Access Services
EMU Theatre strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all our patrons. If you have questions or would like to receive additional information about accessibility at EMU, please contact us. For additional information or if you have questions, need assistance, or an accommodation not mentioned below, please contact Pam Cardell at 734.487.1220 (voice) or [email protected].
For Patrons/Guests Who Are Deaf or Have Hearing Loss
Hearing Loop
A Hearing Loop System is installed at Legacy Theatre. Audience members with cochlear implants or telecoil-equipped hearing aids are able to fully enjoy the show. The induction loop system turns every telecoil- equipped hearing aid and cochlear implant into a personalized listening device connected directly to the theatre’s sound system. Assistive Listening Devices
RF hearing devices are available to provide hearing amplification for patrons with hearing loss in Legacy Theatre and Sponberg Theatre. Patrons can sit anywhere in the theatre and use the headsets. Headsets with induction neckloops are available for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a "T"; switch. Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a "T"; switch (telecoil) and how to use it with an assistive listening headset.
Headsets and neckloops are available free-of-charge at the Patron Services stand.
Sign Language Interpretation
Sign interpretation is available for scheduled performances. Sign interpretation is American Sign Language unless otherwise noted. Locations in the theatres vary according to the production. How do I buy tickets for sign interpretation?
Tickets in the sign interpretation section are available in person, by phone at 734.487.2282 or online. When purchasing in person or by phone, please notify staff that you need to sit in the ASL section. When purchasing online, select tickets in the section labeled ASL. Can I see the interpreters from any seat in the house if I buy a ticket to a captioned performance?
No, there is an ASL seating section for scheduled ASL performances where patrons can best see the interpreters. See above for details on how to purchase in this section. Upcoming performances with ASL
- The Crucible: October 15th 2022 at 7pm. and October 23rd 2022 at 2pm.
Open Captioning Theatre
Open-captioning is provided for selected performances for patrons who have hearing loss and may not benefit from hearing amplification or ASL. The audible elements are projected, in real time, as each line is spoken or sung. How is the captioning displayed at scheduled performances?
During scheduled events, an experienced captioner scrolls up to two lines of text onto a projection in sync with the performance. The projections are placed on or near the front of the stage and a section of seats in the front orchestra is made available to patrons who require the service and their guests. How do I buy tickets for captioned performances?
Tickets are available in person, by phone at 734.487.2282 or online. Can I see the captioning from any seat in the house if I buy a ticket to a captioned performance?
Open Captions for The Crucible can be seen from any seat in the house. Upcoming performances with Open Captions
- The Crucible: October 15th 2022 at 7pm. and October 23rd 2022 at 2pm.
Contact Information
Pam Cardell
734.487.1220 | [email protected]
For Patrons/Guests and Visitors who are Blind or have Low Vision
Alternate Formats
Large print programs are available at all performances. Braille print programs are available at all performances. Both large print and Braille may be obtained at the Patron Services stand. Audio Description
Audio description is available for selected performances for patrons who have vision loss. Using a single earpiece connected to an infrared headset, patrons who are blind or have low vision can listen to audio describers give live, verbal descriptions of actions, costumes, scenery, and other visual elements of a performance. Audio describers start pre-show notes approximately 15 minutes before the performance begins. How do I buy tickets for audio description performances?
Tickets for audio description performances are available in person, by phone at 734.487.2282 or online. When purchasing in person or by phone, please notify staff that you need this service. When purchasing online, select the offer entitled Audio Description Headset, listed under additional items. Can I hear the audio description from any seat in the house if I buy a ticket to an audio description performance?
Yes, you can. See above for details on how to purchase in this section.
Please make reservations for this service at the time you purchase your ticket.
Patrons who wish to listen to the description must pick up a headset. Headsets are distributed free-of-charge at the Patron Services stand.
Upcoming performances with Audio Description
- The Crucible: October 15th 2022 at 7pm. and October 23rd 2022 at 2pm.
Curb to Seat Service
EMU student assistants are available starting one hour before performances begin to assist patrons in getting from the front of the building to the theatre. Once at the theatre, access ushers are available to assist patrons to their seats.
Please note: Student assistants are not available after performances. Staff, volunteers and ushers are not able to assist patrons in transferring to or from a wheelchair, theatre seat or vehicle; operate motorized mobility aids such as scooters and Segways; or to provide personal attendant services such as assisting patrons in the restroom, with taking medications or with similar activities. Ushers are not permitted to accompany patrons into the parking lot.
Tactile Tours
Tactile tours will begin 45 minutes before the performance. Patrons will be invited to handle select props, scenic elements, and costumes.
How do I buy tickets for tactile tour performances?
Tactile tours are free to all patrons and will take place in the Legacy Theatre Lobby, for select performances.
Upcoming performances with tactile tours
- The Crucible: October 15th 2022 at 7pm. and October 23rd 2022 at 2pm.
Contact Information
Pam Cardell
734.487.1220 | [email protected]
For Patrons/Guests and Visitors with Mobility Disabilities
Steps Count Information for Patrons [PDF]
Accessible Entrances
The main lobby entrance off the Legacy Circle Drive is accessible. There is an elevator to get to Legacy Theatre from that same entrance. Accessible Seating
All theatres have wheelchair- and scooter-accessible locations where patrons can remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to theatre seats. However, these are only available in row P of Legacy and row A in Sponberg theatre. Patrons who cannot or do not wish to transfer from their wheelchairs to a theatre seat should request wheelchair-accessible locations when ordering tickets. For more information, please, check the steps count information attachment. Accessible Restrooms
All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Curb to Seat Service
EMU student assistants are available starting one hour before performances begin to assist patrons in getting from the front of the building to the theatre. Once at the theatre, Access Ushers are available to assist patrons to their seats.
Please note: Student assistants are not available after performances. Staff, volunteers and ushers are not able to assist patrons in transferring to or from a wheelchair, theatre seat or vehicle; operate motorized mobility aids such as scooters and Segways; or to provide personal attendant services such as assisting patrons in the restroom, with taking medications, or with similar activities. Ushers are not permitted to accompany patrons into the parking lot.
Parking
Designated accessible parking for vehicles bearing valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disability parking placards or license plates is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Information
Pam Cardell
734.487.1220 | [email protected]
Sensory-Friendly Services
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Accommodations for Sensory Friendly Performance
These typically include:
- Individuals are free to vocalize during the performance
- House Lights will remain on at low level during performance
- To give warning to the audience, sudden loud sounds, light changes or startling moments will be signaled in advance
- Entering and exiting the theatre will be allowed throughout the performance
- Quiet space provided completely away from the theatre with comfy chairs, low lighting and fidget toys.
Learn more about EMU Theatre
- EMU Theatre visitor guide for sensory friendly performances [PDF]
- Pre-Visit Materials: quiet room equipment [PDF]
Noise Reduction Headphones
Noise reducing headphones are available for patron use. Headphones can benefit individuals attending performances who have Autism Spectrum Disorders or other sensory sensitivities.
No reservations needed, simply stop by the Patron Services stand to pick up the headphones.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses to reduce light changes are available for patron use. Sunglasses can benefit individuals attending performances who have Autism Spectrum Disorders or other sensory sensitivities. No reservations needed, simply stop by the Patron Services stand to pick up the sunglasses. Tactile Tours
Tactile tours will begin 45 minutes before the performance. Patrons will be invited to handle select props, scenic elements, and costumes.
How do I buy tickets for sensory friendly performances?
Tickets for sensory friendly performances are available in person, by phone at 734.487.2282 or online.
Upcoming sensory friendly performances
- The Crucible: October 23rd 2022 at 2pm.
Contact Information
Pam Cardell
734.487.1220 | [email protected]