Accessibility

At Shenkman Arts Centre we are proud to provide a welcoming and accessible destination for all our guests. While there are many accessible features and services available at our facility, please also let our staff and volunteers know if you require any accommodations.

Accessible seating

Shenkman Arts Centre has accessible seating locations, with seating available for patrons using mobility devices, as well as for those accompanied by support persons. Accessible seating for those with visual, auditory or mobility disabilities are also available, upon request. To purchase tickets for accessible seating, please contact our call centre at 613-580-2700.

If you have purchased tickets for seats that are not accessible to you, please contact a customer service agent at 613-580-2700 to explore possible accommodations.

Accessibility features at our facility

At Shenkman Arts Centre, all exterior doors are equipped with automated openers. Upon arrival, please let our staff or volunteers know if you require any assistance.

All washrooms have accessible stalls and there is an accessible, gender-inclusive/ family washroom located on the second floor. There are also some accessible parking spaces located at the back entrance of the Shenkman Arts Centre, off of Brisebois Crescent.

Assistive listening devices

Assistive listening devices are available to patrons, upon request. They are free of charge; however, we do require a security deposit in the form of the patron's driver license, a major credit card, or car keys to ensure the safe return of the device.

The system at Shenkman Arts Centre is a FM Transmitter (216Mhz). 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 welcomes all service animals into our auditoriums. When purchasing your tickets, please let our customer service agents know of any required accommodations to ensure you and your service animal are seated in an accessible area.

Elevators

There are two elevators at 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 accessible manner. When calling, please have the event, date, section, row, and seat available.

Mobility devices

While Shenkman Arts Centre does not formally check mobility devices, such as walkers or rollators, we will always try to accommodate our patrons with their mobility devices. Please ask any of our theatre staff or volunteers for assistance. Please note that Shenkman Arts Centre is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen mobility devices, as well as other items stored within the device.

For more information on Shenkman Arts Centre and the City of Ottawa’s Accessibility policy and commitment to our residents, visitors and employees, please visit the Accessibility at the City page on ottawa.ca.

Seating Descriptions

Harold Shenkman Hall

Harold Shenkman Hall has a total of 500 seats available with six accessible spots for those using mobility devices. 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 accessible spaces with moveable seats 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 are also available, upon request.

Richcraft Theatre Standard Seating Configuration

Richcraft Theatre has a total of 162 seats available with two accessible spots for those using mobility devices in the standard seating configuration. Seating is general admission which means it is a first come first serve basis upon arrival to the event. 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 are also available, upon request.

Richcraft Theatre Cabaret Seating Configuration

Richcraft Theatre has a total of 172 seats available with space for those using mobility devices in the cabaret seating configuration. Seating is general admission which means it is a first come first serve basis upon arrival to the event. In front of the stage, there are four rows of six cabaret tables that can accommodate four people per table. At the back of the theatre is standard seating which has three rows of 18 seats and one row of 22 seats. Two aisles with stairs split this seating are into three sections.

Assistive listening devices are also available, upon request.

Richcraft Theatre Children Seating Configuration

Richcraft Theatre can accommodate up to a capacity of 250 including space for those using mobility devices in the children seating configuration. Seating is general admission which means it is a first come first serve basis upon arrival to the event. 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 are also available, upon request.