Upcoming Accessible Performances

Accessibility

Making Theatre More Accessible

ArtsEmerson operates from the core belief that the arts are for everyone and offers the services described below.

If you wish to attend an event and require specific accommodations or want more info, please contact our box office at tickets@artsemerson.org or 617-824-8400.

If you would like to receive emails about upcoming accessible performances, please email access@artsemerson.org and note your interest in Audio Description, Opening Captioning, and/or American Sign Language.

Accessible Services

Accessible Seating

ArtsEmerson’s theaters are wheelchair accessible. Please request wheelchair accessible locations when ordering tickets if you wish to remain in your wheelchair for the performance.

Please note that at the Emerson Cutler Majestic wheelchair accessible locations are only located on the Orchestra level as this historic venue does not have an elevator to serve upper floors.

Accessible Seating Location Maps

Cutler Majestic Theatre

Cutler Majestic Theatre Accessible Seating Map

Paramount Center, Robert J. Orchard Stage

Paramount Center Accessible Seating Map

 

Please note that seating configurations for the Black Box theatre at the Paramount Center change with every show, but accessible seating is always available.

Accessible Restrooms

Wheelchair accessible public restrooms are available at both theatres.

ADA Parking

Vehicles displaying a valid ADA placard can find accessible parking spaces directly around the corner from the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre on Stuart Street in front of Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery.

The LAZ Garage, ArtsEmerson’s preferred parking partner, is also designed to accommodate accessibility needs. ArtsEmerson patrons receive a discounted flat rate of $14.75 for up to 12 hours of parking.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are available at the Box Office in the lobby of the theatre free of charge at every performance. When you arrive at the theater, please ask an usher or member of our Box Office for a device.

Assistive Listening Devices amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. Radio Frequency (RF) assistive listening systems are installed in all theatres and headsets may be used at any seat. Headsets with induction neck loops are available for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a “T” switch.

Audio Description

Audio Described performances are offered for select projects during the season. Tickets for performances with Audio Description can be purchased at the box office, over the phone, or online. Audio Description is broadcast through our listening devices (see above); you may pick one up upon arrival at the theater on the day of the show.

Audio Description refers to an additional narration track intended primarily for blind and visually impaired consumers of visual media (including television and film, dance, opera, and visual art). It consists of a narrator talking through the presentation, describing what is happening on the screen or stage.

American Sign Language

American Sign Language performances are offered at select shows and events during the season. While the interpretation should be visible from all seats in the theater, we have designated seating with closer proximity to the interpreter marked as “ASL Seating” on the seating map. Please choose this seating when booking your tickets for an optimal view of the ASL interpreter.

For performances with General Admission seating, you will choose your seating location when you arrive at the theater so there is no designated seating at the time of the booking.

Skilled theatrical Interpreters work with a Deaf ASL Consultant to translate the production and use American Sign Language to interpret the performances on stage. The audience can see both the Interpreters and the stage action simultaneously.

Open Captioning

Open caption (OC) services are provided at select performances for patrons with slight to profound hearing loss. Patrons can request seats near the open caption board to ensure they can see both the stage and the caption board during the performance.

During open captioned performances an electronic text display is positioned to the side of the stage, which shows what the actors are saying or singing and describes sound effects on stage.

Tactile Tours

Presented prior to certain audio described performances, tactile tours feature an in-depth discussion of a play’s visual elements with a member of each show’s creative team, a guided tour of the set and key prop and costume pieces, and an opportunity to meet the cast for an introduction to their characters and physical descriptions.

Service Animals

Animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities are welcome at all performances. Please let us know at the time of booking so that we may ensure both you and your service animal are seated comfortably.


If you have suggestions on how we can make our theaters more accessible, please send them to access@artsemerson.org or call us at 617-824-8400.