Accessibility

All operas, including those performed in English, include Supertitles (English texts) projected onto a screen above the stage. These are sometimes referred to as "OpTrans". 

Pittsburgh Opera offers an audio description service for patrons with visual, hearing, and print impairments during most Tuesday performances at the Benedum Center, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) School, and at the Bitz Opera Factory.

Audio description service is also offered at Art Song Recitals in the Bitz Opera Factory. Through Assistive Listening Devices, patrons can hear the Supertitles read simultaneously with their appearance on the screen, as well as descriptions of the set, characters, and costumes.

A volunteer team has provided the Audio Commentary service since 2003. Several team members provide individual assistance to patrons as they pick up Assistive Listening Devices. Another team member reads from the program book ten minutes before each act of the performance—the "pre-show". Another team member reads the Supertitles and describes the visual aspects of the stage—the "play-by-play".   

Patrons may reserve seats in advance by calling 412-281-0912, ext. 213. Tickets are $12.00 each for patrons with visual impairments and a companion, and consideration will be given in case of financial hardship.

To pick up an Assistive Listening Device at the Benedum Center, a patron presents an ID in the Guest Services Center, located off the far right lobby. To pick up an Assistive Listening Device at the Byhammmmm, CAPA, or at the Bitz Opera Factory, a patron presents an ID at the Education table in the lobby.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) transmit and/or amplify the sound of a production for anyone with or without a hearing aid.

The Benedum Center has two systems for Assistive Listening: an Infrared system and an Inductive Loop system.

• Infrared: Channel 1 on the Infrared Hearing Devices is audio amplification only. Channel 2 on the Infrared Hearing Devices includes music and Audio Commentary
• Inductive Loop: If a patron's hearing aid has a Telecoil or Phone Position setting, the hearing aid can be worn and a special headset with an inductive loop system can be used (and worn around the neck). Infrared hearing devices cannot be used in the ears with a hearing aid.

The Byham, Pittsburgh CAPA Theater, and the Bitz Opera Factory have radio systems for broadcasting audio description. These Assistive Listening Devices with radio receivers are set to the frequency of the broadcast. After patrons turn the radio on, they can adjust the volume.

Sign language interpretation can usually be arranged upon request. Requests for sign language interpreters must be received at least two weeks prior to the performance, and are subject to the availability of an interpreter.

To request an ASL interpreter at a Pittsburgh Opera performance, please email us or call 412-281-0912 x216 for details. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask your ticketing representative or call the Benedum Center directly at 412-456-2600.

Watch the video below to learn how ASL interpreters enhance the performance for patrons, and why ASL conveys things beyond what our supertitles can do. 

Video by Abbie Whitehurst

Large print and Braille programs are available for every performance and may be obtained in the Guest Services Center at the Benedum Center. For performances at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh CAPA Theater, and at the Bitz Opera Factory, Braille and Large Print programs may be obtained at the Education table in the lobby.

Patrons who wish to read study guides in advance of performances may request that their email addresses be added to the Audio Commentary email updates list.

Sensory Workshops are held for select productions at the Bitz Opera Factory in the Strip. These workshops examine the story, the music, and the background of the opera. Participants will have a chance to explore the scenery, props, and costumes. Workshops are conducted by the Education Department.

Sensory Workshops are free, but reservations should be made by calling 412-281-0912, ext. 242.

Notice to those with physical disabilities:

• Tickets for Bitz Opera Factory wheelchair locations and/or companion seating can be ordered by phone, online, or at the Bitz Opera Factory.
• Please give notice when you make reservations that you need a wheelchair location or special seating arrangements.
• Ushers and door personnel are available for assistance.
• Restrooms for those with physical disabilities are located throughout the building.
• Dog guides are accommodated.
• Elevator serves all public spaces in the facility.

Bitz Opera Factory Wheelchair Locations

Customers with physical disabilities requiring an extra chair or a wheelchair location will be seated in an aisle space in the George R. White Studio. Since the George R. White Studio is a black-box space, the wheelchair locations vary with the stage configuration. Please give advance notice when ordering tickets.

Bitz Opera Factory Restrooms

Restrooms are located on the same level as the George R. White Studio, and on the second level of the Bitz Opera Factory, which is accessible by elevator.

Pittsburgh Opera Audio Description

Pittsburgh Opera offers an Audio Description service for customers with visual impairments during Tuesday performances at the Bitz Opera Factory. Through Assistive Listening Devices, you can hear the supertitles read simultaneously with their appearance on the screen, as well as descriptions of the set, characters, and costumes. View or download our Audio Description brochure. Contact Wendy Parkulo to purchase tickets that include Audio Description at 412-281-0912, ext. 213.

Notice to those with physical disabilities:

• Tickets for Benedum Center wheelchair locations and/or companion seating can be ordered by phone, online, at the Theater Square Box Office, or the Benedum Center Box Office. 
• Please give notice when you purchase tickets that you need a wheelchair location or special seating arrangements. At the Benedum Center, a stationary seat is removed to accommodate the wheelchair, necessitating advance notice. 
• Wheelchairs are available for transition from entrance to seat location.
• Ushers and door personnel are available for assistance.
• Wheelchair locations are available on the Benedum Center Main Floor only. 
• Restrooms for those with physical disabilities are located near the Grand Lobby.
• Dog guides are accommodated. Please inquire at the Box Office when buying tickets.
• Water cups are available in restrooms or at any bar location.
• Elevator in the Grand Lobby serves all public performance levels.
• Infrared hearing devices are available in the Grand Lobby.
• Braille and Large Print programs are available in the Grand Lobby.

Benedum Wheelchair Locations

Customers with physical disabilities requiring an extra chair or a wheelchair location will be seated on the sides of the Main Floor, Rows K and O. Notice must be given prior to purchase.

Benedum Restrooms

Restrooms are located on the Gallery, Promenade, and Mezzanine levels. Restrooms for those with physical disabilities are located on the Grand Lobby Level.

Benedum Audio Description

Pittsburgh Opera offers an Audio Description service for customers with visual impairments during Tuesday performances at the Benedum Center. Through the provided Assistive Listening Devices, you can hear the supertitles read simultaneously with their appearance on the screen, as well as descriptions of the set, characters, and costumes. View or download our Audio Description brochure. Contact Wendy Parkulo to purchase tickets that include Audio Description at 412-281-0912, ext. 213. 

Location and contact information for the Benedum Center

• Mailing address: 237 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Box office: 412-456-6666
• ACCESS Paratransit destination: 7th Street between Liberty and Penn Avenues

Notice to those with physical disabilities:

• Tickets for Pittsburgh CAPA School Theater wheelchair locations and/or companion seating can be ordered by phone, online, or at the Theater Square Box Office.
• Please give notice when you make reservations that you need a wheelchair location or special seating arrangements. At Pittsburgh CAPA Theater, a stationary seat is removed to accommodate the wheelchair, necessitating advance notice. 
• Ushers and door personnel are available for assistance.
• Restrooms for those with physical disabilities are located throughout the building.
• Dog guides are accommodated.
• Elevator serves all public spaces in the facility.
• Braille and Large Print programs are available in the CAPA Theater Lobby.

Pittsburgh CAPA Theater Wheelchair Locations

Customers with physical disabilities requiring an extra chair or a wheelchair location will be seated on the sides of the Main Floor. Notice must be given prior to purchase.

Pittsburgh CAPA Theater Restrooms

Restrooms are located on the First Floor and Second Floor, with elevator access.

Pittsburgh CAPA Theater Audio Description

Pittsburgh Opera offers an Audio Description service for customers with visual impairments during Tuesday performances at CAPA Theater. Through Assistive Listening Devices, you can hear the supertitles read simultaneously with their appearance on the screen, as well as descriptions of the set, characters, and costumes. View or download our Audio Description brochure. Contact Wendy Parkulo to purchase tickets that include Audio Description at 412-281-0912, ext. 213.

Location and contact information for Pittsburgh CAPA School Auditorium

• Mailing address: 111 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Box office: 412-456-6666
• ACCESS Paratransit destination: Fort Duquesne Boulevard at Ninth Street

The AWAACC strives to make the galleries, theater, and public spaces welcoming, accessible and inclusive for audiences of all abilities.

Please see their Accessibility webpage for a full list of accessibility features, including information about wheelchair seating; parking; assistive listening devices; Sign Language interpretation; service animals; and more.

ACCESS is a coordinated, shared-ride paratransit service, which has been providing door-to-door, advanced reservation transportation in Allegheny County since 1979. 

ACCESS offers door-to-door service to all areas of Allegheny County from 6 AM to Midnight, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

ACCESS service is open to the general public but primarily serves people with disabilities, clients of human service agencies and people aged 65 and over. The ACCESS program is sponsored by Pittsburgh Regional Transit.

Reservations for ACCESS trips are made in advance. See myaccessride.com for details.

If you are taking ACCESS to a Pittsburgh Opera performance, the destinations to use are:

• Benedum Center - 7th Street between Penn Avenue and Liberty Avenue
• August Wilson African American Cultural Center - Liberty Avenue between Smithfield Street and 10th Street
• Pittsburgh CAPA Theater - 9th Street at Ft. Duquesne Blvd.
• Bitz Opera Factory - 25th Street between Liberty Avenue and Spring Way