Accessibility
The Lensic welcomes patrons of all abilities at every performance. Some of our performances are designed to be especially welcoming to patrons with sensory sensitivities. If you’d like to discuss your needs with us before your visit, please contact the box office at 505-988-1234 and we will be happy to help.
Assistive Listening Systems
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.
Wheelchair Seating
Wheelchair Seating
We offer both wheelchair-accessible seating and companion seating for all events.
Accessible Restroom
There is an accessible restroom just inside the main lobby.
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.