Accessibility

Wheelchair and accessible seating
Our seating charts for the Wurtele Thrust Stage and McGuire Proscenium Stage indicate seat locations reserved for patrons using wheelchairs as well as seats with removable armrests. We make every attempt to seat up to three companions in adjacent or nearby seats. Wheelchair and accessible seat locations in the Dowling Studio are determined by the seating configuration for each production.

Courtesy wheelchairs
A limited number of wheelchairs are available to be borrowed on a first-come, first-served basis from the Guest Services Desk in the Level One lobby.

Wi-Fi assistive listening
The Guthrie has partnered with Listen Technologies Corporation to offer a Wi-Fi assistive listening system that allows patrons to listen to the performance through headphones/earbuds or transmit the audio directly to hearing aids/cochlear implants via Bluetooth connection on their own mobile device. Just download the free ListenWIFI app and connect to the Guthrie’s Guest Wi-Fi network (no password required) before the show begins. For setup assistance, download the Setup Instructions or visit our Guest Services Desk.

FM assistive listening
Each theater has an FM assistive listening system that amplifies and clarifies sound by cutting down ambient noise and may be used at any seat. Headphones, earbuds and induction neck loops (for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a T-switch) may be borrowed from the Guest Services Desk. Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a T-switch and how to use it with an FM assistive device.

ASL interpretation
American Sign Language interpretation by certified interpreters is offered for select performances. ASL-interpreted backstage tours may be arranged with two weeks’ notice. Please make any special needs known at the time of booking.

Open captioning
Whether you have hearing loss too severe to benefit from assistive listening devices or you don’t want to miss a single word, we offer open captioning for select performances. Captions appear on a display screen in real time, synchronized to the action by an experienced captioner.

Audio description
Our expert audio describers share detailed descriptions of actions, costumes, scenery and other aspects of a production. FM receivers for audio description are installed in each theater and may be used at any seat. 

Headphones, earbuds and induction neck loops (for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a T-switch) may be borrowed from the Guest Services Desk on Level Four. Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a T-switch and how to use it with an assistive device. 

Braille and large-print materials
Play programs and a variety of brochures are available in Braille and large print at the Guest Services Desk on Level Four.

High-magnification glasses
High-magnification (2.8x) sport glasses for vision enhancement are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Guest Services Desk on Level Four.

Service animals
Guide dogs and other service animals are permitted to assist Guthrie visitors. The nearest green space in the neighborhood is Gold Medal Park next to the Guthrie.

Sensory tours
Complimentary sensory tours take place before audio-described Saturday matinees at 10:30 a.m. and allow patrons to explore the stage, costumes and props. Reservations are not required.

Although open to all patrons, a relaxed performance is intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences and/or challenges attending the theater. Visit our Relaxed Performances page to learn more.

During performances, four universal, ADA-accessible restrooms that lock and provide privacy are available to patrons of any gender identity and expression on Levels Three and Four.

Level Three
One all-gender restroom is accessible from the McGuire Proscenium Stage. Where Aisle 2 ends at the stage, pass through the door on the right.

Level Four
One all-gender restroom is located in the main lobby next to the men’s restroom, and two all-gender restrooms are located at the end of the Von Blon Lobby, which is past the main entrance to the Wurtele Thrust Stage.

Public restrooms are located on Levels Four, Five and Eight.

Nursing mothers are welcome to breastfeed wherever they feel comfortable in our public lobbies. If you prefer a private location for nursing or pumping, please connect with a Guthrie staff member or visit the Guest Services Desk on Level Four.

Changing stations are available in the public restrooms on Levels Four, Five and Eight.

We offer ASL interpretation, audio description and open captioning upon request for Guthrie performances and events. Please send your requests at least two weeks in advance to [email protected]. Services are subject to availability and provided at the discretion of the Guthrie.

We’re proud to support the accessibility initiatives of our fellow arts organizations and welcome requests for access tools, training and more. We are temporarily unable to fulfill requests for Braille materials. For assistance finding other providers, email [email protected].

We are no longer renting FM equipment. Please contact MN Fringe for FM rentals.