Accessible Performing Arts

Attucks Theatre

A state and national landmark, the Attucks Theatre is distinguished as the oldest remaining legitimate theatre in the nation that was completely financed, designed, constructed and operated by African Americans. The Attucks is a star on the Norfolk cultural stage, with an eclectic lineup each season, including musical performances, plays, dramatic readings and more.

Accessibility Tips

  • The Attucks features clearly marked accessible parking spaces in their lot.
  • Accessible seating is available for patrons with limited mobility or requiring use of a wheelchair. ADA seating for the Attucks Theatre is located in the Orchestra section.
  • Patrons with limited mobility who do not have access to a wheelchair may request transport to their seat. Due to possible need by other patrons, the Attucks isn’t able to offer the wheelchair for the duration of the event.
  • Elevators are available to access upper levels.
  • Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available.
  • Service animals are allowed on the premises and must be trained to assist a disabled person with a major life activity. Service animals may accompany a disabled person but are not permitted to occupy seats.
  • Learn more on the SevenVenues Accessibility page.

Chartway Arena

The Chartway Arena is a 9,100-seat multi-purpose arena located on the campus of Old Dominion University. The Ted Constant Convocation Center is home to the Old Dominion Monarch and Lady Monarch basketball, ODU Wrestling and other major sporting events.

Accessibility Tips

  • Chartway Arena features accessible seating and companion seating at all levels for guests with physical disabilities. Any guide dog or other service animal assisting a guest is more than welcome at all events.
  • All arena entrances are ADA accessible. The entrance for guests with disabilities is located on the corner of 45th Street and Hampton Boulevard. Curbside drop-off and pick-up is available at this location.
  • Accessible parking is featured at all parking facilities located throughout ODU. The Constant Center 45th Street Garage (located between 45th and 46th Street) will be the primary parking place for guests with disabilities.
  • Accessible tickets for all events can be purchased at the Chartway Arena Box Office located at the corner of 43rd Street and Hampton Boulevard or by logging onto YnotTix.com. Wheelchair accessible windows are located in the South Lobby and at the outside ticket windows.
  • ADA seating is available on the main concourse located in sections 101,102,104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 114, 115, on the club level in sections 204, 214, 219 and in all suites. 
  • There are three ADA accessible elevators in the arena. Two are at the center’s 45th Street entrance. The other is located at the center’s East Lobby Entrance. The center’s elevators will service all levels of the arena.
  • The Guest Services Booth has a limited number of wheelchairs for guests who need assistance arriving to their seats.
  • All restrooms throughout the arena have ADA accessible sinks and stalls.
  • Water fountains located inside the arena are accessible to all guests.
  • Assistive listening devices are available to guests at the Guest Services Booth. The device consists of a headset that broadcasts the arena’s sound system on an FM frequency. All guests will be required to leave a form of identification in order to use the equipment.
  • Braille signage is displayed on all accessible signs throughout the building.
  • Chartway Arena offers interpreters for all guests requiring special assistance; they will need at least 10 days prior notification for guests who wish to utilize this service.
  • Chartway Arena Guest Service Representatives are available to assist wheelchair-bound guests and guests on crutches at any entrance. These representatives will take guests as close as possible to their seat and make arrangements to pick them up at the end of the night.
  • See Chartway’s Accessibility Guide and Accessibility page on their website for more details and specific phone numbers to call.

Chrysler Hall

Since its grand opening in 1972, Chrysler Hall has served as the premiere performing arts center of Hampton Roads. Many regionally based arts organizations call Chrysler Hall their home including Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Norfolk Forum, the Virginia Arts Festival, Broadway in Norfolk and Generic Theater. During any given season, Chrysler Hall will host acclaimed artists from every discipline such as major Broadway productions, classical concerts, contemporary artists, family theatre and comedy events.

Accessibility Tips

  • The Scope Parking Garage contains accessible parking spaces adjacent to the Chrysler Hall elevator. In the event that accessible parking isn’t available, garage/lots are full or patrons are being dropped off, there is a designated area close to each venue’s entrance. Notify the parking attendant on entry about the drop-off, enter the garage, and make an immediate U-turn. The elevator entrance to Chrysler Hall will be on the right next to the parking booth.
  • Accessible seating is available for patrons with limited mobility or requiring use of a wheelchair. ADA seating for the Chrysler Hall is located in the Orchestra section.
  • Patrons with limited mobility who do not have access to a wheelchair may request transport to their seat. Due to possible need by other patrons, Chrysler Hall isn’t able to offer the wheelchair for the duration of the event.
  • Elevators are available to access upper levels.
  • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available.
  • Assisted Listening Devices are available for all performances at Chrysler Hall. There is no charge, but a valid ID will be required as deposit for use of a device. Please inquire with an usher for assistance.
  •  Audio Description is an accommodation for persons who are blind or have low vision. It is a narration of the visuals such as scenery, props and body language. Patrons should check out the equipment—a receiver and earbuds—in the lobby. Patrons should be seated 30 minutes before the show to receive preshow narration. 
  • Open Captioning is available at select Broadway in Norfolk performances. Open Captioning is a speech-to-text translation of the spoken word displayed on an LED Board at stage left. Ask for reserved open captioned seating when purchasing your ticket.
  • Service animals are allowed on the premises and must be trained to assist a disabled person with a major life activity. Service animals may accompany a disabled person but are not permitted to occupy seats.

Harrison Opera House

With 1,632 seats, the stunning Harrison Opera House retains an intimate ambience, adorned with glittering chandeliers, sweeping staircases and bistro tables where you can sip champagne and drink in the glamour. Virginia Opera serves as the theatre’s resident company. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is also found in residence here when not performing at Chrysler Hall.

Accessibility Tips

  • Harrison Opera House has clearly marked accessible parking spaces in their lots.
  • Accessible seating is available for patrons with limited mobility or requiring use of a wheelchair. ADA seating at Harrison Opera House is located in the Orchestra section.
  • Patrons with limited mobility who do not have access to a wheelchair may request transport to their seat. Due to possible need by other patrons, Harrison Opera House isn’t able to offer the wheelchair for the duration of the event.
  • Elevators are available to access upper levels.
  • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available.
  • Assisted Listening Devices are available for all performances at Harrison Opera House. There is no charge, but a valid ID will be required as deposit for use of a device. Please inquire with an usher for assistance.
  •  Audio Description is an accommodation for persons who are blind or have low vision. It is a narration of the visuals such as scenery, props and body language. Patrons should check out the equipment—a receiver and earbuds—in the lobby. Patrons should be seated 30 minutes before the show to receive preshow narration. 
  • Service animals are allowed on the premises and must be trained to assist a disabled person with a major life activity. Service animals may accompany a disabled person but are not permitted to occupy seats.

The NorVa

Known by its patrons for its charm and rustic aesthetics, The NorVa is an intimate concert venue with state-of-the-art technology. Many bands have regarded The NorVa as one of the best venues in the country, due not only to its high-grade equipment but also to its many backstage perks.

Accessibility Tips

  • An elevator is available to access additional floors.
  • The NorVa features a designated, roped off ADA area on the second floor by the stage.
  • Additional images of the venue are featured on their website.
  • There are no designated quiet spaces, but spaces that are less crowded include the outside smoking area or the front bar.
  • Ear plugs are available upon request.

Scope Arena

Downtown Norfolk’s Scope consists of a flexible main arena, modular exhibit halls and meeting rooms that can accommodate both small and large groups for private meetings, exhibits or convention needs.

Accessibility Tips

  • Scope features ADA-approved parking, signage and seating for ease of access. 
  • The Scope parking garage features parking spaces adjacent to both the Chrysler Hall elevator and the Scope Arena lower concourse doors. In the event that accessible parking isn’t available, garage/lots are full or patrons are being dropped off, there is a designated area close to each venue’s entrance. Notify the parking attendant on entry about the drop-off, enter the garage, and make an immediate U-turn. The elevator entrance to Scope Plaza will be on the right next to the parking booth.
  • Accessible seating is available to patrons with limited mobility or requiring the use of a wheelchair. Guests can request accessible seating three ways: 1) Toggle the Accessibility setting when selecting tickets on Ticketmaster.com, 2) Call Scope Arena box office at 757-664-6464, or 3) visit the Scope Arena box office Monday–Friday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Patrons with limited mobility who do not have access to a wheelchair may request transport to their seat(s).
  • Elevators are available to access upper levels.
  • Wheelchair accessible bathrooms are available.
  • Service animals are allowed; companion/therapy animals are not allowed.

Wells Theatre

Against the backdrop of Downtown Norfolk’s financial district, the Wells Theatre stands out as Norfolk’s magnificent historical theater. Located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, the handsomely appointed theatre is home to the Virginia Stage Company.

Accessibility Tips

  • To find accessible parking spaces for Wells Theatre, it is recommended that patrons utilize one of the following parking garages: MacArthur Mall North or South Garage (500 City Hall Ave., Norfolk); Boush Street Garage (112 W. City Hall Ave., Norfolk); or Freemason Street Garage (161 Freemason St., Norfolk).
  • Accessible seating is available for patrons with limited mobility or requiring use of a wheelchair.
  • Patrons with limited mobility who do not have access to a wheelchair may request transport to their seat(s).
  • Elevators are available to access upper levels.
  • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available.
  • Service animals are allowed on the premises and must be trained to assist a disabled person with a major life activity. Service animals may accompany a disabled person but are not permitted to occupy seats.

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