ACCESSIBILITY
AT GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
We believe that all people should experience the thrill, excitement, and storytelling of live theatre.
With a variety of accessible programs and services based on the needs of our community,
we welcome you to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.
AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES
Audio description is a live commentary interspersed with the actors’ dialogue. This is relayed via a headset that can be checked out free of charge. There is a short ‘program notes’ session, before the production, which explains the atmosphere, costumes, characters and action. Program notes will be sent by email in advance. Touch tours will occur 90 minutes prior to showtime.
ASL INTERPRETATION
At select performances, a skilled ASL interpreter will be present to sign the entire performance as an additional resource for those with hearing impairments. For these performances, we recommend that individuals looking to take advantage of this service should purchase their seats in or near Section 300 for the best viewing experience.
ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES
We offer Williams Sound personal amplifying devices to help hearing impaired individuals hear every word the script has to offer. Please see the Help Desk on the night of your performance to check out one of these devices, free of charge.
BUILDING ACCESS
Civic prides itself on making all of our spaces accessible to those with specific mobility needs. Our auditorium is fully ramped on the main level. We also offer specific wheelchair seating along with a companion seat in five different sections of our theatre. We have recently restructured our seating tiers for accessible seating, converting 24 of our 28 available seats to the Tier II and Tier III pricing tiers. Following our latest construction project, all 6 of our building’s floors are now accessible by elevator.
HEARING LOOP SYSTEM
Our theatre has a T-Coil Hearing Loop system installed throughout the house which allows patrons who have hearing aids to connect via their device or phone for amplified listening.
LOW SENSORY NIGHT
Our Low Sensory Night includes reduced sound volume, adjusted lights, limited seating, and an opportunity to learn about the show ahead of time to make the experience of live theatre more accessible for individuals with diverse sensory needs and their families/caretakers. This special event is possible because of our dedicated volunteers, knowledgeable Education staff, valued community partners, and our generous sponsors. Ticketing for this event is handled directly through our Box Office to ensure that we provide you with the best seating to accommodate for your individual needs.
FAMILIARIZATION TOURS
We will soon be offering virtual familiarization tours for folks who need a bit more time to adjust to our space. This guide will walk you through all of the areas you may encounter during a performance. In the meantime, we have a picture guided building tour available HERE. Our Customer Service Associates are also available during regular business hours to assist in identifying accessibility points and answering any questions you may have about your upcoming visit. To sign up for an in-person familiarization tour, please reach out to our Audience Experience Manager, Jess Burke, at j.burke@grct.org.
“PAY WHAT YOU CAN” PREVIEW PERFORMANCES
On the Thursday before opening night, we offer a “Pay What You Can” preview night to the public. Payment can be made via cash, check, or credit card. The amount you pay is based on what you are able and willing to give the production, whether that is the cost of a small coffee or the bill for a large dinner. The important thing to us is that we are able to share live art with you, without the burden of a price point.
PARKING
Patrons with mobility issues are encouraged to utilize our loading zone areas as drop off and pick up points for their party members who might benefit from less steps needed to reach their seats. All metered parking is free after 5:00PM Monday – Friday and all day on Weekends.
RELAXED ENVIRONMENT PERFORMANCES
A Relaxed Environment performance is perfect for anyone who benefits from being able to make noise, leave and return to their seat or access the toilets during the performance. This would include customers who have dementia, anxiety, Tourette’s, bowel and bladder conditions, those on the autism spectrum, or a learning disability. Relaxed Environment performances have no adjustments made to the performance. They are not suitable for customers with sensory sensitivities.
SENSORY BACKPACKS
Our theatre has Sensory Backpacks available for check out at every performance. These bags include items such as weighted lap-pads, earplugs, fidget cubes, dark glasses, maze mats, memory foam stress balls, chew necklaces, and clothes pins. Please see the Help Desk on the night of your performance to check out one of these tools, free of charge.
SERVICE ANIMAL POLICY
Licensed Service Animals are welcome in our building. We ask that you contact our Box Office in advance if you plan on bringing your furry friend so that we can assist with finding seating that will be most accommodating for you.
TOUCH TOURS
A Touch Tour will also be provided prior to Audio Description Performances for customers who are blind or visually impaired to familiarize themselves with the set ahead of the performance. You can feel the set, props and costumes and familiarize yourself with the voices of the actors and audio describer.
VIRTUAL TOUR
A virtual video tour of the Meijer Majestic Theatre is coming soon! Meanwhile, to enjoy a photo tour that includes a Seating Map and Building Photos, CLICK HERE.
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
We are here to serve you. Contact our Audience Experience Manager, Jess Burke at j.burke@grct.org for additional assistance.
Planning on joining us?
Remember, attending a performance at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre requires the purchase of a ticket. See below for more information.