ACT Accessibility Services
ACT strives to make its performances and facilities accessible to all our patrons. For additional information or if you have questions, need assistance, or an accommodation not mentioned below, please contact us at service@acttheatre.org or 206.292.7676 (12:00pm-6:00pm, Tues-Sun).
ACT offers the following services
- Closed Captioning
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating
- Swing & Armless Arm Chairs
- Audio/Telecoil Neckloop
- Audio Description
- ASL
- Direct Tactile Interpretation
- Visual
Closed Captioning
Starting with the 2017 Mainstage season, ACT will be offering the Figaro MobiTxt® Closed Captioning System for audience members who are Deaf/ Hard of Hearing (HH).
The Figaro system supports closed captioning on individual tablets attached to a “gooseneck” stand on the arm of the patron’s seat anywhere in the theatre. The captioning will be run manually by an operator at each performance so there will be no delay in the display. Formatting, font size and color can be chosen from a selection of standard settings by the patron, and the display will only be visible to the individual using it and will not disrupt those seated nearby.
Patrons wishing to utilize the CC system should purchase tickets as they normally would to any of the days listed as "Captioned"—the full schedule of performances is available here—then call or email the Ticket Office to reserve a tablet at service@acttheatre.org or 206.292.7676 (12:00pm–6:00pm, Tues–Sun). Tablets may also be requested upon arrival at the theatre. A form of ID must be presented in exchange for the tablet and will be returned when the tablet is returned after the show.
Tribes actor Josh Castille demonstrates the Figaro system here.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Tickets may be purchased by phone, in person, or the Select-Your-Own-Seat function on this website. Please note: In the event of sold out performances, accessible and companion seating may be released for sale to the general public one (1) hour prior to the beginning of each show.
Swing & Armless Arms Chairs
Swing arm chairs are available for patrons who wish to transfer from their wheelchair to a seat. ACT Theatre also provides armless chairs by request.
Audio/Telecoil Neckloop
ACT is equipped with the Williams Sound® Audio Equipment, which amplifies stage sounds with the aid of headsets. We currently have 30 of these devices.
Headsets are available free of charge in the lobby. And they're not only for people with hearing loss! Headsets can be helpful for anyone wanting a bit of extra help to catch every line.
The neck loop plugs into a receiver's earphone jack to provide a magnetic signal that can be picked up by a hearing aid equipped with a telecoil (t-switch). It is worn like a lanyard. It is suitable for a person with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Integrated safety breakaway device. In the event the neckloop cord becomes entangled with an object in motion, the breakaway device will disconnect the neckloop from the user.
Audio Description
ACT offers Audio Description for every production. Audio described performances are available upon request with a minimum 30 day advance notice. For more details please email service@acttheatre.org
Audio description also referred to as a video description or more precisely called a visual description, is 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 during the natural pauses in the audio, and sometimes during dialogue if deemed necessary
The technique is similar to that of an old-style radio play
For the performing arts (theater, dance, opera), and media (television, movies and DVD), description is a form of audio-visual translation, using the natural pauses in dialogue or between critical sound elements to insert narrative that translates the visual image into a sense form that is accessible to millions of individuals who otherwise lack full access to television and film.
ASL
ASL interpreted performances for the 2018 Mainstage Season are offered at least once per play. Tickets can be purchased on each show's page.
Ride the Cyclone - Friday 4/6 8:00pm
The Wolves - Friday 5/4 8:00pm
Until the Flood - Friday 6/22 8:00pm
Lauren Weedman Doesn’t Live Here Anymore - Friday 8/3 8:00pm
Signed performances are aimed at people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreters, specializing in performance, work with a Deaf Sign Master/Coach to prepare their American Sign Language translations. During the performance the interpreters are located in the front of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing section.
Specific seats are allocated in the theatre (mostly within the first eight rows) so that the theatre-goer can read the signers interpretation clearly.
In the Falls Theatre Sign Language Interpreters are located in: Orchestra Right Row A-C
20 Seats are held for every ASL Performance
In the Allen Threatre Sign Language Interpreters are located in: The location may vary depending on production
20 Seats are held for every ASL performance
Direct Tactile Interpretation
Direct tactile interpretation is available upon request with a minimum 30 day advance notice. For more details please email service@acttheatre.org.
Visual
Large print programs are available for every ACT Mainstage production. They can be requested by asking a House Staff member.
