Location and Box Office Hours 

The St. Francis Centre is located in historic Pickering Village in the Town of Ajax

Physical Address
78 Church Street South
Ajax, Ontario
L1S 6B3
905-619-2529, ext. 2787 (ARTS)

Mailing Address
St. Francis Centre
c/o Town of Ajax
65 Harwood Avenue South
Ajax, Ontario
L1S 2H9 

Box Office Hours

Wednesdays - 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Fridays - 3 to 6 p.m.
Getting to the St. Francis Centre 
By Car

The St. Francis Centre is conveniently located at 78 Church Street South in Pickering Village, Ajax, just south of Kingston Road West (Highway 2). The St. Francis Centre can be accessed from the east and the west via Kingston Road (Highway 2) or Bayly Street, and from the north and south via Church Street.

From the 401, take the Westney Road exit and proceed north to Kingston Road (Highway 2), and turn left to travel west to Church Street.  At Church Street, turn left to travel south. The St. Francis Centre is located on the west side of the street.

By Bus 

Durham Region Transit

By Bike

For those looking to cycle to the St. Francis Centre, we have recently installed four new arts-themed bicycle racks, for your convenience. These new bike racks are located on the south side of the building, adjacent to the parking lot.

Bike Racks 

Patrons must bring their own lock. The St. Francis Center and the Town of Ajax are not liable for stolen or damaged bicycles. The St. Francis Centre has a bicycle pump in case it is needed. Please see a staff member for use.
Accessibility 
The main floor of the St. Francis Centre is fully accessible with the following features:
  • Accessible automatic doors – front entrance, washrooms, and crush lobby area (bar area and entrance to theatre main hall).
  • Accessible seating is available in the front row of the theatre main hall. Please call the St. Francis Centre Box Office at 905-619-2529, ext. 2787 (ARTS) to inform staff that accessible seating is required.  Please note that due to Fire Code Regulations, every patron and accompanying support person attending a performance or event, regardless of age, must hold a valid ticket to gain admission to a performance. Admission prices will be charged for both attendees based on regular ticket prices.
  • Accessible lift from theatre main hall floor to stage.
  • Assisted Listening System
Important Information While at the Theatre 
 While at the Theatre
COVID Protocols 

As of March 1, 2022, in accordance with guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Durham Region Public Health, The St. Francis Centre no longer requires proof of vaccination or masks to enter the venue or its performance spaces. Masks are welcome in the facility and all individuals are asked to review their own wellness before attending public events.

Mobile Devices/Cameras/Recording Devices 
Please mute all electronic devices while in the theatre. Photography, videography and recording are prohibited in the theatre unless otherwise indicated by the artist.

Smoking, Vaping, Perfumes, and Scents
The Town of Ajax adheres to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Durham Region Smoke-Free By-Law, and as such, does not allow anyone to smoke tobacco/cannabis-type substances, or vape any substance, in any Building or on Town property where a Town building is located. This includes the school property at the St. Francis Centre.

Edible cannabis, or any cannabis infused products, are prohibited from being brought into or consumed at the St. Francis Centre.

Please refrain from wearing strong perfumes, colognes, hair sprays, and body scents that may disturb or cause allergic reactions to other patrons.

Prohibited Items and Actions
The following items are restricted, are not be brought into the facility, and may be confiscated by facility staff:

  • Any type of food or beverages purchased outside the theatre regardless of their packaging or size.
  • Illegal drugs.
  • Weapons of any kind.
  • All forms of audio/video/image recording or transmitting devices.  NOTE: The ticketholder is prohibited from recording, transmitting, or aiding in transmitting any picture, video, audio, or reproduction of the performance or any part of the performance, unless permission is provided by the performer.

Food and Beverage 
Outside food and drink are not permitted in the theatre.

A variety of snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are available for purchase onsite and are allowed in the theatre and the seating unit. Please help us keep our seating unit and theatre clean by ensuring that you gather any garbage or recyclables and place them in the bins provided.  If food or beverages are not allowed in the theatre for a particular reason, there will be signage indicating this at the theatre.
 Theatre Etiquette
The Role of the Audience

When you attend a live musical/theatrical performance, you are not just an observer; but an active participant as well. The audience is the magic ingredient that transforms the rehearsal of a show into a live performance. Performers may play the same show many times, in many venues, and in many places, but no two performances are exactly the same because each audience is made up of different people. The performance you attend will be shaped in part by how you and your fellow audience members respond to, and engage with, what is happening on stage.

It is also important to remember that a live performance is exactly that - live. It is happening in real time, performed by, and for, real people in a shared collective space. Unlike a movie or recorded program, there is no pausing or rewinding the action. If you are distracted for a moment (or if you distract someone else) that moment in the show is lost forever. When you choose to attend a live performance, it is understood that you accept the responsibility of your role as a member of the audience. You are agreeing to give your attention to the performers on stage, to be taken on the cultural journey they are offering, and to allow your fellow audience members to do the same without distraction.