Accessibility

Steppenwolf proudly offers a number of accessible and inclusive services for patrons who have Mobility Disabilities, are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing, are Blind or have Low-Vision as well as individuals on the autism spectrum or those with sensory sensitivities.

Experience the video below as Associate Director of Audience Experience, Megan Kaminsky, showcases the theater’s commitment to creating thrilling and thought-provoking art in an environment that is comfortable and enjoyable for all.

Special thanks to Fun4TheDisabled, a Chicago-based nonprofit, for highlighting Steppenwolf's as part of their #AccessibleChicago campaign.

Open-Caption/ASL and Audio Described versions of the video are below:

• Wheelchair accessible seats in our Downstairs, Ensemble and 1700 Theaters
• A courtesy wheelchair, available on a first-come/first-serve basis through our Front of House office (312) 932-2445
• Accessible parking spaces in our valet parking lot at 1700 N Halsted, just north of the theater
• Wheelchair accessible restrooms in all of our lobbies
• In our Downstairs Theater, wheelchair accessible seats and seats without stairs are available in the back rows of both the Main and Balcony levels
• In our Ensemble Theatre, wheelchair accessible seats and seats without stairs are available in both the front and back rows
• In our 1700 Theater, wheelchair accessible seats and seats without stairs are available in the first row 

• Induction loop on all theatre spaces 
• Complimentary assistive hearing devices in all theatre spaces 
• Open-captioned performances of our subscription and Steppenwolf for Young Adults plays
• American Sign Language-interpreted performances of our subscription and Steppenwolf for Young Adults plays
• ASL students from local universities who volunteer as ushers for ASL-interpreted performances

Assistive hearing devices for all theaters are available at the book shop and Guest Services desk, located across from coat check in the main floor lobby.

Induction Loop in All Theater Spaces
If you use a hearing aid or cochlear implant that has a T-Coil, feel free to turn it on for any performance!

If you use the loop, we would love to hear about your experience—we’re always fine-tuning the system, and all feedback is helpful. Please ask any member of our customer service staff for a survey to complete, or email access@steppenwolf.org.

Assistive Listening Devices
Separate from our induction loop, our assistive listening system–available in all theater spaces–features FM headsets and over-the-head headphones.

Headsets are available for complimentary loan at the book shop and Guest Services desk, located across from coat check in the main floor lobby.

Upcoming Open Caption Performances:

Purpose: Thursday, April 4 at 7:30pm and Saturday, April 13 at 3pm 

The Thanksgiving Play: Thursday, May 16 at 7:30pm and Saturday, June 1 at 3pm 

Little Bear Ridge Road: Saturday, July 13^th at 3pm and Thursday, July 18^th at 7:30pm

Upcoming ASL Performances:

       Purpose: Friday, April 12^th at 7:30pm

       The Thanksgiving Play: Friday, May 24 at 7:30pm

       Little Bear Ridge Road: Friday, July 12 at 7:30pm

• Audio-described performances of our subscription and Steppenwolf for Young Adults plays
• Touch tours and artistic conversations before selected audio-described performances of our subscription and Steppenwolf for Young Adults plays
• Playbills in Braille, large print and audio formats
• Dedicated curb-to-seat assistance on request
• A relief area for service animals in front of the theater

Audio-Described Performances and Pre-Performance Touch Tours
Audio-described performances and pre-performance touch tours and artistic conversations are presented on the dates below. For these specific performances, the touch tour begins 90 minutes before curtain. To find out when a particular show will be offering an Audio-Described performance or pre-performance Touch Tour, please check the respective shows production page in the Tickets & Events section.

Upcoming Audio-described Performances:

       Purpose: Sunday, April 7 at 3pm(1:30pm touch tour, 3pm curtain)

       The Thanksgiving Play: Sunday, May 26 at 3pm (1:30pm touch tour, 3pm curtain)

       Little Bear Ridge Road: Sunday, July 7^th at 3pm (1:30pm touch tour, 3pm curtain)

Relaxed/Sensory-Friendly performances are designed to create a safe and welcoming experience for guests who may include (but are not limited to) individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as people with sensory sensitivities. Family members and companions are welcome, as is anyone who might enjoy this relaxed environment.

A WELCOMING SPACE

While there are some simple sensory adjustments that are made to make a Relaxed/Sensory-Friendly performance (see below), the most significant modifications are philosophical and attitudinal.

For this performance, we acknowledge that some guests will respond differently to the environment and stimuli by making noise, moving and leaving their seats… and that's okay. Everyone in the theater for this show—from the performers to the ushers to all of the audience members—are excited to be helping make this experience possible.

SOCIAL SUPPORT

In advance of everyone's visit, we'll share a detailed narrative about what it's like to visit Steppenwolf—from arrival in the parking garage to the role of the ushers to what it means when the lights in the lobby flash. We'll also share an overview of the play that includes a plot outline and an introduction to the characters.

We've enlisted a great team of volunteers who will be placed throughout the lobbies and theater to help with wayfinding and offer warm support.

In the lobby, we'll have a quiet area set up where guests can go if they want to take a break and relax.

PRODUCTION ADJUSTMENT

A Relaxed/Sensory-Friendly performance takes into consideration those aspects of a production that can be challenging or triggering for guests and seeks to adjust them accordingly. While we will make some sensory adjustments, we will not change the essential artistry of the play.

Working with a team of experts who are experienced with sensory sensitivities, we will make adjustments that may include:

• Lowering light and sound cues
• Eliminating loud or jarring effects
• Leaving some of the house lights on so the theater won't be completely dark
• Leaving some seats empty so that guests can move about during the performance
• Keeping a theater door open for easy exiting and reentry during the performance

When purchasing tickets for an accessible performance, please indicate that you are interested in the service that's being offered -- that will allow us to give you the best possible seats and assistance.

In person: 1650 N Halsted
Phone: (312) 335-1650
E-mail: access@steppenwolf.org

Box Office Hours
Staff are available for in-person service starting 1 hour before each performance.

Phone Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 12–5pm CT*
Closed Sunday and Monday+

*Open until 6:30pm on days with evening shows
+Open 12–1:30pm on Sundays with matinees, open 12–6:30pm on Sundays with evening shows

Please note that there is no walk-up window in the remodeled Downstairs Theater lobby. Box Office staff will only be available in person during the hour before a show.

John Hart and Carol Prins are Steppenwolf’s Lead Underwriters for Accessibility Programs.