Accessibility for Patrons & Visitors with Disabilities
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis strives to ensure audiences can access opera and that’s why we perform all of our operas in English. Plus, with supertitles projected on walls on either side of the stage, you can read along. However, not every seat may offer clear and comfortable views of the supertitles. If reading along is important to you, please contact the Box Office for further assistance finding seats that will meet your needs.
Read on for an overview of the accessibility services offered at our performances. For more information or assistance, please contact us by calling (314) 961-0644 or by filling out the form below.
Submit our accessibility inquiry form
Jump to services for patrons with physical/mobility disabilities
For patrons with physical or mobility disabilities
Accessible Seating
The Loretto-Hilton Performing Arts Center has wheelchair- and scooter-accessible seating locations where patrons can remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to a theater seat. Patrons who cannot or do not wish to transfer from their wheelchairs to a theater seat should request wheelchair-accessible locations when ordering tickets.
Wheelchair accessible seating (and seats) may be purchased by phone or online. For assistance in selecting accessible seats, please contact our Box Office at (314) 961-0644 or boxoffice@opera-stl.org. If you expect to attend in a wheelchair with a total width of 25” or more, please let our Box Office know when purchasing to ensure you have the most comfortable viewing experience.
Parking
Designated accessible parking for vehicles bearing valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disability parking placards or license plates is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible parking spaces are located in lot K on the east side of the Loretto-Hilton Performing Arts Center, next to the automatic doors.
For patrons being driven by others or using a rideshare service, there is a designated drop-off point in the circle drive located on the west side of the Loretto-Hilton Center on Edgar Road.
Curb to Seat Service
Greeters and ushers are available before performances to assist patrons in getting from the theater entrance to their seats. If mobility aids cannot be stored safely within the patron’s seating area, or if a patron prefers to transfer from a wheelchair to a theater seat, those aids or wheelchairs will be stored outside the auditorium door as close as possible to the patron’s seat. At intermission and after the opera, ushers are happy to assist patrons to restroom entrances, concessions bars, the accessible parking lot, etc.
We strongly encourage guests to allow extra time for their arrival as staff may be assisting others.
Accessible Restrooms
Family assist restrooms are located in the basement of the center. Please speak with the House Manager or visit the Patron Services window for directions and assistance.
For patrons with low vision
Large Print & Braille Programs
Programs in large print and braille are available at the Patron Services window in the lobby.
Service Animals
Service animals, such as guide dogs, are welcome. If you plan to bring a service animal, please inform the Box Office when purchasing by phone or by filling out an order note when purchasing online. If you did not do so while purchasing, please email boxoffice@opera-stl.org.
Audio Description
Audio-described performances are presented in partnership with Mind’s Eye. Tickets for these performances may be purchased by calling us at (314) 961-0644 or placing an online order.
Patrons who wish to listen to the description can pick up a device prior to the performance or during intermission. Devices are distributed free-of-charge at the Patron Services window in the lobby before a scheduled audio description event. A driver’s license or state ID is required for pick-up. Patrons may use the headsets provided by MindsEye or bring their own.
See all audio-described performances
Compose Your Own Season Subscription (Audio-Described Performances)
For patrons with low hearing
Assistive Listening Devices
A frequency modulate (FM) audio enhancement system is available for all performances. Both headset receivers and magnetic loop adapters for enabled hearing aids are available at the Patron Services window for pick-up. Patrons may also bring their own headphones if they desire.
ASL Interpretation
American Sign Language interpretation is offered at select performances. Tickets for these performances may be purchased by calling us at (314) 961-0644 or placing an online order.
For patrons with sensory needs
Sensory-Friendly Performances
Partnered with Different Dynamics, sensory-friendly performances create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all and are specifically designed for children and adults with autism and sensory sensitivities. Staff, artists, and volunteers are trained to best support the experience of all audience members.
See all Sensory-Friendly Performances
Compose Your Own Season Package (Sensory friendly Performances)
Buying tickets and requesting services
Please contact Opera Theatre’s Box Office if you have questions, require assistance with seat selection and services, or would like to purchase tickets over the phone. Our Box Office representatives will do everything they can to provide services to fit your needs.
Under a new initiative “Phyllis’ Seats”, Opera Theatre will offer at least 50 free tickets per performance. Phyllis’ Seats may be reserved online or by phone in weekly lotteries at 10:30am every Monday during the Festival Season.
Learn more about Phyllis’ Seats
Require services you don’t see here? Fill out our Accessibility Inquiry Form, and we will try our best to accommodate any needs you may have.