Accessibility at Chicago's theatres and performance venues

Whatever type of theatre you love, there’s a seat waiting for you in Chicago. Our dynamic theatre scene is home to more than 250 theatres, offering the latest Broadway hits, intimate dramas, iconic improv, cutting-edge new works, and more.

From our downtown theatre district to our storefront neighborhood venues, Chicago’s theatres strive to be inclusive and accessible to all patrons. Learn more about accessible seating, sensory-friendly performances, services for blind or deaf patrons, and so much more.

Accessibility at Broadway in Chicago theatres

Broadway in Chicago brings exciting Broadway productions, from thrilling new works to beloved favorites, to Chicago’s downtown theatre district.

The exterior of the Cadillac Palace Theatre at night — Cadillac Palace Theatre

You can find Broadway in Chicago shows at five stunning theatres: the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, Cadillac Palace Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, the CIBC Theatre, and the Auditorium Theatre.

Learn more about the accessibility resources and amenities in place at Broadway in Chicago theatres.

Getting around: Elevator access varies across theatres. Learn more about elevator access at Broadway in Chicago theatres or contact the theatres directly for more details.
Accessible seating: All Broadway in Chicago theatres offer accessible seating. You can purchase accessible seating tickets through Ticketmaster or by calling (312) 977-1700 or TTY (800) 359-2525.
Blind and low-vision services: Audio-described performances are available regularly. See a schedule of upcoming audio-described performances.
Deaf and hard of hearing services: Broadway in Chicago productions offer sign-interpreted and open-captioned performances. See the schedule of performances for ASL-interpreted and open-caption performances. All theatres have assisted listening devices available at no cost to the patron.
Sensory-friendly performances: See the current schedule of Broadway in Chicago sensory-friendly performances.
Service animals: Service animals are permitted at all of Broadway In Chicago’s Theatres. All service animals must be wearing a leash or harness.

For more information, contact accessibility@broadwayinchicago.com.

Learn more about accessibility at Broadway in Chicago

Accessibility at Chicago’s downtown theatres

Chicago’s bustling theatre district is home to a wide array of historic venues, soaring auditoriums, and intimate performance spaces. From comedies to musicals to dramas and beyond, there’s a show for everyone.

Goodman Theatre

The Goodman Theatre is Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theatre. The Tony Award-winning theatre produces both classic and contemporary works, giving voice to a wide range of artists and visions.

Getting there: Accessible parking is available near Goodman Theatre at Government Center Self Park (181 N. Clark St.) and Theatre District Self Park (181 N. Dearborn). Goodman Theatre is centrally located in Chicago’s Loop and is in close proximity to all major CTA rail lines and many bus routes. Learn more about getting to the Goodman Theatre.
Getting around: The theatre’s main entry doors are electronic and can be opened automatically. A courtesy wheelchair is available on-site to transport patrons to and from assigned seats.
Accessible seating: Goodman Theatre has accessible wheelchair/scooter locations. Call Ticket Services at (312) 443-3800 if you have questions or would like to purchase over the phone.
Blind and low-vision services: Large print programs and braille programs are available from Guest Services on the day of the performance. One audio-described performance, including a touch tour, will be offered for each regular season production at Goodman Theatre. Learn more and find upcoming audio-described performances.
Deaf and hard of hearing services: There will be one ASL-signed performance offered for each regular season production at the Goodman Theatre. Learn more and find upcoming ASL-interpreted performances. There will also be one open captioned performance for each scheduled production. Learn more and find upcoming open-captions performances. Assistive listening devices are always available.
Sensory-friendly performances: Sensory-friendly performances include a lower sound level, reduce strobe lighting, designated quiet areas, and more. Sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones are available at all performances. Learn more about sensory-friendly performances at Goodman Theater.

For more information, contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.

Learn more about accessibility at Goodman Theatre

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

The Tony Award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier showcases the works of William Shakespeare and other powerful performances throughout their exciting season.

Getting there: Accessible parking is available at the Dedicated Parking Entrance (Entrance 1, north side of the Pier), as well as in both Navy Pier parking garages.
Accessible seating: Wheelchair-accessible seats are available in the Courtyard and Upstairs Theaters, as well as The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare.
Deaf and hard of hearing services: Assistive-listening devices are available for all performances. The theatre also offers open captioning and ASL-interpreted performances.
Blind and low-vision services: Large-print programs are available for all performances. Braille programs may be borrowed from the Audience Services table. Audio-described performances are also available.
Service animals: Service animals, such as guide dogs, are welcome. Please inform the theatre when booking your tickets.

For more information, contact (312) 595-5600 or emailaccess@chicagoshakes.com.

Learn more about accessibility at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Lyric Opera of Chicago

The Lyric Opera of Chicago, housed in a striking Art Deco building, is known as one of the world’s great opera companies. Guests can marvel at riveting operas, special concerts, Broadway musicals, and more.

Getting around: Automatic exterior doors are available at the main entrance to the Opera House. Elevators are available on all above-ground floors of the Opera House. Accessible restroom facilities are available.
Accessible seating: Removable aisle-side armrests are available for patrons who are able to transfer on their own from their wheelchairs. Wheelchair platforms are available for patrons wishing or needing to remain in their wheelchairs during a performance. Companion seating is provided adjacent to each platform location.
Deaf and hard of hearing services: Sign language-interpreted performances are scheduled for each spring musical. English translations are projected above the stage for all mainstage opera performances. Free assistive listening devices can be checked out on the main floor, coat check 2.
Blind and low-vision services: Large-print programs are available for all performances. Braille programs may be borrowed from coat check 1 on the main floor. High-powered opera glasses for the visually impaired are available at no cost on the main floor at coat check 1.
Service animals: Service animals, such as guide dogs, are welcome. Please inform the theatre when booking your tickets.

For more information, contact (312) 827-5600 or email at audienceservices@lyricopera.org.

Learn more about accessibility at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Accessibility at Chicago’s neighborhood theatres

Chicago’s dynamic theatre scene extends far beyond downtown. Our neighborhoods are home to independent and storefront theatres known for their cutting-edge works and innovative performances. Travel off the beaten path to discover something new at these neighborhood theatres.

Steppenwolf Theatre

The award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is widely considered one of the best venues for new works in the country.

Getting around: Accessible parking spaces are available in the valet parking lot at 1700 N Halsted, just north of the theater. A courtesy wheelchair is available on a first-come/first-serve basis at the front of house office. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in all of the lobbies
Accessible seating: Wheelchair-accessible seats in the Downstairs, Ensemble, and 1700 Theaters.
Deaf and hard of hearing services: There is an audio induction loop and complimentary assistive hearing devices in all theatre spaces. Open-captioned performances and American Sign Language-interpreted performances are available.
Blind and low-vision services: Audio-described performances are available. Touch tours and artistic conversations are available before selected audio-described performances. The theatre also provides playbills in braille, large print, and audio formats.
Service animals: There is a relief area for service animals in front of the theatre.
Sensory-friendly performances: Sensory-friendly performances are available for individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as family members, companions, and anyone who might enjoy this relaxed environment. Performances include lowered lighting, reduced sound, and lower capacity.