The Rose Theater Implements Accommodations for People with Disabilities

In order to ensure a positive theater-going experience for all audience members, The Rose Theater (rosetheater.org) now provides a variety of accommodations addressing the functional needs of people with disabilities. These accommodations will benefit guests who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, blind or have vision impairment, have been diagnosed with autism or atypical sensory processing, or have a physical disability.

For several years, The Rose has provided American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of its mainstage productions, which will continue at select performances. This season, select First Stage shows will be ASL-interpreted as well. The Rose will also provide Aasistive listening systems or individual closed-captioning of all shows via dedicated iPads.

The Rose will continue to offer audio description services for guests who are blind or have low vision. Audio description involves a specialized narration service that describes the action taking place on stage and includes commentary of scenes, settings, costumes, body language, and more. Audio description services are provided in cooperation with Outlook Nebraska and are provided at select mainstage performances. Additional accommodations for guests with visual disabilities include large print and Braille programs and free touch tours of The Rose Mainstage before a performance.

Select performances of each mainstage show during The Rose season are designated as “sensory-friendly,” which means special accommodations are made for families attending with a child on the autism spectrum or with other special needs. Some of the accommodations available for these families include reduced ticket prices when purchased in advance via phone at (402) 345-4849, a private room for congregating before the show and a private post-show question-and-answer period following the show. Families may also check out sensory bags that include tools to help children manage the noise that accompany a live performance.

For guests with physical disabilities, The Rose offers wheelchair-accessible seating on its main floor. Courtesy wheelchairs are available on site. Elevators are available for accessing the mezzanine and lower lobby where wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located.

In addition to onstage performances, The Rose Theater offers many opportunities for students with special needs to participate in classes. Learn more about The Rose’s accessibility accommodations and the ASL-interpreted or sensory-friendly performance lineup at rosetheater.org.