Accessibility
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts’ mission is to engage the region’s diverse communities in art through performance and education.
Our buildings along Broad Street – the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (which includes Marian Anderson Hall and the Perelman Theater), the Academy of Music, and the Miller Theater – serve as an inclusive and preeminent place to enjoy exceptional experiences that reflect the spirit of the Philadelphia region.
Our priority is to provide more accessible programming for all, while maintaining services available at all performances, including reserved wheelchair-accessible locations within all theaters; assistive listening devices; and sensory-friendly kits.
In order for us to best accommodate your request, please contact us with your request within two weeks of your performance date.
Jump to: Performance Accommodations | Venue Accommodations
Performance Accommodations
Art-Reach ACCESS Program
Art-Reach ACCESS Program
The Philadelphia Orchestra proudly participates in the Art-Reach ACCESS Program. Pennsylvania ACCESS/EBT Cardholders and Art-Reach ACCESS Cardholders may receive $2 tickets for select performances for the cardholder and up to 3 guests. This discount may not be valid for special events/exhibits, sold-out events, or combined with other discount offers.
You must show your ACCESS Card and valid photo ID to receive your tickets on the day of your visit. For more information about the ACCESS Program, please visit www.art-reach.org/access.
Personal Care Attendant (PCA)
Personal Care Attendant (PCA)
For any guest with disabilities who requires a paid Personal Care Attendant (PCA), we will provide a PCA-Pass at no cost with a paid admission. Any guest who requires a PCA and wishes to purchase advance tickets should contact Audience Services to request a PCA-Pass with the ticket.
The PCA-Pass may be picked up in person by the guest and the PCA at the Box Office no sooner than two hours prior to the performance.
American Sign Language Interpretation (ASL)
American Sign Language Interpretation (ASL)
American Sign Language interpretation (ASL) is available at select Broadway Philadelphia performances. ASL allows guests who speak ASL to understand and enjoy the performance by having all the spoken and sung lyrics translated into American Sign Language.
The interpreters are located on the side of the Parquet section and are visible to all guests seated near them, providing a seamless viewing experience.
See a complete list of American Sign Language Interpretation performance dates.
Please contact Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or send us a message for more information, ASL performance dates, or to request this service for another performance. Please allow at least two weeks advance notice for this accommodation.
View events that have ASL performances available on our calendar.
Audio Description (AD)
Audio Description (AD)
Audio Description (AD) is available at select Broadway Philadelphia performances. AD is the live, verbal narration of the visual elements of theatrical performances. Guests wear a small earpiece equipped with a receiver to hear narration of stage action, actors’ facial expressions, sets, costumes, lighting, and props. The person narrating is called the “Audio Describer” and is trained to interject descriptive information between spoken lines. The describer also gives a detailed narration of sets, props, costumes, and venue prior to the main performance during pre-show notes.
See a complete list of Audio Description performance dates.
For more information and availability, please contact Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or send us a message.
View events that have AD performances available on our calendar.
Assistive Listening
Assistive Listening
Assistive listening devices are available for all venues.
In Marian Anderson Hall and the Perelman Theater, devices are available with over-ear headphones or T-Loops.
At the Academy of Music and Miller Theater, devices are available with in-ear headphones.
Learn More About Our Available Assistive Listening Devices
All assistive listening devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please inquire with House Management upon your arrival.
Open Captions / Closed Captions
Open Captions / Closed Captions
Captioning within Ensemble Arts venues is now even more accessible, giving guests the ability to access live captioning using a web browser on their own smartphone.
Learn More about Captioning with our StreamText Guide
Please contact Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or send us a message for information and availability.
View events that have Live Captioning performances available on our calendar.
Braille Tickets and Programs
Braille Tickets and Programs
Currently, Ensemble Arts Philly does not offer Braille tickets on-site. Arrangements for Braille programs can be made.
Please contact Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or send us a message for alternative ways to access this printed information.
Large Print
Large Print
Please inquire with House Management upon arrival for Large Print programs.
For digital or alternative formats, please contact Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or send us a message.
Sensory Friendly Performances
Sensory Friendly Performances
Sensory-friendly experiences may be designated for select performances. Typically, the features of SF performances include:
- house lighting kept at mid-level
- house doors remain open
- a cool-down space for stimulated guests.
Additional adjustments may be made to the performance. During the performance, guests are free to move, vocalize, and be who they are.
Sensory-Friendly Kits (SF Kits) are now available in all venues at all performances. SF Kits are drawstring bags that include noise-canceling headphones, two fidget toys, and a weighted bean bag. Adult and Child-appropriate bags are available. SF Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis by inquiring with House Management at the venue.
View events that have Sensory Friendly performances available on our calendar.
Venue Accommodations
Entrances
Entrances
The Kimmel Center is wheelchair-accessible from both its east (Broad Street) and north (Spruce Street) entrances. Entrances are at sidewalk level (no steps). Ramps and/or level floors enter every level of Marian Anderson Hall and Perelman Theater. A curb cut on the corner of Broad Street and Spruce Street allows for access from the sidewalk.
The Academy of Music has a wheelchair-accessible entrance on the south side of the building, which allows for direct entry to the main lobby. A curb cut at the corner of Broad Street and Locust Street allows for access to the sidewalk leading to the accessible ramp on the south side of the building.
The Miller Theater is wheelchair-accessible from the main entrance at 250 South Broad Street. A curb cut at the corner of Broad Street and Spruce Street or the corner of Broad Street and Locust Street allows for access to the sidewalk and main entrance.
Parking
Parking
A limited number of wheelchair-accessible parking spaces are available in the Kimmel Center Garage.
Please contact Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or send us a message to make your reservation, but please be advised that accessible spaces are first come, first served upon arrival. Wheelchair-accessible elevators are available in the parking garage.
Restrooms
Restrooms
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on all levels of the Kimmel Center, accessible to guests of both Marian Anderson Hall and Perelman Theater, as well as all ancillary spaces.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on the Canteen level of the Academy of Music. An elevator is available to access the Canteen level.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on the Mezzanine level of the Miller Theater. An elevator is available to access the Mezzanine level.
Seating
Seating
All theatres have wheelchair-accessible locations. Features of these accessible locations include stair-free access and either open space to accommodate a variety of mobility devices, or an upholstered, loose chair can be provided.
Wheelchair-accessible seats may be purchased online or by calling Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or sending us a message for location and availability for specific venues and events.
Low Vision and Blindness
Low Vision and Blindness
A limited number of seating locations near the stage have been reserved for the exclusive use of guests with low vision or blindness.
Please contact Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or send us a message for location and availability for specific venues and events.
Service Animals
Service Animals
Trained Service Animals are welcome in all venues. Typically, the space under each seat will accommodate a service animal during a performance.
Please contact Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or send us a message for further information regarding service animals in our venues.
Relief Areas are available at the curb on Broad St, Spruce St, 15th Street and Locust St, in accordance with Philadelphia City Code.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility or navigating our historic buildings, call Audience Services at 215.893.1999 or send us a message.
We welcome feedback regarding our access programs and services. Please feel welcome to contact us, to let us know how we may improve our access services and best accommodate your next visit to our venues.