Kingston Grand Theatre is meant to be a welcoming, dynamic, engaging and entertaining place for all visitors. The City of Kingston is committed to working with individuals to remove barriers to participation where possible and the staff of the Kingston Grand Theatre strive to ensure everyone’s experience reflects the principles of dignity, independence, equal opportunity and integration. The City’s Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee is also engaged in this work and acts as a resource and we respectfully ask all our patrons and visitors to be considerate and welcoming of those with whom they share this space.
This page provides a high-level overview of accessibility as it relates to Kingston Grand Theatre but patrons are always encouraged to contact staff should they have questions or concerns at 613-530-2050 or email grandtheatre2@cityofkingston.ca.
The Venue
Entrances
Kingston Grand Theatre can be accessed from the front, north entrance on Princess Street, and the rear, south entrance off Opera Lane. The front and rear doors to the theatre walkway (connecting Princess Street to Opera Lane) have button-activated door openers. There is a ramp from the Opera Lane entrance into the walkway.
Parking
There are two accessible parking spots located directly west of the main entrance to Kingston Grand Theatre. Information about accessible parking in the vicinity of Kingston Grand Theatre can also be found through the City of Kingston website here. This is on street parking and cannot be "reserved". The closest accessible parking is available in the Upper Bruce Lot and Chown Memorial Garage and users can access Kingston Grand Theatre by travelling north along Montreal Street and west up Princess Street.
Passenger Drop-Off
Kingston Grand Theatre does not provide valet parking but venue staff are available to assist patrons at the Princess Street entrance both before and after a performance. Please contact Kingston Grand Theatre at least 2 business days before the performance to arrange assistance by phone at 613-530-2050 or email grandtheatre2@cityofkingston.ca.
Visual Assistance
Signage throughout the building is provided in tactile and/or Braille formats. Front-of-House staff and volunteers can also provide assistance on site.
Seating
Accessible seating for wheelchairs and scooters is available on the main floor/orchestra level only and can be reserved with the help of Box office staff when purchasing your ticket. Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and companions and caregivers can be seated next to the individual they are accompanying. If space permits, more than one companion can sit beside the scooter or wheelchair. Please note accessible seating is always sold at the lowest price point and only available for purchase through the box office, not online.
Staff will be posted at all theatre doors to assist patrons during the performance. Two courtesy manual wheelchairs are available for your use at the Regina Rosen Auditorium and Baby Grand Theatre.
Guide animals are permitted to stay with their owner throughout the event. A relief and water station for guide dogs can be provided with advance notification.
Elevators
There is a user-friendly accessible lift between the first and third floors to access the Baby Grand and Springer Lounge from the main lobby. There is also a second, smaller lift between the second and third floors, to access the Davies Lounge. Grand Theatre staff is happy to assist you while using the lifts.
The lifts can accommodate a manual, unreclined wheelchair with an attendant. Wheelchairs and scooters wider than 36" and longer than 44" cannot be accommodated.
Our balcony seating is not accessible.
Restrooms
The venue offers a fully accessible washroom on the main level as well as a partially accessible individual washroom on the second level. Staff are assigned to support access to both washrooms both before and after a performance and during intermissions.
Beverage Service
The bar in the main lobby has a wide side entrance that can be used to serve refreshments to patrons with disabilities.
If you have concerns about barriers that people with disabilities face in accessing municipal services and facilities, please contact the City of Kingston at 613-546-0000.
Programming
Kingston Grand Theatre is also committed to working with people to support their enjoyment of the shows they come to see. The necessary supports are provided by request and require different lead times depending upon the kind of support needed.
Hearing Assistance
Both the Regina Rosen Auditorium and the Baby Grand are equipped with assistive listening systems. A free headset can be picked up at the Coat Check prior to a performance with a photo ID. The Grand OnStage program occasionally features shows that include ASL interpretations that are advertised in advance. Kingston Grand Theatre will also endeavour to arrange for ASL interpretation upon request depending upon lead time, the availability of ASL interpreters, and the necessary approvals on the part of artists and/or presenters. Please contact Keith MacVicar, Operations Supervisor, for more information.
Kingston Grand Theatre has a TTY that is accessed through the City of Kingston TTY number. To contact Kingston Grand Theatre, call 613-546-4889 and a Customer Service Representative will transfer your call to Kingston Grand Theatre at extension 1149. The Grand Theatre TTY is available Monday through Friday, from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Visual Assistance
Information about events can be provided in alternative formats, subject to the availability of program information. Seating for people with low vision can also be reserved through Kingston Grand Theatre Box office. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Relaxed Performances
The Grand OnStage program occasionally features relaxed performances that are advertised in advance.
Discount Programs
The Grand OnStage program offers a range of discount programs that are made available so cost is less of a barrier. For more information about these programs, visit the Discount Programs page on this website.
Stage Access
Please note that the Regina Rosen stage is not fully accessible at this time. We are happy to work with you to discuss staging accommodations for your production that will optimize the experience for both actors and the audience. To discuss accommodations please contact Dianne Zemba, Theatre Manager.