Accessibility

Ensemble Arts Philly encompasses marvelous venues ranging widely in age and architecture. This can present unique access challenges in some instances. 

Please contact us directly to discuss specific details for navigating our historic buildings by calling Audience Services at 215-893-1999 or contact us.

Access

Ensemble Arts Philly’s mission is to engage the region’s diverse communities in art through performance and education. Our venues serve as an inclusive and preeminent place to enjoy exceptional experiences that reflect the spirit of the Philadelphia region.

We make it a priority to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to best accommodate your request, please contact us with your request within two weeks of your performance date.

 

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 email audienceservices@ensembleartsphilly.org for location and availability for specific venues and events.

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 for location and availability for specific venues and events.

*Please see below for information about Entrances, Parking and Restrooms.

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.

Click here to see a complete list of American Sign Language Interpretation performances. 

Please contact Audience Services 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.

 

Personal Care Attendant (PCA)

For any guest with disabilities who requires a paid Personal Care Attendants (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.

 

Audio Description (AD)

Audio Description (AD) is available at select Broadway Philadelphia performances. AD is live, verbal narration of the visual elements of theatrical performances. Guests wear a small ear piece 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. For more information and availability, please contact Audience Services.

 

Assistive Listening

Assistive listening devices are available for all venues on a first come, first served basis. At Marian Anderson Hall, Perelman Theater, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater devices are available with over-the-ear headphones, open-ear earbuds, or T-Loops. Assistive listening devices are also available for select events in Hamilton Garden, Rendell Room, and on the Commonwealth Plaza stage. Please inquire with the House Manager upon your arrival. 

 

Open Captions / Closed Captions

Please inquire about Live Captions at Ensemble Arts Philly Venues. Closed Captions will be offered for select film screenings. Please contact Audience Services for information and availability.  

 

Sensory Friendly Performances

Sensory-friendly experiences maybe designated for select performances. Typically, the features of SF performances include: house lighting kept at mid-level, house doors remain open, and 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 are now available in all venues at all performances. SF Kits are drawstring bags that carry noise-cancelling 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.

 

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 for alternative ways to access this printed information.  

 

Large Print

Please inquire with House Management upon arrival for Large Print programs. For digital or alternative formats, please contact Audience Services. 

 

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 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.

 

Parking

A limited number of wheelchair-accessible parking spaces are available in the Kimmel Center Garage. Please contact Audience Services 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

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.

 

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.

 

Further Information

Please contact Audience Services with questions regarding accessibility at the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater.

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.