What exactly is “WALKING WITH DINOSAURS –The Arena Spectacular” – is it a movie or an exhibit?

It is neither! “WALKING WITH DINOSAURS” is a live theatrical show that is performed in two acts with an intermission.

The arena is laid out with a proscenium stage at one end and the entire arena floor is our performing surface.  Because the dinosaurs are the size they were in real life, the only venues large enough to accommodate them are arenas.  We use both live and recorded video to enhance the scenes in the show; and the cinematic scope, dramatic lighting and symphonic sound used in the performance bring the creatures into three-dimensional reality as they walk around the arena floor. 

A team of master puppeteers operates each of the Dinosaurs via the use of new and special technologies invented just to bring them to life.  The sights, sounds and subtleties of movement will make you feel that you are looking at real dinosaurs - alive and spontaneous to everything, even the audience.  During the show, you cannot actually touch the Dinosaurs, but don't worry, the experience will be "real" and "live.”  Our CEO Carmen Pavlovic says, “It is the closest you’ll ever get to experiencing what it was like when they walked and ruled the earth.”

What age and interest is appropriate for this show?

We recommend the show for ages from three to 93.  The show has been carefully written and produced for the entire family, and there is no violence.   The show has been produced however to provide a fair amount of realism – so to simulate earthquakes, volcanoes and comets impacting the earth, along with the primal roars of the dinosaurs, our show sound design is loud in many places.  Some children (and adults) are sometimes momentarily taken by surprise by the impact of the sound, but usually our general fascination with dinosaurs, the symphonic music and the rich, yet subtle lighting tends to balance any momentary fear.  Our experience is that most children sit relatively quietly in awe of the dinosaurs.

The view of the show is spectacular from anywhere in the arena – and the higher seats provide a panoramic view that allows the audience to take in the entire spectacle.  If you have concerns that the effects will be strong, we can suggest that it is sometimes better to choose seating that is further away so the proximity of the dinosaurs is less imposing.

How long is the show?

96 minutes, including an intermission.

When will the show play at the Roanoke Civic Center?

There are a total of six shows from Friday, January 8th through Sunday, January 10th 2010.

• Friday 1/8/10 at 7:00PM
• Saturday 1/9/10 at 11:00AM, 3:00PM and 7:00PM
• Sunday 1/10/10 at 1:00PM and 5:00PM

Are tickets expensive?  Are there any special deals or considerations?

Because of the enormous scale of the dinosaurs – the largest of which is 36 feet tall and 56 feet from nose to tail – the view from the least expensive seats is spectacular and an incredible experience.  In fact, many on our production staff considers it the best view since it is the only one from which the entire panorama of the show can be easily taken in at all times.  The closer, and more expensive seats provide a very “up close and personal” experience.

We have worked hard to keep our ticket prices affordable for families and in almost every market our least expensive individual ticket is between $19.50 and $29.50 plus a two dollar facility fee.

We have specifically priced much of this great seating in the lower price range so that people from all economic demographics can enjoy the show.  The show operating costs, like our dinosaurs, are so huge that we really cannot produce, tour and maintain this very expensive production for less.

Please also check with your local venue for possible school show group discounts that allow students to attend for a very low price.  This and other group discounts and incentive pricing, as well as charity inquiries are made available by the marketing department in each local arena. 

Are small children allowed free admission?

Under 24 months are free assuming that they will not need their own seat and be sitting on their parent's lap.  However, we suggest you check with the Roanoke Civic Center to make sure that they do not have age restrictions.

What is available as a souvenir?  Is the show on DVD?

There is a link to merchandise on the website.  Currently we have made a DVD called “The Making of WALKING WITH DINOSAURS” and a CD of the original music score available.  The entire show, however, is not available on DVD.

Do you allow cameras at the performance?       

Yes, amateur still photography is allowed – but no flash or video, please.  The dinosaurs get frightened when people flash lights in their eyes!   If you are a professional looking to photograph the show, please contact the venue in your town and ask for the publicist as most of our venues have strict union restrictions and house rules regarding publicity that we need to follow.

Can I have a backstage tour or meet the Dinosaurs in person?

We get so many requests of this type that it is simply impossible to accommodate everyone – the dinosaurs (and ourselves) actually do need some sleep!   In addition, it is a very complex procedure to present the appearance of a Dinosaur.  Every member of our audience is a special guest and we have created this show to give you an "in person" experience of being with the Dinosaurs as they were when they lived millions of years ago.  The size and scope of this show will immerse you in the theatrical experience of our production and your belief will be suspended as you experience the feeling that the Dinosaurs in front of you are real.

Is Huxley a real paleontologist?

The role of Huxley, the Paleontologist who takes you through the 200 million year journey describing the events and the dinosaurs is an actor.  His script has been verified by real Paleontologists and approved by the BBC who produced the award winning TV series "WALKING WITH DINOSAURS" on which our show is based.   One of their most important hallmarks for the series is that it be as accurate as current science allows – and we have followed in their footsteps, with their guidance.

How can I get a job with the show or the company?

Please check the website for job descriptions and direct any inquiries to jobs@dinosaurlive.com