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Accessibility information

The Orpheum, State, Pantages and Dudley Riggs theatres are dedicated to providing persons with disabilities the necessary measures to allow for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Please contact the box office directly by email or call 612.339.7007 with any questions, requests or concerns.

Accessible seating

All theater offer accessible seating in various areas depending on ticket prices. Tickets for accessible seats are reserved for those who require physical accommodation and their companions. Seating is provided on a flat, level area that has padded armchairs which may be removed when access by a wheelchair is required. Each guest who requires accessible seating may purchase up to 3 adjacent seats for companions, subject to availability.

Additional party members will be seated nearby or in other seating. Special consideration will be given to families for children’s productions. Please request accessible seating when you purchase your tickets.

Accessible seating is available for purchase at the Box Office in person, over the phone through Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787 or online at HennepinArts.org.

  • If a guest wishes to transfer from their wheelchair to fixed seats the wheelchair will be taken to the outer lobby to comply with local fire code regulations. At the end of the performance an usher will return the wheelchair to the guest. We do not recommend transferring to fixed seats unless absolutely necessary as this may hinder evacuation in emergency situations.

  • If a guest does not use a wheelchair but needs assistance walking from the lobby to their seat, please call the Box Office in advance or email to arrange for the use of our house wheelchair. Please understand that our staff is unable to physically assist guests.

If, after you have purchased your tickets, your situation changes and you find you will need special accommodations, please contact the box office by phone at 612-339-7007 or email us to make arrangements in advance. If, after arriving at the theatre, you find your seats to be unsatisfactory, please notify an usher. Depending on availability, we may be able to accommodate a change in seating.

Please note: there is no elevator in the State Theatre. Patrons with mobility restrictions, including walking up or down stairs, should purchase tickets on the main floor.

ASL interpretation

ASL interpretation is made available for all events at the theatres for our hard of hearing guests. Our Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season has one interpreted performance of each show prescheduled; some other shows may have prescheduled interpretation. Please visit the show’s listing on our website to see if ASL is currently offered for that show. Seats are set aside for ASL guests to be able to view the interpreter and the stage at the best possible angle; seats in this area are limited.

Events without a prescheduled interpreted performance may have ASL interpretation added by request. When requesting an interpreter, we ask that you allow at least two weeks advance notice to secure interpreters.

Audio description

Audio Description (AD) is made available for all events at the theaters for our visually impaired guests. Actions on the stage are described by a qualified describer who uses a microphone and a wireless unit that is transmitted to a small device used by the guest to hear. Our Broadway Season has one Audio Described performance of each show prescheduled; some other shows may have prescheduled Audio Description. Please visit the show’s listing on our website to see if AD is currently offered for that show.

Events without a prescheduled AD performance may have Audio Description added by request. When requesting a describer, we ask that you allow at least two weeks advance notice.

Open captioning

Open Captioning (OC) is a service for people with hearing loss that uses a text display to provide a simultaneous translation of dialogue and lyrics during a live performance, as well as a description of any sound effects on stage. The service is open to everyone for viewing without any special equipment needed by the audience member. Because of this, open captioning is considered passive assistance and is part of the Universal Design concept, which means that it can be used by all people, regardless of age or ability. Best viewing of the OC display is on the main floor on the left side of the theatre as facing the stage.

Gala Pro

We are excited to bring GalaPro’s innovative technology to select shows at the Orpheum Theatre. GalaPro is the first of its kind mobile application that enables audiences to enjoy live productions while receiving personalized closed captioning on their phone or tablet. It’s another way we strive to bring you the best Broadway experience in Minneapolis.

This unique technology is designed specifically to adhere to the strict rules of the theatre. The app works within airplane mode, not allowing calls or messages to come through during use, and displays a black screen with red text only visible to the user so as to not disturb any surrounding patrons.

If you are interested in utilizing this new technology, you are encouraged to download the app prior to attending your performance.

Instructions for use:

  1. Download GalaPro from the App Store or Google Play Store before your visit to minimize connectivity problems that should arise on site

  2. New users: select “create account,” enter your email and create a password

  3. Tap the compass arrow to select

  4. Choose the name of your show on the homepage for show information

  5. Set your phone to airplane mode

  6. Return to the GalaPro app from settings

  7. Enjoy the show

We welcome your feedback during and after the show as we test this technology for use in future presentations.

Please note that GalaPro is only available for select Broadway shows at the Orpheum Theatre.

Additional services

Accessible Restrooms

All theatres have wheelchair accessible restrooms and many offer baby changing stations. There are also private accessible restrooms in the main lobby of the State and Orpheum and on the lower level of the Pantages that can accommodate an attendant.

Animal Policy

Service animals are welcome in the theatre provided they do not disrupt the performance. It is recommended that patrons bringing service animals should purchase tickets in the accessible section to have enough space to accommodate the animal.

Assisted Listening Devices

Portable listening devices that amplify the sound from the stage are available free of charge from any usher for all events. A photo ID will be held while the equipment is in your possession. Listening devices which are compatible with t-coil hearing aid technology are available as well as standard amplifying headphones.

Accessible Parking

Orpheum Theatre The Hawthorne Municipal Ramp behind the theatre and above the Greyhound Bus station has convenient accessible parking spots. This ramp is connected to the theatre by skyway and the entrance to the ramp is at the confluence of Ninth Street, Hawthorne Avenue and First Avenue. The skyway is on the third level and enters the theatre at the balcony level. Patrons may be dropped off in front of the theatre on southbound Hennepin Avenue after 6 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends. Patrons may also be dropped off on the corner of Ninth Street and Hennepin Avenue.

State Theatre There is a parking ramp below the La Salle Plaza complex which houses the State Theatre. The entrance is on Ninth Street between the Oakwood Apartments entrance and the YMCA entrance. Take the elevator to the street level, turn right and the theatre entrance is down the promenade and to the right. There are also two parking ramps connected to the La Salle Plaza complex by skyway, the Lasalle Court ramp on La Salle between Eighth and Ninth Streets and the Downtown Auto Park on La Salle and Ninth Street. Patrons may be dropped off in front of the theatre on northbound Hennepin Avenue after 6 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends. Valet parking is available to patrons of The Capital Grille adjacent to the theatre on Eighth Street.

Pantages Theatre There is a surface lot next to the theatre with entrances on Hennepin Avenue and Eighth Street. There are also convenient ramps in Block E and City Center (enter on Seventh Street), at the Park and Shop Ramp next to Macy’s and the Radisson Hotel (enter from Seventh or Eighth Street or Hennepin Avenue). Patrons may be dropped off on the corner Seventh Street and Hennepin Avenue.

Dudley Riggs Theatre Accessibility Services

Brave New Workshop at the Dudley Riggs Theatre has two ASL and two audio described performances for each production. American Sign Language Interpreters are provided through ASLIS and are trained/experienced in interpreting theatrical productions. We do not have assisted listening devices. We do have wheelchair accessible seating options.

Access services and seating can be requested by contacting Dudley Riggs Theatre Box Office at 612-332-6620 or info@hennepinarts.org.