community. Thursday July 23rd will be ASL interpreted. Please contact info@fenixtheatre.com to make special arrangements and see a Fenix House Manager or Board Member in the park to take advantage of these offerings.
PARKING SUMMER 2026
CONSTRUCTION IN DEERING OAKS
There is sidewalk construction on the inner parking loop of Deering Oaks Park known as “Tennis Court Road”.
As of 7/15/26:
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“No Parking” signs line the area shown in red. People have still been parking there without issue during show nights.
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Accessible ADA parking is available in the yellow squares.
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We recommend utilizing areas lined in purple as alternative parking options.
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Please plan accordingly and allow extra time to find parking, especially on days where there are ballgames at Hadlock/Fitzpatrick.
OTHER
Q: What if it rains?
A: If we cancel the show due to weather (rain or heat), we will announce the cancellation by 4pm the day of the show on social media, and if you make a free ticket reservation you will also get an email notification. If an announcement is not made, the show will proceed as planned. Please note that in the case of weather or actor/audience safety changing during a show, the performance may be stopped at any point at the discretion of the stage manager or house management team.
Q: Can I take pictures or video of the show?
A: Yes! We ask that you don't use flash photography, and please don't be distracting to audience members around you. If you post photos/video on social media, please TAG US! @fenixtheatreco