Accessibility

Pivot Arts is committed to making our programs as welcoming and accessible as possible for artists, audiences, students, and community members. We continue to expand our accessibility practices and we welcome feedback that helps us improve.

Many Pivot Arts events in Chicago take place at Wirtz Center Chicago in Abbott Hall, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611. Because some accessibility features depend on the specific venue configuration, production design, and event format, we encourage patrons to contact us in advance so we can help plan the most comfortable and accessible visit possible. Abbott Hall is a Northwestern University building, and Northwestern notes that entrances are located on Superior and Huron Streets, with an accessible entrance on Huron Street and elevators inside the building.

Requesting Accommodations

We encourage accommodation requests as early as possible so we can coordinate with venue partners, artists, and service providers.

Please email info@pivotarts.org with the subject line Accessibility Request, and include:

• the event name and date
• the accommodation requested
• the best way to contact you
• any timing details we should know

We ask that requests be made:

• at least 10 business days in advance for ASL interpretation, CART/live captioning, audio description, or Braille materials
• at least 5 business days in advance for large print materials, advance seating needs, or other common accommodations
• as soon as possible for all other access questions

We will do our best to respond within 2 business days and to fulfill all reasonable requests, including those made on shorter notice when possible.

For day-of-event assistance, patrons may also speak with front-of-house staff when they arrive.

Access Contact

Accessibility Contact: Jorge Silva, Executive Artistic Director
Email: jorge@pivotarts.org

This staff member serves as Pivot Arts’ accessibility point person and coordinates access planning with venue partners, front-of-house teams, and artists. The Illinois Arts Council checklist specifically asks organizations to identify a staff member responsible for accessibility and Section 504/ADA oversight.

Arrival and Entry

For events at Wirtz Center Chicago / Abbott Hall, Northwestern publicly identifies the building as located at 710 N. Lake Shore Drive and notes that building entrances are on Superior Street and Huron Street, with an accessible entrance on Huron Street. Elevators are available inside the building.

When attending a Pivot Arts event at this venue:

• Plan to enter via the Huron Street accessible entrance when step-free access is needed.
• If you would like arrival assistance, please contact us in advance.
• If you encounter a barrier on site, please ask venue or house staff for assistance immediately.

Because parking and campus traffic patterns may change, we recommend checking current Northwestern/Wirtz directions before your visit.

Seating Access

Accessible seating is available for Pivot Arts events presented at Wirtz Center Chicago. The Wirtz Center notes that for general admission houses, ADA seating is available in the first row of every house, and patrons are encouraged to arrive early and notify house management of their needs.

If you need:

• wheelchair seating
• companion seating
• aisle seating
• seating near an exit
• seating with minimal stairs
• extra space for a service animal

please contact us in advance and we will coordinate with the venue.

Listening and Hearing Access

Wirtz Center publicly notes the following accessibility supports at Wirtz Center Chicago:

• T-coil / induction loop is available in Wirtz Theater (Room 203)
• personal hearing devices are available for Wirtz Theater (Room 203) and Room 206, typically through the box office or front-of-house team upon arrival with ID

For Pivot Arts events, additional hearing access may be available upon request, including:

• scripts or written text of verbal material when available

Please request these accommodations in advance whenever possible.

Visual Access

Upon request, Pivot Arts will work to provide:

• large print materials
• digital materials in advance when available
• verbal wayfinding assistance
• audio description or expanded visual description for eligible events, exhibitions, and installations when feasible

For events that include visual art installations, exhibitions, or multimedia elements, we aim to provide plain-language descriptions and contextual access information whenever possible.

Sensory Information

The Illinois Arts Council checklist asks organizations to publicly note sensory experiences such as flashing lights, strong smells, and loud or surprising noises.

When possible, Pivot Arts will publish Sensory and Content Notes in advance of each event. These notes may include information about:

• strobe or flashing lights
• haze, smoke, or fog
• loud or sudden sounds
• strong scents
• audience interaction
• extended darkness
• emotionally intense material
• immersive or nontraditional staging

If a production includes notable sensory elements, that information will appear on the event page and, when possible, in pre-show emails or printed materials.

Service Animals

Trained service animals are welcome at Pivot Arts events. The Wirtz Center also states that trained service animals are welcome in its venues. We encourage patrons attending with a service animal to contact us in advance, or to arrive at least 30 minutes early and notify house staff so that seating can be arranged comfortably.

Face Masks and Health Considerations

Masks may be available in venue lobbies or at the box office kiosk for Wirtz Center and Wirtz Center Chicago events. Pivot Arts will share any event-specific health guidance on the relevant event page.

Restrooms and Building Access

Pivot Arts works with venue partners that provide accessible routes and restrooms. If you have a specific restroom access need, please contact us in advance so we can share the most accurate information for your event. We are continuing to document venue-specific features in order to improve advance communication.

Digital Accessibility

We are working to make the Pivot Arts website and digital communications more accessible by:

• using heading structure for readability
• providing alt text for images when possible
• avoiding image-only text when possible
• using clear link language
• providing event access information in plain language
• improving captioning and transcript practices for media over time

If you encounter an accessibility barrier on our website, please email and include the page URL and a brief description of the issue.

Ongoing Commitment

Accessibility is an ongoing practice, not a one-time checklist. Pivot Arts is continuing to strengthen access planning in collaboration with artists, venue partners, and community members. This includes improving accommodation request procedures, publishing clearer access notes, expanding communication supports, and reviewing our accessibility practices on a regular basis. The Illinois Arts Council checklist recommends maintaining and periodically reviewing an accessibility self-evaluation and staff practices over time.

Questions or Feedback

We welcome questions, access requests, and feedback at:
info@pivotarts.org