OTSL Experience Guide at Loretto-Hilton Center
Welcome to Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ sensory-conscious performances at the Loretto-Hilton Center (LHC) on the campus of Webster University! We’re delighted to have you join us. We hope this guide will make your opera experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
This Experience Guide is created in partnership with
Building Basics
ADA Parking and Drop-off/Pick-up
- Free accessible parking is available in Lot K on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles with valid disability placards or plates. It’s 200 feet of paved sidewalk from Lot K to the west entrance of the LHC.
- Non-accessible parking in Lot K is reserved for donors and subscribers.
- ADA drop-off and pick-up is available in Lot K, even after accessible parking is full.
Ride Share Drop-off/Pick-up
- Use the semi-circle drive on Edgar Rd (entrance at the corner of Garden Ave and Edgar Rd).
Tip: Parking starts to fill up an hour before performances — arrive early.
General Parking
- Free multi-level garage on Garden Ave (0.2 miles from LHC).
- Directions:
- Exit the garage and use the crosswalk near the Webster University Bookstore.
- Walk north between the Community Music School (CMS) and the East Academic Building (via steps or ramp).
- Turn left after passing CMS and walk past its front.
- West entrance to LHC will be on your left.
Content Considerations
- Die Fledermaus – a gun shot sound effect is used in Act III, near the end of the performance
- This House – a gun shot sound effect is used in Act I, near intermission; depictions of violence (a woman falls down stairs) in Act II, approximately 30 minutes in
- Don Pasquale – depiction of suicidal ideation in Act I, depiction of elder abuse in Act II
Lobby Basics
Crowds and Noise
Lobby is busiest 30 min before show, during intermission, and after the show.
To avoid noise:
- Find your seat early (30 min before show).
- Stay seated after the show until crowds clear.
- Use CMS next door for a quiet intermission space.
Restrooms
- Accessible: Lobby (either side of concession counter)
- Women’s: Near doors 3 and 4
- Men’s: Near doors 1 and 2
- Family Restrooms: Basement and CMS (ask staff for directions)
Food, Drink, and Seating
Picnic Area
- Eat in OTSL’s garden before performances.
- Bring your own meal or pre-order from OTSL (at least 1 day ahead)
Concessions
- Located in lobby and picnic area.
- Available before the show and at intermission.
- Credit cards only.
Auditorium Seating
- Begins 30 minutes before performance.
- Limited lobby seating available.
Detailed Theater map
Food & Beverage Rules
- Only beverages in lidded, non-glass containers (like OTSL tumblers) are allowed in the auditorium.
- No food in the auditorium.
Sensory Accommodations
- Extra sensory accommodations available on Wednesday evening performances
- For ASL, Audio Description, and more info, visit: OTSL Accessibility
Comfort Items
- Bring your own: quiet fidgets, earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads/vests.
- Items must be silent and not light up.
Sensory Station
- Located in the lobby.
- Provides: noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, fidgets, weighted lap pads (available for borrowing).
Quiet Areas
- No designated quiet room.
- Lobby and CMS lobby may be used for breaks.
Taking a Break
- Exit quietly using the nearest door.
- Re-entry allowed only during breaks in the music.
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