Accessibility at TCT
At The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, we believe theatre is for everyone. That’s why we are so excited to offer ASL interpretation, audio description, as well as MainStage Sensory-Friendly performances.
Sign Language Interpretation
TCT strives to eliminate barriers to attendance for all audiences, including people who are hard of hearing or deaf. For theatregoers who are deaf and use American Sign Language as their primary means of communication, we provide an experienced theatre interpreter who stands to the audience left side of the stage and translates what the actors are saying or singing into American Sign Language (ASL).
Audio Description
As part of its commitment to accessibility, TCT will offer audio description services during the second Saturday 2:00 PM performances of all productions in the 2025–2026 season. These services provide live narration of visual elements, enabling patrons who are blind or have low vision to fully experience the performances.
Assistive Listening Devices
Available upon request from the Box Office, every TCT performance has the option of an Assistive Listening Device to increase the sound of the show.
Which performances are signed & audio described?
DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon JR. – Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2 PM
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. – Saturday, October 17 at 2 PM
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical – Saturday, December 12 at 2 PM
Peter Pan JR. – Saturday, February 27 at 2 PM
101 Dalmatians – Saturday, April 24 at 2 PM
All performances are at The Emery Theater, 1112 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 4520
For additional questions, please contact the TCT Ticket Office at tickets@tctcincinnati.com.
Do you have wheelchair accessible seats available?
We are excited to provide wheelchair accessible seats and companion seats in all price levels at the Emery Theater.
There are additional options for wheelchair-transfer seating in our Orchestra and Dress Circle sections of the theater, viewable with information overlays during ticket selection.
These seats are simple to purchase, clearly labeled, but limited. We will not necessarily have extra wheelchair accessible seats to move you to if you buy in another location that is not designated wheelchair accessible seating.
Please email us if you need a wheelchair accessible seat. Please note: There IS an elevator at the Emery Theater.
The Clem and Ann Buenger Foundation Calming Room
Located on the right side of the Orchestra Level, TCT offers a quiet space for those who might need it during performances. The room offers muted sound levels, dim lighting and a free movement space while still having a view of the show. Ideal for those with littles or other sensory needs, this is a shared space and is not reserved to remain available to all.
Sensory-Friendly Bags
A limited number of Sensory-Friendly bags (including sunglasses, fidgets, and headphones) are available upon request at all of our MainStage performances. Just visit the Emery Theater Box Office when you come for a show.
Sensory-Friendly Performances
We are pleased to present Sensory-Friendly performances for select productions. Brought to you by:
These special performances are intended for individuals with developmental disabilities including those on the autism spectrum who may benefit and their classmates and families, not for the general public. Only a limited number of tickets are sold. All seats are by reservation with very limited wheelchair seating available.
Designed with Care:
- Softer lights and gentler sounds make it a cozy experience.
- Special effects like fog and strobes? Not this time!
- Need a break? Chill out in our Quiet Area staffed with a friendly expert, or visit the Clem and Ann Buenger Foundation Calming Room on the the right rear side of the Orchestra level.
- A limited number of Sensory-Friendly bags (including sunglasses, fidgets, and headphones) are available upon request.
- Additional resources for the performance, such as a Character Guide, a Guide to Attending the Show at Home, and a downloadable Social Narrative (in Word format) are available before each production.
A committee of experts in the field was created to aid TCT with these performances, including staff members from Theatre Development Fund’s Autism Theatre Initiative— the organization that implements sensory-friendly performances on Broadway, along with members from CCHMC/ Cincinnati Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, Autism Connections, Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute, Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, The Point Arc of Northern Kentucky, Best Point Education and Behavioral Health, and Q102.
Our Sensory-Friendly performance during the 2026-2027 season is Peter Pan JR.
Macy’s is proud to partner with Cincinnati Children’s Starting Our Adventure Right (SOAR) program to make these productions accessible to more children and families. SOAR is made possible by Macy’s support.
With additional support from:
