🎬 FAQs: What to Expect at The Terminator Live!

Your guide to the U.S. Premiere of The Terminator with live music by Chicago Philharmonic!

Are you a Terminator fan curious about this “live concert” experience? Not sure what it actually means to hear the score performed live with the movie? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know before attending The Terminator Live on Friday, June 13 at The Auditorium in Chicago.

🧠 What is The Terminator Live?

We’re glad you asked! The Terminator Live is a live-to-film concert—which means you’ll be watching The Terminator, the full 1984 sci-fi classic, on the big screen. But instead of the soundtrack coming through the speakers, it’s performed live and in sync by Chicago Philharmonic’s all-electronic chamber ensemble.

All the original dialogue and sound effects stay in place. It’s still the movie you know and love—this time with a live, in-sync performance of the full score——happening in real time, right in front of you.

🎟️ Is this the real deal?

YES!

The Terminator Live is an officially licensed film concert, originally developed by Avex Classics International and first premiered at London’s Royal Albert Hall. This June marks its debut performance in the United States! Right here in Chicago. 

🎹 Who performs the music?

The score will be performed by the Chicago Philharmonic, known for its dynamic film concert productions—Blade Runner Live, Ghostbusters in Concert, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula in Concert, to name a few.

For The Terminator, an all-electronic ensemble will perform Brad Fiedel’s legendary synth-driven score live, matching every cue, beat, and chase with precision.

⏸️ Will there be an intermission?

Yes—about halfway through the film, there’s a 20-minute intermission so you can stretch your legs, grab a snack, and prep for more cyborg mayhem.

🍿 What about food and drinks?

The Auditorium has snacks and beverages available—and even better, they’ll be announcing a themed specialty drink just for The Terminator Live. Stay tuned!

🦾 Can I dress up?

Absolutely—and we encourage it! Come as your favorite Terminator character, rock a leather jacket, or just channel your best ‘80s sci-fi vibes.

We’ll have a step & repeat and poster set up so you can snap some killer shots. And we LOVE seeing how our audience shows up—so don’t forget to tag @chicagophilharmonic and @auditoriumtheatre when you post! We may even share some of our favorite looks.

📍 Where is it?

The show is at The Auditorium (formerly known as the Auditorium Theatre) in downtown Chicago:

📍 50 E Ida B. Wells Dr
🗓️ Friday, June 13, 2025
🕢 Show starts at 7:30 PM

🎟️ How do I get tickets?

Easy! Tickets start at just $49, and you’ve got a few ways to grab them:

• • • Online through our website
    • Through AXS
    • Or in person at the Auditorium’s box office!

The Auditorium Box Office Hours:

• • • Monday–Friday, 12 PM–5 PM CST
    • Address: 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive Chicago, Illinois, 60605
    • On performance days: opens 3 hours before the show
    • Closed weekends/holidays unless there’s a performance
    • Phone Ticket Services: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM CST
      • Phone #: (312) 341-2300

🎉 Final thoughts?

Whether you’re a diehard Terminator fan or just curious about what a film concert actually feels like, this is the perfect way to experience it. Come for the movie, stay for the music—or vice versa. Either way, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.

See you June 13.

JUNE 13: GET TICKETS!