Customer Service Hours:
M-F 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sa 10:00am - 4:00pm
Closed Sunday
The customer service window is also open one (1) hour before a Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center event is scheduled to start. This does not apply to rentals.
Registration Platforms
Most classes will be available for registration on Eventbrite and ActiveNet. The available platforms will be listed on the program description featured on the Program Schedule page.
NNPRT Bucks
NNPRT Bucks may be used towards class/camp registrations and rentals. They cannot be used towards event tickets and are not valid on Eventbrite. For questions about redeeming NNPRT Bucks, please give us a call or email us.
+ Registration Dates
Registration will open on the first Monday of the month prior to the session beginning. Sessions begin: January (Winter), April (Spring), July (Summer) and October (Fall).
+ Payment
Registration fees must be paid before participating in any programming. When making a payment with a personal check, a picture form of identification is required. Credit cards are an acceptable form of payment as well.
+ Enrollment
Upon opening, registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Most classes have a maximum number of participants for quality and safety assurances. Please note that early registration is recommended. Classes that do not meet the minimum number of participants are subject to be cancelled. Please register early to help keep classes open.
+ Liability
Before participating in any Downing Gross Cultural Arts program, participants and/or legal guardians must agree to the waiving of liability by the City of Newport News and the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department. Due to the strenuous nature of some activities, the participant is urged to consult a physician before participation. Some activities present inherent risks and hazards, which the participant is urged to consider and which the participant assumes.
+ Inclement Weather
During inclement weather, Downing Gross Cultural Arts programs will be closed if the City of Newport News is closed. If the City opens on a delay, classes and programs held before facilities open will be rescheduled. Classes and programs scheduled after facilities open will run as scheduled. During class sessions, participants may call the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center Front Office at (757) 247-8950 or visit the Facebook Page (@DGCulturalArtsCenter · Performance Art Theatre) for the most up-to-date information.
+ Refunds
Refunds will not be given within seven (7) calendar days of the first day of class. Participants who register for classes which are cancelled, will be refunded their full registration and associated fees. Enrollee assumes the risk of changes in personal affairs or health. Registrations received by check will receive a check refund, which has a processing time line of approximately 3 weeks.
+ Cancellations
Classes that fall on City holidays will be rescheduled to a later date. In the event that instructor is unavailable, the class will be rescheduled for a later date.
+ Parental Presence
Children under the age of thirteen (13) must have an adult guardian on premises at all times. Parents may watch any class. Parent participation is required with all children under three (3) years of age and in all parent/child classes. Registration for parent/child classes is for one parent and one child. A second child of the same age group may register and attend with the same adult. Unregistered children may not be present or participate in classes (including children in car seats, carriers and strollers.)