Accessible Performances and Services

Virginia Stage is dedicated to serving all patrons, because we firmly believe that THEATRE IS FOR EVERYONE.

Mobility Accessible Seating

ADA Accessible Seating is available for all of our productions located at the rear of the orchestra with easy access for patrons with wheelchairs and walkers. Row M, the rear row of the orchestra, has been fully renovated with larger seats for patrons who may find this amenity more comfortable and suitable for their needs.

Assistive Listening Devices

Our new state-art-infrared assisted listening system provides top of the line listening assistance either through headsets available at the box office or directly into personal hearing aids equipped with a t-coil.

Convenience | Patrons can listen directly to the audio through their hearing aids with a t-coil, without having to pick up a headset. The vast majority of hearing aids, whether old or new, have the required t-coil already in them, and the function just needs to be turned on by a hearing professional to receive the audio transmission.

Sound Quality | Unlike previous systems that use FM radio, our new sthe Loop Listening System communicates via cables that run throughout the theatre. This reduces the length the sound must travel and comes through more clearly with a significant reduction in white noise.

ASL Interpreted Performances

The second Saturday evening of every performance features ASL Interpreters who translate the entire show in American Sign Language.  ASL Interpreting was made possible by The Language Group.

ASL Interpreted Performances

Arsenic and Old Lace - Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 PM
Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really - Saturday, October 26 at 7:30 PM
A Merry Little Christmas Carol - Saturday, December 21 at 7:30 PM
A Sherlock Carol - Saturday, December 28 at 7:30 PM
Fat Ham - Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 PM
Little Shop of Horrors - Saturday, March 22 @ 7:30 PM

Open Caption Performances

At our Open Caption Performances, a screen placed near the stage displays the spoken dialogue on our second Saturday matinee. This allows patrons with hearing disabilities the opportunity to see the stage action and not miss a single word. Guests who would like to attend these performances should use the promo code AccessVA when purchasing their tickets to ensure they will be in view of the captioning screen.

(dates listed below)

Audio Described Performances

VSC has partnered with Access Virginia to provide Audio Described Performances. Patrons with vision disabilities can listen to a description of the visual aspects of the performance described live. Patrons who would like to attend these performances should use the promo code AccessVA when purchasing their tickets to ensure they will be provided with a special headset. 

Open Caption and Audio-Described Performances

Arsenic and Old Lace - Saturday, September 14 at 3 PM
Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really - Saturday, October 26 at 3 PM
A Merry Little Christmas Carol - Saturday, December 21 at 3 PM
A Sherlock Carol - Saturday, December 28 at 3 PM
Fat Ham - Saturday, February 8 at 3 PM
Little Shop of Horrors - Saturday, March 22 @ 3 PM

Large Print Programs Available Digitally

Our playbill is now available in a robust digital format, capable of being reformatted on your smart device or computer screen to provide large format font sizes for ease of readability.

Sensory-Friendly Kits

VSC provides a number of sensory-friendly kits at each performance to support audience members with sensory needs. These kits include:

• Silent fidgets

• Child and Adult sized sunglasses

• PECS Cards for nonverbal communication

• Noise-canceling headphones

Patrons can also request weighted lap pads as needed. Patrons who would like a sensory-friendly kit can pick one up free of charge at the Box Office prior to the show. After the performance, all items are to be returned to the Box Office.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at the Wells Theatre. Please notify the Box Office when making your reservation to ensure there is space for your companion

THEATRE FOR EVERYONE

Virginia Stage Company is dedicated to making theatre accessible for all audience members and increasing inclusion for those on the autism spectrum, as well as first-time theatergoers and young children. The Theatre for Everyone program produces performances that are sensory-friendly. These performances are a judgment-free environment, for anyone who might benefit from an inclusive theatre experience. 

Accommodations

• Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds

• House lights remain at a low level during the performance

• Adjusted theatrical lighting to reduce or eliminate strobe lighting

• Adjusted house rules: audience members are free to talk and move during the show

• Trained staff and cast

• Access to Take-A-Break areas in the theatre

Pre-Visit Resources

• A Social Story - [resource coming soon!]

• Meet Your Seat - Meet Your Seat opportunities are provided to reduce stress and support successful priming for the actual event. To schedule a Meet Your Seat visit prior to your scheduled performance date, email education@vastage.org.

Theatre for Everyone Performances

Arsenic and Old Lace - Sunday, September 22 at 3 PM
Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really - Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30 PM
A Merry Little Christmas Carol - Sunday, December 15 at 3 PM
Fat Ham - Thursday, February 13 at 3 PM
Little Shop of Horrors - Saturday, March 29 @ 2 PM

Education & Enrichment

The Tazewell Lounge features a Wheelchair Lift that can take patrons into the education classroom on the second floor. This allows us to hold classes, workshops, and performances for all members of our community.

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