Accessibility

At Shenkman Arts Centre we are proud to provide a welcoming and accessible destination for all our guests. While we have many amenities for our special needs guests, please also know that our staff and volunteers are always happy to help anyone in need.

Accessibility services tickets

Shenkman Arts Centre provides accommodations and sells tickets to individuals with special requests through our call centre. You can reach us at 613-580-2700. You can also purchase companion tickets by calling this number. If you are a wheelchair user and obtain non-accessible tickets, please call our customer service agents at 613-580-2700 in order to be relocated, whenever possible, to a designated wheelchair location.

Special needs access

At Shenkman Arts Centre, all washrooms are accessible and the parking lots offer ample designated parking close to the entrances. Exterior doors are equipped with automated openers. Upon arrival and request, our staff will happily assist patrons with special needs. We have designated wheelchair spaces and neighbouring companion seats in our spaces. Special seating for those with visual, auditory or mobility impairments is also available.

Hearing assistance

Hearing assistance is provided as a courtesy and is free of charge. We require the user's name and phone number with a credit card or car keys as security for return of the system. The system at Shenkman Arts Centre is a FM Transmitter (216 Mhz). The headphones work as a normal stereo headset and attach to a small handheld radio. The FM system connects to microphones off stage. These can be accessed at Guest Services on the second level.

Service animals

Shenkman Arts Centre allows all service animals into our auditoriums. When purchasing your tickets, please let our customer service agents know of any special requests that are required to ensure you and your service animal are seated in an accessible area.

Elevators

There are two elevators at the Shenkman Arts Centre, one on the north side of the facility and another on the south side of the facility.

Temporary disabilities

If you have a temporary disability or injury and you have already purchased tickets to an event, please call our customer service agents at 613-580-2700 and, if possible, we will make the necessary arrangements for you to attend the event in a comfortable and enjoyable manner. When calling, please have the event, date, section, row, and seat available.

Walkers

While Shenkman Arts Centre does not provide a walker check, we will always try to make accommodations for patrons with walkers. Please ask any of our theatre ushers for assistance. Please note that Shenkman Arts Centre is not responsible for any damaged, lost or stolen walkers as well as other items within the walker.

For more information on Shenkman Art's Centre and the City of Ottawa’s commitment to creating a barrier-free city for residents, visitors and employees, visit the City’s Accessibility services page.

Seating Descriptions

Harold Shenkman Hall

Harold Shenkman Hall has a total of 500 seats available with six spots for wheelchairs. Rows begin at AA to CC, then A through Q. Each row has 18 up to 36 seats available depending upon the row. Seats are numbered sequentially from right to left in each row starting with 1. The theatre has 6 entrances and exits on each side of the seating area located at row Q, M, J, F, C and A. Two wheelchair spaces are available in row C seats 1 and 2, and four spots are available in row Q, seats 1, 2, 18, and 19. The seating grades upward beginning at row A and as such the aisles on either side have stairs. Rows AA to CC is on a flat level. Premium seats are rows A to E. Assistive Listening Devices Available

Richcraft Theatre Standard Seating Configuration

Richcraft Theatre has a total of 162 seats available with two spots for wheelchairs in the standard seating configuration. Seating is general admission which means it is a first come first served basis when doors open. There are nine rows available with 14 up to 22 seats available per row. Two aisles with stairs split the main seating are into three sections. Assistive Listening Devices Available

Richcraft Theatre Cabaret Seating Configuration

Richcraft Theatre has a total of 172 seats available with room for wheelchairs in the cabaret seating configuration. Seating is general admission which means it is a first come first served basis when doors open. In front of the stage, there are 4 rows of six cabaret tables that can accommodate four people per table. At the back of the theatre is standard seating which has 3 rows of 18 seats and 1 row of 22 seats. Two aisles with stairs split this seating are into three sections. Assistive Listening Devices Available

Richcraft Theatre Children Seating Configuration

Richcraft Theatre can accommodate up to a capacity of 250 including room for wheelchairs in the children seating configuration. Seating is general admission which means it is a first come first served basis when doors open. In front of the performance area there are six rows of gym mats which can accommodate up to 96 children. There are also two rows on either side of the theatre that can accommodate seating for 32 people on each side. These rows are perpendicular to the performance area. At the back of the theatre facing the performance area is standard seating which has four rows seating.  Two aisles with stairs split this seating are into three sections. Assistive Listening Devices Available