Accessible Performing Arts Centers in Florida

By Julie Landry Laviolette

A grand production like a Broadway show can dazzle, enrich the spirit and feed the soul - an experience that should be accessible to all. Florida’s major performing arts centers have worked diligently to make that possible.

Staff members can help guests with mobility challenges, such as those using wheelchairs, walkers and crutches, find a comfortable place to sit. Programs also are in place to help guests who are deaf, have hearing or vision loss or who are on the autism spectrum. Here’s a roundup:

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Fort Lauderdale

Getting to the theater

Guests can be dropped off at the valet entrance, and wheelchairs are available to use for free. A garage across the street has accessible parking spots and a skyway to the theater.

Buying tickets

To buy tickets and request seating for wheelchair access or easy access transfer, or for other accommodations, visit browardcenter.org or call 954-462-0222. Accessible seating is limited and up to three companion seats can be purchased.

Assistive listening devices

Two options help patrons with hearing loss better enjoy performances. Free headsets and handheld volume controls that help clarify sound in the theater can be checked out from guest services. Guests also can download the free Listen Everywhere smartphone app and bring their own headphones. Bluetooth enabled hearing aids will connect automatically to the system if you connect to the theater's Wi-Fi network. If you have questions, visit guest services.

Audio-described performances

Patrons who are visually impaired can enjoy a richer experience through audio- described performances, where actions, sets and costumes are described live via headset. To prepare for the special performances, audio describers watch the show in advance and take notes, so they are able to describe what’s on stage without interfering with dialogue. This option is available at certain Broadway, Miami City Ballet and Florida Grand Opera performances. A limited number of headsets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at guest services.

Touch tours

Low vision and blind theater goers have the opportunity to learn about the set, costumes and props ahead of a show through touch tours. Often scheduled ahead of the audio-described performances, touch tours give low vision guests an extra experience to help enhance the understanding of a show.

Open-captioned performances

Just like closed captioning on a television show, open-captioned performances scroll dialogue and lyrics on digital screens next to the stage. The option is offered at certain Broadway and Slow Burn Theater company performances.

Sign language-interpreted performances

These special performances feature a single interpreter using American Sign Language live alongside a spoken language or musical theater show. It is offered at select Broadway shows.

Sensory inclusive performances

Guests on the autism spectrum, who have sensory issues or developmental disabilities can enjoy sensory inclusive performances. These performances are intended to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Unlike a traditional show, where the lights go dark and patrons are not allowed to talk, these performances remove barriers to allow everyone to enjoy the show. Guests can dance, sing along or walk around. There are no special effects or strobe lights and volume is lowered.

Sensory bags can be requested at guest services and include noise canceling headphones, sunglasses and fidgets to help those who may be overwhelmed by sounds, light and crowds. Sensory bags can be requested for all performances at the Broward Center or The Parker, whether it is a sensory inclusive performance or not.

There's a quiet room If anyone needs to step away from the stimulating environment and get a break. A behavioral therapist is on hand to provide audience support.

Service animals

Service animals designated by the American with Disabilities Act are allowed into the theater on a leash or harness. Service animals must sit under the guest’s seat or at his or her feet. Service animals are not permitted to sit in the aisle or on seats.

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Miami
 

Getting to the theater

Guests can be dropped off at valet parking. Free wheelchair transport into the theater is available on a limited basis. Accessible parking is available at lots surrounding the center. By law, guests with an accessible parking tag can use public street parking for up to four hours for free.

Accessible seating

Wheelchair accessible and swing arm seats for easy transfer are available for all performances at arshtcenter.org or 305-949-6722. Up to three companion seats can be purchased. Accommodations for guests with low vision, hearing loss or other needs can be requested when buying tickets. If you have questions, contact accessibility@arshtcenter.org.

Assistive listening devices

Headsets and volume controls are available at no cost for all performances for guests with hearing loss. The headsets help amplify and clarify dialogue and songs as they are performed. See the house manager in the lobby.

Sign language interpretation

A team of professionally certified American Sign Language interpreters provide sign language interpretation, in addition to a pre-show overview and introduction, at select performances. Interpreters also can be requested with advance notice.

Open captioning

Live captioning on a large digital screen is available at select performances. Check performance dates on the website for the open captioning symbol. Captioning can be requested with advance notice.

Audio description

Headsets can be checked out for free for special audio description performances, in which a trained individual describes the costumes, sets and action as it unfolds without interfering with dialogue. Audio description can be requested with advance notice.

Touch tours

Touch tours enhance the theater experience for blind and low vision guests by giving them a chance to touch costumes and props before the performance. Offered at select performances.

Service animals

Service animals as defined by the American with Disabilities Act are permitted in the theaters and must be under the control of the handler at all times. Service animals should sit under the guest’s seat or at their feet. Service animals are not permitted to sit in the aisle or on seats.

Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
West Palm Beach

Getting to the theater

Guests can be dropped off at valet parking or the drop off area. Wheelchairs can be borrowed for free. In the parking garage, the closest accessible parking spaces to the garage elevators and covered walkway to the theaters are on the second, third and fourth floors. Additional accessible parking spaces are located on each floor of the garage. Oversized vehicles should use the garage’s Okeechobee Boulevard entrance.

Accessible seating

Wheelchair accessible seating, with seating for up to three companions, is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit kravis.org or call 561-832-7469 to reserve wheelchair accessible seating or other accommodations.

Accessible restrooms

Restrooms on all levels, with the exception of the balcony, are accessible.

Audio aids

Guests with hearing loss can check out free headsets that amplify and clarify dialogue and song lyrics. The headsets are first-come, first-served. In Dreyfoos Hall, assistive listening devices are available at guest services. In Rinker Playhouse and Persson Hall, ask a front of house staff member.

Open captioning

With open captioning, a large digital text display on the side of the stage scrolls dialogue and song lyrics as a show is in progress. Open captioning is offered on the first Saturday matinee performance of Broadway shows. Reserved seats for patrons with hearing loss are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Let the box office know when ordering tickets.

Sign language interpretation

Sign language interpreters are provided at Sunday matinee performances of Broadway shows. At these shows, American Sign Language is used to interpret dialogue and song lyrics.

Large print programs

Large print programs are available for most performances. Pick one up at guest services or ask a front of house staff member.

Sensory inclusive performances

Sensory performances are held throughout the season to help guests on the autism spectrum or who have developmental disabilities enjoy the theater in a more relaxed setting. Volume is lower, the theater is not as dark, and special effects may be modified. Visitors can stand up, walk around, sing along or sit on the floor, whatever makes them comfortable.

There is also a quiet room, for guests who are overstimulated and need a break. Noise canceling headphones and fidgets also are available. The center has a social narrative to help visitors understand what to expect when they visit the theater.

Service animals

Service animals designated by the Americans with Disabilities Act are welcome and must remain on a leash or harness at all times. Service animals can sit at a guest's feet, but not in a seat or aisle. When buying your ticket, ask the customer service representative to help determine a seat that will meet your needs.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Orlando

Getting to the theater

Guests can be dropped off at the theater and wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. Prepaid valet parking for guests with a state-issued disabled parking permit is available for the same rate as garage accessible parking. Accessible parking is available at the City Commons parking garage, which has a covered sky bridge on the third floor. For information on accessible parking, visit the City of Orlando website.

Ticketing and seating

Guests who want accessible seating can buy tickets at drphillipscenter.org or at 407-358-6603. Up to three companion seats can be purchased. Special bariatric seating for guests who need larger seats also is available. Box office personnel can help guests pick a seat based on needs. Guests needing accommodations when they arrive at the theater can ask for the manager on duty.

Accessibility concierge

An accessibility concierge desk just past the ticket scanners helps patrons using mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, knee scooters and crutches get through security and find an accessible seat, if they don't already have one.

Wheelchair accessibility

Accessible restrooms are available and there are elevators to every level. The Walt Disney Theater also has wheelchair lifts. A semi-enclosed lift measuring 39” x 54” is at the orchestra terrace level, row 22. Box seats 3, 4, 9 and 10 have a fully enclosed lift that measures 36” x 48”. Ask an usher for assistance.

Assistive listening devices

Headsets and assistive listening devices to help amplify and clarify dialogue and singing in the theater are free to check out at the concierge desk. Guests also can bring their own headphones with a pin-type connector to plug into the device.
Special units are available to connect to T-coil hearing aids. Acquaint yourself with how to connect your hearing aid to the system, or bring an instruction sheet and a staff member can help you.

American Sign Language interpretation

During the first Saturday matinee of every Broadway show, sign language interpreters use American Sign Language to interpret anything spoken or sung. Guests also can request American Sign Language interpreters for other shows, with two weeks advance notice. Email guestservices@drphillipscenter.org.

Captioning

The theater partners with Galapro, a free app that provides live captioning on your smartphone for certain Broadway shows. The app uses a dim screen with red lettering on a black background, so it doesn't disturb other theater guests. As the performance unfolds on stage, live captions appear on your screen.

Audio-described performance

Guests can listen to live descriptions of what is going on on stage at audio-described performances. They are offered the first Saturday performance of Broadway shows, both during the matinee and evening. The audio describer typically starts about 10 to 15 minutes before the show to read through the performance's program. Headphones and units can be checked out at the concierge desk, or headphones can be brought from home to plug into the unit.

Sensory friendly performances

Sensory friendly performances for guests with sensory issues are offered throughout the year. House lights are not as dark, volume is muted and loud special effects may be removed completely. Theatergoers have the freedom to move around during the performance and are not restricted to their seats. There also is a quiet space where guests can retreat to if they are overwhelmed by the theatrical production. The center has produced a social story book and a social story video to help prepare guests for a theater visit.

Certified Autism Center

The Dr. Phillips Center is designated as a Certified Autism Center, meaning the front of house staff, including leadership and ushers, go through an annual training. The training teaches how to anticipate the needs of someone on the autism spectrum, and the needs of people traveling with someone on the spectrum.

Service animals

Service animals designated by the Americans with Disabilities Act are welcome at the theater. Service animals must be leashed or on a harness at all times, and should sit at the guest's feet. Service animals are not permitted to remain in the aisle.

Special requests

Reach out to guest services at 407-992-1754 or guestservices@drphillipscenter.org team with any requests or visit the concierge desk before your show.

David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Tampa

Getting to the theater

Guests can be dropped off at valet parking. Courtesy wheelchairs, including bariatric wheelchairs, are available to use for free. Call 813-222-1070 when you arrive. Accessible parking is available in the arrival plaza off Tyler Street.

Accessible seating

Wheelchair and scooter accessible seating is available in all seating levels in Morsani Hall, Ferguson Hall and TECO Theater. Orchestra level accessible seating is available in the Jaeb Theater and Shimberg Playhouse.

Seating can be requested for guests with mobility challenges, low vision or hearing loss at strazcenter.org, 813-229-7827 or at the box office when buying tickets. Bariatric seating can be requested by phone or at the box office.

Assistive listening devices

A Wi-Fi based assistive listening system that helps eliminate background noise and amplifies and clarifies dialogue and singing is available. Download the free Sennheiser MobileConnect smartphone app for shows in Morsani Hall, Ferguson Hall or Jaeb Theater and bring your own headphones, or check out a pair of plug-in headphones for free. Free headsets and iPods also can be checked out from the house manager’s desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

Morsani Hall, Ferguson Hall and Jaeb Theater are also T-coil compatible. If you have questions about the compatibility of your T-coil hearing aid, email comments@strazcenter.org.

Sign language-interpreted performances

The first Thursday of each Broadway show is an American Sign Language-interpreted performance. To request ASL interpreters for other performances, call (813) 229-7827 at least two weeks prior to the show date.

Audio-described performances

The first Saturday matinee of each Broadway show is an audio-described performance, where the action, set and costumes are interpreted, in addition to a show’s dialogue and singing. Audio descriptions can be heard through the Sennheiser MobileConnect smartphone app. Bring your own headphones, or check out a pair of plug-in headphones for free. Free headsets and iPods also can be checked out from the house manager’s desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

Service animals

Americans with Disabilities Act defined service animals are welcome and must be leashed or on a harness. If you intend to bring a service animal, notify a ticket agent at the time of purchase so they can identify the best seating location for you.