Accessibility
The Lensic Performing Arts Center is committed to making its performances and facilities accessible to all guests. If you need to purchase accessible seats or request other accommodations at the theater, please reach out to the Lensic Box Office at 505-988-1234, or by email at info@lensic.org.
HEARING LOOP
Our inductive hearing loop transmits sound from the stage directly to T-coil equipped hearing aids and assistive listening devices.
Assistive listening headsets and receivers are available by request and allow anybody to listen to our hearing loop broadcast with a pair of headphones. Please speak with a Lensic Ambassador (usher) or someone in the box office upon your arrival to request an assistive listening device.
Patrons whose hearing aids or cochlear implants are equipped with telecoils, or T-coils, may connect to our hearing loop, which transmits high-quality audio directly to hearing aid devices.
Each type of hearing aid is different, so please consult your audiologist to ask whether your hearing aid has a T-coil and if it is properly configured. If you are experiencing difficulty hearing the loop, your audiologist may be able to adjust the T-coil settings on your hearing device to improve the listening experience.
The hearing loop broadcast covers most seats in the theater. However, reception may be limited in the following rows:
- Orchestra Rows AA, BB, A
- Orchestra Center Section R, S
- Mezzanine Row D
- Balcony Row E
- Balcony Back Rows
Assistive Listening is available in these rows with the use of our FM receivers and headsets. Please speak with a Lensic Ambassador (usher) or someone in the box office upon your arrival to request an FM device for rows where hearing loop reception is limited.
If you have questions when purchasing your tickets, please ask a box office representative for assistance.
The Lensic’s hearing loop was installed in July 2019, with funding generously provided by Loop Santa Fe (a Circle Fund at the Santa Fe Community Foundation) and Audiology Associates.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETERS
The Lensic offers American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for any performance upon request. Please submit any requests to the box office at least two weeks before the performance.
WHEELCHAIR SEATING
The Lensic offers both wheelchair accessible seating and companion seating for all events.
If you are purchasing tickets on our website, look for the seats marked with a small accessible icon in rows BB, A, B, and S on the Orchestra level. If you would like Lensic staff to remove theater seating to allow access, please make a note in the ‘Order Notes’ section during checkout and call the Lensic box office at (505) 988-1234 so we can prepare accordingly.
If you are purchasing tickets in-person or by phone, please let a box office representative know that you will need these accommodations.
You are also welcome to transfer to a theater seat; a Lensic Ambassador (usher) will assist you. Mobility aids that cannot be stored safely at the patron’s seat will be stored in the lobby as close as possible to the patron’s seat.
ACCESSIBLE RESTROOM
There is an accessible restroom just inside the main lobby, across from the box office.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Service animals and service animals in training are welcome at all Lensic performances; service animals must be harnessed. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not permitted in the venue.
OTHER ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES
Bariatric Chairs
The Lensic offers bariatric chairs that are wider and do not have armrests. We can replace theater seating with bariatric chairs upon request in our wheelchair-accessible areas on the Orchestra level.
If you are purchasing tickets on our website, look for the seats marked with a small accessible icon in rows BB, A, B, and S on the Orchestra level. If you would like Lensic staff to remove theater seating to allow access, please make a note in the ‘Order Notes’ section during checkout and call the Lensic Box Office at 505- 988-1234 so we can prepare accordingly.
If you are purchasing tickets in-person or by phone, please let a box office representative know that you will need these accommodations.
Adjustable Armrests
The Lensic also offers theater seating with adjustable armrests to allow for easier access for those with limited mobility.
Aisle seats with adjustable armrests:
· D101
· D112
· H101
· H112
· K1
· K2
Parking
If you have an accessible parking placard, the Lensic Box Office is able to validate your parking for free. Park at the Sandoval Municipal Parking Garage, located directly across the street then bring your placard and parking ticket to our Box Office and a representative will help you.
Website Accessibility
The Lensic is committed to making our website meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) published by the World Wide Web Consortium. If you notice any problems, please reach out to info@lensic.org or by phone at 505-988-1234
SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to be welcoming to everyone, including adults and children who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, those with developmental or cognitive challenges, and those with other sensory sensitivities. A few things you can expect at a sensory-friendly show:
- No flashing or intense lights; no loud or sudden sounds. Sensory-friendly productions have been designed (or modified) to ensure they are not overly stimulating for patrons.
- A relaxed environment. Audience members are welcome to leave their seats as they wish and talking or other seat noise is permitted.
- Designated “quiet space.” Quiet spaces, staffed by trained volunteers, are available for those who need some time away.
- Resource materials will be available ahead of the performance, to make your Lensic visit as comfortable as possible. These materials will describe your Lensic visit and the performance in more detail, so you’ll know what to expect, every step of the way.
Resource Materials
Special resource materials are available to help young patrons feel as comfortable as possible before attending a sensory-friendly show. “A Visit to The Lensic” reviews the basics of a trip to our theater (click on the link below to view a PDF). Other show-specific guides provide information about what patrons will see during a performance.
Support for Our Sensory-Friendly Programs
The Lensic’s sensory-friendly performance program is generously supported by the Theatre Development Fund. Special thanks to TDF’s National Autism-Friendly Performance Training Program for serving as an advisor. That program has been made possible, in part, through a grant from Next for Autism, from the proceeds of Night of Too Many Stars.
We also thank Amy Miller, executive director at the May Center for Learning, a school and outreach center for students with language-based learning differences in Santa Fe.