Accessibility

The Englert has Transfer Seats on the main floor (E19–22, F19–22) and the balcony (C101-102, C111-112). Examples of usage for these seats include (but are not limited to): 

• A person who can transfer from a wheelchair to a regular seat.
• A person who needs to sit closer to see or hear an event.
• A person who is a companion of a person needing accessible seating.

***Please note that a wheelchair cannot fit into this space. For those attending with a wheelchair, Transfer Seats on the balcony require the use of an elevator and a wheelchair lift to access.

The Englert has Wheelchair and Accessible Seats on the main floor (U1–10). Examples of usage for these seats include (but are not limited to): 

• A person who uses a wheelchair.
• A person who requires an armless or wider width chair.
• A person who is a companion of a person needing accessible seating.

Seating for General Admission shows are first-come, first-serve. You can contact our Box Office prior to a GA event if you would like us to reserve a Transfer or Wheelchair Seat for you in advance.

Because of our building’s age and history, not all seats and rows are the same size. All seating has arm rests between each seat. The average seat in our theatre has an average seat width of 17″ to 18″ with leg room of about 12″.

PERSON OF SIZE POLICY

If you find that our general row seat is causing you discomfort, please find a House Manager to request Person of Size seating. Our Person of Size seats are 36.5″ wide and 25.5″ deep, with a weight limit of 600lb.

ORCHESTRA SEATS

Generally, seats in the aisle and the back 3 rows of the Orchestra level offer anywhere from 1″ to 3″ more legroom and seat width.

BALCONY SEATS

Row A of the Balcony level offers expanded leg room of about 20″. Other than Row C, where the transfer seats are located, all other seats in the balcony are located along aisle stairs with uneven steps and no railings.

At some concerts, patrons may be standing at their seats or moving around during the show. In such instances, seating in the balcony or towards the back of the main floor often provides better visibility of the stage for patrons who remain seated. 

Sound and lighting at events is typically louder and brighter towards the front of the main house, where our sound system is located.

If you need help choosing a seat best suited to your needs, you can call or email our Box Office before purchasing your ticket for more information.

There are a limited number of accessible parking spots on the street within 300 feet of the main entrance on E Washington and S Linn Street. There are a number of accessible parking garages with elevators within 0.1 to 0.2 miles of our theatre entrance, including the Chauncey Ramp, Tower Place, and Dubuque Street Ramp. More information on Iowa City’s parking services can be found below.

The Englert is serviced by Iowa City Transit Buses 1, 2, and 9 at the intersection of Washington & Linn, 100 feet from the main entrance. Fares for Iowa City buses are currently free. Schedules and maps for routes can be found below.

The main entrance of The Englert has 2 double doors (66” width) and 1 single door (32” width) that swing out towards the street. Doors are not motorized, and there is a 0.5” raised threshold along the floor of the entrance. There is an uneven tiled floor inside the entrance before entering the carpeted main lobby.

All standard Englert Presents events have volunteer ushers at the main entrances and doors to provide assistance.

The main house is located on the ground floor through the front and inner lobbies. No stairs or steps are necessary to reach the main house. The floor inside the main house has a 5-10 degree slope that starts at the back of the house and slopes down towards the stage. 

The first floor lobbies have double door entrances on the left and right side where ushers will be standing by to scan your tickets or assist you to your seat. The main center lobby has a 5-10 degree slope leading into the main house, and there are handle bars along the right and left walls. 

There is one elevator in the building, which connects the first and second floor. The first floor entrance (32.5″ width) to the elevator is located on the right side of the front lobby, immediately next to the main entrance. The second floor entrance to the elevator is located on the far west side of the Lounge.

The door to the elevator is 40.5″ wide.

Balcony seating is located on the second floor of the theatre. The balcony can be reached via stairs or the elevator. There are Transfer Seats available in the balcony, but there are no Wheelchair Accessible Seats.

The entrance to the balcony is carpeted with a 5-10 degree slope. Other than Row C, where the transfer seats are located, all other seats in the balcony are located along aisle stairs with uneven steps and no railings.

To access the balcony via elevator, patrons must cross through the Lounge, which requires the use of stairs (approx. 5 steps) or a wheelchair lift.

The Lounge is located on the 2nd floor of the theatre, and is directly connected to the balcony entrance. The Lounge can be reached via stairs from the main lobby or the elevator. 

The Lounge offers couch and table seating for any patrons who would like to take a break from the event. While the Lounge is not open for every single event, it can be a quieter space with less sensory stimulation during a show.

A portion of the Lounge, including the entrance to the balcony, is separated on a lower level, which requires the use of stairs (5 steps) or the wheelchair lift to reach.

1st FLOOR

On the 1st floor, there is one Men’s and one Women’s restroom located on opposite sides of the inner lobby. 

2nd FLOOR

On the 2nd floor, there is one Men’s restroom by the left entrance of the balcony, and one Women’s restroom by the right entrance of the balcony.

Please note: the second floor restrooms require a tight turn through the doorways, so patrons with mobility aids may be more comfortable utilizing the restrooms on the 1st floor.

STALLS

Each restroom has at least 2 standard stalls and 1 accessible stall. Standard stalls have 24” wide doors, and our accessible stalls have 34” wide doors. Accessible stalls have handle bars by the toilet and hooks on the inside of the stall door. 

CHANGING & NURSING

There is a baby changing station in both the Women’s and Men’s restroom on the first floor. If you need a private space for either changing or nursing during your visit, please speak to one of our House Managers, and we will find a place to accommodate you.

Currently, we do not have gender-neutral restrooms available to the public for our ticketed events.

Assisted Hearing Devices for most performances are available upon request. We offer Listen LR 3200 devices, with headphones and t-coil adapter options.

To request a device, you can either reach out to our Box Office via email prior to the event, or visit our Box Office at the event. 

Disposable earplugs are available for free at all our concessions areas and the Box Office.

Event staff and ushers are available to assist in transferring guests from wheelchairs into auditorium seats and back again.

Our staff is not able to assist with transfer in and out of vehicles. 

The Englert has a house wheelchair to enhance mobility within the building, which can be obtained from one of our House Managers. The house wheelchair is for transfer only. Patrons cannot use them as a seat inside the theatre.

Our stage is typically off limits for patrons, except for Intimate On-Stage Shows. Our intimate shows feature seating directly on the performance stage, which requires the use of either stairs (7 steps) or a wheelchair lift to reach.

The wheelchair lift to the stage is 48” x 30.5” in size, with a weight limit of 495 lbs.

If you require assistance with on-stage seating, please reach out to our Box Office after purchasing your ticket.

Some of our events may feature the use of haze and strobe lighting that can be sensitive to some viewers. Notice of haze and/or strobe will be included in the pre-show email sent to patrons before the event, as well as posted on signage throughout the building at the event.