Accessibility Services

Opera is for everyone!

Opera Birmingham is committed to breaking down the barriers to participation that can impede access to the performing arts for the members of our community with both physical and hidden disabilities. In partnership with our performance venues, we offer a range of accessibility services with the goal of creating a more inclusive space where our performances and events are accessible to all.

Please read on for a description of the services offered by Opera Birmingham. You can indicate your needs when ordering tickets by contacting our Box Office at 205-322-6737 or emailing info@operabirmingham.org.

Accessible Venues

All Opera Birmingham productions are performed at venues which provide accessible parking, entrances and restrooms. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the venues to plan for the show.

ACCESSIBLE SEATING

Accessible seating includes designated spaces for individuals who use wheelchairs, need aisle transfer seats, or have mobility/accessibility needs and companion seats.

Purchasing Accessible Seating Online: When selecting seats online, please note that we have two options for accessible seating types. Wheelchair accessible locations are marked with a wheelchair accessible icon. ‘Special seating’ is accessible seating for those who do not require a wheelchair. ‘Special seating’ is designated with the letter “S”. Hold the cursor over the seat location to verify that the location is accessible. By purchasing these seats, you are acknowledging that you, or another member of your party, have mobility/accessibility needs. If you have questions about accessible seating, please call the Opera Birmingham box office at 205-322-6737 or email info@operabirmingham.org for assistance.

ALLERGIES/CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES

Please be considerate of those who may have allergies or chemical sensitivities. It is recommended that you refrain from using strong perfumes and colognes so as not to distract the patrons sitting around you.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING

Assistive listening devices amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. Assistive listening systems are installed in all venues; headsets may be used at any seat, and are available at all performances.

To check out a headset for use during the performance, be prepared to leave your state identification card, driver’s license, or other form of ID with a staff member. Your card will be returned to you upon receipt of a headset following the show. Headsets are distributed free-of-charge on a first-come first-serve basis.

Please contact Opera Birmingham at 205-322-6737 or info@operabirmingham.org for more information.

OPEN CAPTIONING (Projected Supertitles)

English translations or captions are projected above the stage for all performances.

ACCESS TO OPEN CAPTIONING ON DIGITAL DEVICES

Access to supertitles are also available on a digital device, allowing the font size to be adjusted as needed. Patrons can access the titles on their smart phone using the link provided in our program materials. Opera Birmingham also has iPads available, set up for each production, to check out during a performance.

If you are interested in checking out one of our iPads for supertitles, please contact the Opera Birmingham office at 205-322-6737 so we can reserve one of our units for you. We have a limited number of devices currently and will add more as we see how many patrons make use of them.

To check out an iPad for use during the performance, be prepared to leave your state identification card, driver’s license, or other form of ID with a staff member. Your card will be returned to you upon receipt of the iPad following the show. iPads are distributed free-of-charge on a first-come first-serve basis.

Please contact Opera Birmingham at 205-322-6737 or info@operabirmingham.org for more information.

DIGITAL PROGRAM MATERIALS

The program for all Opera Birmingham performances is available for viewing on personal mobile devices.

ALTERNATIVE FORMAT MATERIALS

Braille and large print programs are available for all performances.

ASL INTERPRETERS (AT SELECT PERFORMANCES)

Select Opera Birmingham performances will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL).

AUDIO DESCRIPTION (AT SELECT PERFORMANCES)

Audio description is scheduled for select Opera Birmingham performances throughout the year. Guests can listen to trained audio describers give live, verbal descriptions of movements, facial expressions, costumes, scenery, lighting and other visual elements of a performance, providing the context they would otherwise miss. Parts of the program are also read aloud before the performance.

SERVICE ANIMALS

Trained service animals are allowed in all areas of the facility where people are allowed unless the animal poses a direct threat, a fundamental alteration, is not housebroken or is not under the control of the person with the disability. Service animals must remain on a leash or harness at all times and will rest in the seating area of the individual with a disability. Service animals may not use additional seats unless a ticket has been purchased for the adjacent seat. All other animals are prohibited.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes, we have implemented new audition and casting processes to allow greater access for disabled artists to audition for our shows, and we will have resources in the rehearsal room and backstage at performances to support our performers.

Questions?

For additional assistance, to inquire about an accommodation not mentioned, or if would like to receive additional information about accessibility at Opera Birmingham performances, please contact us at 205-322-6737.

Opera Birmingham’s accessibility programs for low-vision/low-hearing artists and audiences are sponsored by Regions, with additional funding from a Civic Practice Grant from OPERA America’s Opera Fund.

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