ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES

Relaxed Performances offer an accessible option to audience members who may benefit from a more relaxed environment in the theatre or those who may have not normally felt comfortable attending a live performance. This may be ideal for people with sensory concerns, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, dementia, families with babies or younger children, or those that may need to be able to leave the theatre frequently during the performance. It is a “no shushing” performance that allows our audience members to be themselves!

The theatre will be dimly lit but not completely dark, there is a relaxed attitude toward audience movement and noise, and there may be some changes in production to reduce startling effects or noises.

A Relaxed Performance allows you to enjoy the show, to be yourself, and to experience live theatre in a friendly and supportive environment!

The Citadel Theatre’s Relaxed Performance of a particular show may not be designated as a “sensory-friendly” environment if there is a live orchestra. Certain elements of the production (such as sound effects and lighting) may be adjusted, but not shifted significantly. The Citadel Theatre has numerous sensory kits available for audience members to use that include sunglasses, fidget toys, ear plugs and ear muffs.

The performance will include an introduction from a Citadel staff person, who will guide the audience through the characters, and preview certain blocking or design elements to best prepare our audience for the production experience.

A quiet space will be available for those that may need to have a break from the performance or lobby crowd.

Many live theatre performances have audience policies to reduce movement and sound during the show, so as not to disrupt the artists on stage or the patrons in attendance. Theatres are generally quite dark with lights above the audience seating turned low. Babes-in-arms or children under 5 are typically not allowed in our theatres. This Relaxed Performance releases all of those policies for the designated show.

Yes! Children and babes-in-arms are invited to a Relaxed Performance. For children aged 0-2 years old, tickets are free; however, every person entering the theatre must have a ticket assigned for safety regulations and seating capacity. Please purchase your ticket by calling our Box Office. Children aged 3 and older are permitted but would need a paid ticket at regular price. 

**Please note, certain production have specific age recommendations as there may be scenes that are not be suitable for young children. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the age recommendations listed on our show pages.

Audio described and ASL interpreted performances will be specifically indicated in future performances on our website.

A captioned performance uses real-time captions to represent spoken dialogue and other important audio elements during the show. The visual representations of the spoken text allow audience members who are Deaf or hard of hearing, have auditory processing disorders, are not fluent in English, or simply enjoy having captions available, to follow the plot of a play or musical through a personal captioning device or a screen visible to the entire audience.

Open captions are visible to all audience members via screens placed near the stage. No one can enable or disable these captions based on their preferences.

Closed captions, on the other hand, are those that users may enable or disable at will by using a personal captioning device (their own personal phone or an iPad available at the coat check).

Patrons can scan a QR code at the box office or outside the theatre to link to the live captioning session on an internet browser. You will have to use your own data to access the internet on your own smartphone.

The Citadel Theatre has iPads available to access the live closed captioning session. They can be picked up at the coat check on your arrival. You must leave your government issued ID as a deposit at the coat check until the iPad is returned at the end of the performance.

No! All our radio receivers, sensory kits, iPads, and hearing loops can be accessed free of charge, however you must leave your government issued ID as a deposit with the coat check until the device or kit is returned at the end of the performance.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performances are performances where ASL interpreters translate the dialogue and songs onstage for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing into American Sign Language.

American Sign Language

ASL Interpreters are located near the stage during the performance. They are lit so their faces, hands, and upper bodies are clear to the audience.

Patrons who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing are seated in an area of the theatre that gives them the best sight lines to follow the interpretation and the action on stage.

Please contact the Box Office at 780-425-1820 to ensure you are seated close to the ASL Interpreters if you are d/Deaf or hard of hearing.

An Audio Described performance provides a verbal description of the visual aspects of the performance. They are described live through a small radio receiver, which the audience member can experience through personal headphones provided by the Citadel Theatre. Audio Described performances are for patrons who are Blind or low vision or for patrons would appreciate having a verbal description of the action onstage.

Audio description radio receivers can be picked up at the coat check on your arrival. You must leave your government issued ID as a deposit at the coat check until the radio receiver is returned at the end of the performance.

No! All our radio receivers, sensory kits, and hearing loops can be accessed free of charge, however you must leave your government issued ID as a deposit with the coat check until the radio receiver is returned at the end of the performance.

Theatre goers who are Blind or low vision are welcome to sit in any theatre part of the theatre during an Audio Described Performance.

Touch Tours are held an hour and a half before a performance where audience members who are Blind or low vision can come and feel the props, set and costumes involved in the show. Other patrons who have sensory considerations may also find touch tours helpful to familiarize themselves with elements of the production before being immersed in a performance setting.

All patrons who have purchased tickets for the performance right after the Touch Tour can take part in the Touch Tour.