When you’re attending a performance, you can find accessibility information, and borrow devices and materials at the Accessibility Hub located in the Playhouse lobby (by the Rotunda Stage). We’re ready to help!
Patrons can also purchase Accessible Season Tickets for all four shows, based on your preferred services. Email or call us and we’ll personally handle that with you.
If at any point you have questions or would like to speak with someone about our accessibility services, please email Bri at bcollins@forwardtheater.com or call 608-234-5001 x1.
For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive Listening Devices are available for people who are hard of hearing. They work by amplifying and clarifying sound by cutting out ambient noise.
Assistive Listening Devices come with an individual receiver—about the size of a small flip phone. All assisted listening device equipment can be picked up at no cost from the Accessibility Hub, and returned to the Accessibility Hub after the show.
There are two types of headsets available:
- Headphones that provide amplified sound to each ear. Headphones should not be used over hearing aids, but rather in place of them. The combination of the two audio feeds often causes feedback.
- An induction neck loop that goes around the neck and amplifies sound through a guest’s hearing aid or cochlear implant which is already equipped with a telecoil or “T” switch.
Guests should discuss with their audiologist whether their hearing aid or cochlear implant has a “T” switch and how to use it with an Assistive Listening Headset.
Guests also have the option of bringing their own headset or earbuds to use with our receivers.
Tips
- Keep Overture-issued listening devices away from cell phones. They will not work properly if they are too close to your phone during the performance.
- Find your seat and test the listening device before the show starts. Make sure you know where the power and volume buttons are, and find an usher for assistance if you have questions.
ASL-Interpreted Performance
(American Sign Language)
An ASL-interpreted performance is always offered on the third Saturday matinee of each production. Designated seating with an unobstructed view of the ASL interpreter is available via the links to the right, or on each show page. Use the links to purchase discounted and unobstructed seats for each performance.
ASL-interpreted performances are an embedded aspect of Forward’s scenic and lighting designs from day one. We strive to provide the highest quality viewing experience, from interpreter placement to the timing of blackouts.
ASL-designated seating is $15 for students and $20 for the general public.
Check back in August for a shareable flyer with information on all of our accessible performances.
ASL-Interpreted and
Audio Description Performances
Tickets available here Aug 6
Steady She Goes
Saturday 9/26/26 at 2pm
Gaslight
Saturday 11/14/26 at 2pm
Dakar 2000
Saturday 2/20/27 at 2pm
The First Lady of Television
Saturday 4/24/27 at 2pm
For patrons who are blind or have low vision
Audio Description
Forward is excited to include Audio Description in its productions.
Audio Description is offered on the third Saturday matinee of each production.
Audio Description is the art of talking pictorially to enable audience members who are blind or have low vision to hear descriptions of actions, costumes, scenery and other aspects of the production not usually conveyed by voices from the stage.
FM receivers and headsets can be obtained at the Information Desk. These receivers are used in conjunction with a person who sits in a booth and describes action that is taking place in real time on stage.
Large Print Playbills
Large print playbills are available for all shows and can be requested at the Accessibility Hub.
Service Animals
When purchasing your tickets, please let us know that you’ll be accompanied by your service animal, so we can find the most comfortable seating for both of you. This usually involves an aisle seat, or a seat with extra leg room.
For patrons who have limited mobility
Please let the box office know if accommodations are needed when you buy your ticket.
Overture Center Building Information
- Overture Center offers wheelchair and easy-access seating in all venues, as well as accessible routes throughout the building.
- Elevator access is available at each level. The Playhouse is also equipped with a lift, providing access to balcony seating.
- Public entrances to Overture Center are equipped with power doors.
- Curbside drop-off is available at the Henry Street entrance of Overture Center.
- Accessible restroom facilities are located on all levels, including the Playhouse lobby, and all seven family/gender-neutral assist restrooms have power doors.
Courtesy Wheelchairs
A limited number of courtesy wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Accessibility Hub in the Playhouse lobby to borrow one. This can be helpful in supporting curbside dropoff, to comfortably get patrons from the car to their seats.
Types of Seating in the Playhouse
- Wheelchair seating with Companion Seat
- Transfer Seats – Transfer Seats are designed to provide access to guests with limited mobility, such as someone who uses a wheelchair, scooter, walker, crutches or cane. One arm of the Transfer Seat will lift or be removable.
- Armless Seats – These can be helpful as transfer seats or as size-inclusive seating.
- American Sign Language Seating – determined per show.
- Mobile Seating – These are not fixed traditional theater seats, rather are chairs set in the back row that allow patrons to stand, create more leg room, provide space for a service animal, or be removed to accommodate a walker or wheelchair.
Lift to the Balcony
The Playhouse is equipped with a single-occupancy lift, to transport patrons to the balcony. Please allow extra time to get to your seats and ask an usher for assistance in operating the lift.
Overture Center
Information
More information on Overture Center’s building, restrooms, parking and other venues can be found at Overture’s Accessibility Page.
Feedback
If you have feedback on any of our services, please get in touch with us at bcollins@forwardtheater.com. We achieve more through collaboration, and we appreciate our patrons’ support as we continue to grow and learn.