No, what happens in mine which I assume is perfectly normal is, I cannot enter until two hours before. When I do, the stage is blank and ready to be set up, and all the seats are empty. It seems I can start the show early if I'm quick about it. This has resulted in good shows so far. Can you try entering earlier?
I have to say I was seriously worried the big shows would be in a rabbithole, but instead find they came up with a novel solution with the darkness and Sim silhouettes to give the illusion the arena is full.