At Tellin’ Tales, our mission is to shatter the barriers between the disabled and non-disabled worlds through the power of performance. We believe accessibility is a spectrum, and true inclusion requires recognizing that every individual’s needs are unique. While we provide a comprehensive range of accessibility support, we are committed to ensuring that our audience experience is as inclusive as the stories we tell on stage. If you require an accommodation not listed in our current offerings, please contact us at Steve@tellintales.org or 312-540-1330 and we will reach out to you within 24 hours.
Mobility
While we do not have a permanent theater space of our own, accessibility is our top priority when selecting venues. For every production, we meticulously vet our rental spaces to ensure they meet the following standards:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Fully accessible entrances and theater seating for patrons using mobility devices.
- Restrooms: ADA-compliant bathrooms equipped with necessary grab bars and clearances.
Blind and Low Vision Services
- Large Print Programs: Available at every performance to ensure easy readability.
- Audio Description: During designated performances, a professional describer provides live verbal commentary via a headset, detailing the visual elements of the play without interrupting the dialogue.
- Touch Tours: Held before select performances, these guided sessions allow patrons to explore the stage. You can physically touch key props and costumes and meet the actors to identify their voices.
- Sighted Guides to promote safe navigation to assist patrons from their cars to and from the theatre. seats and during intermissions.
Deaf Services
- American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation: We feature professional ASL interpreters
- Preferred Seating: We offer designated seating with clear, unobstructed sightlines to the interpreters, ensuring you can easily follow both the signing and the action on stage.
Sensory-Relaxed Performances: Theatre Your Way
What to Expect
During a Sensory-Relaxed performance, we make small but impactful adjustments to the show and the environment to ensure your comfort:
- Light & Sound: We keep the house lights dimmed (never a full blackout) and reduce the volume of sudden or jarring sound effects.
- Freedom of Movement: You are welcome to enter and exit the theatre whenever you need. If you need to pace, stretch, or move around, please do!
- A “No-Hush” Zone: We embrace vocalizations and reactions. Whether it’s a hum, a cheer, or a comment, you are free to express yourself.
- Chill-Out Space: Being a small storefront, our lobby serves as a designated “quiet zone” during the show. If the performance becomes overwhelming, you can take a break there and return when you’re ready.
- Know Before You Go: Our Social Story: We know that visiting a new space can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. To help you feel right at home before you even arrive, we provide a Social Story(available for download below) that includes photos of the space and a “spoiler-friendly” summary of the plot, so you know exactly what to expect before you walk through our doors for every production.
Is This Performance for Me?
While these shows are designed with neurodivergent patrons in mind, they are open to everyone. Whether you are a parent with a restless toddler, someone with light sensitivity, or just someone who feels more comfortable in a less rigid setting, you are welcome here.
Tellin’ Tales Theatre is also proud to offer:
- Bring the Theater Home: We offer digital recordings for those who find it difficult to visit us in person.
- Service Animals: Your service animals are always welcome in our venue.
- Support for Caregivers: To ensure our performances are accessible to everyone, we provide a complimentary ticket for caregivers.