We offer many accessibility services to ensure your experience at Wharton Center is an enjoyable one.
Please alert the Ticket Office when requesting any of the following services with your ticket order. If you have any questions about the services listed below call us at (517) 884-3116.
Parking and Elevators
For select performances, parking spots in ramp 3, closest to the building on level 2, will now be marked/coned off for additional disability parking. The east side of level 2, closest to IM, will be restricted only to those who have a disability permit/disability need or a donor permit. Patrons who don’t meet that criteria will be directed to floors 3 and above.
Please note, the elevators in the parking ramp adjacent to Wharton Center (Ramp 3) are currently under repair. Patrons with mobility concerns should plan to park on or be dropped off on the second floor of the ramp to avoid any stairs.
Sign Language Interpretation
This service is available for Sunday matinee performances of Broadway shows when requested a minimum of four weeks in advance. Contact the ticket office to request Sign Language Interpretation.
The following performances will feature sign language interpretation if requested:
Audio Description
This service allows patrons who are blind or have low vision to hear the program notes, followed by a description of the visual elements taking place on stage through an FM receiver. Listeners will hear a description of actions, body language, lights, costumes, scenery and other aspects of the production not conveyed by voices and sounds from the stage.
This service is available for Sunday matinee performances of Broadway shows when requested a minimum of four weeks in advance. Contact the ticket office to request Audio Description.
The following performances will feature audio description if requested:
Open Captioning
Wharton Center offers open captioning on select Thursday and Friday evening Broadway performances. Open captioned performances use an LED display, to one side of the stage, to scroll through text in sync with a performance. The LED display is typically on the left side of the seating area, so to ensure optimal viewing of the LED display please call the ticket office for seats in view of the LED display.
The following performances will feature open captioning:
Assistive Listening Devices
Wharton Center is equipped with an FM assistive listening system that operates at 75.5 MHz. To utilize this system, receivers and headsets or neck loops are required and are available at the Patron Services Desk. ALDs are free of charge and can be checked out by exchanging an ID. ALDs can be used with or without hearing aids. Patrons whose hearing aids are equipped with a telecoil must still check out an ALD unit with a neck loop. ALDs are compatible with most headphones and patrons are encouraged to bring their own. Over the ear headphones are available for purchase and can be re-used whenever an ALD is checked out. Earbuds are free of charge.
Patrons wearing hearing aids should remember that volume turned too high may cause high-pitched feedback which can be heard by others throughout the hall.
Curb to Seat Service
Available for most performances but must be requested in advance. Wheelchair pick- up at Wharton Center is available on level 2, Shaw Rd. entrance ONLY.
Accessible Restrooms
All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Companion care restrooms are located in the Sierra Lobby.
Wheelchair Seating and Other Seating Accommodations
Wheelchair platform seating, side-by-side wheelchair companion seating and seating areas without stairs are available upon request at time of ticket purchase.
Designated wheelchair seating is available in the Orchestra ONLY of the Great Hall and main floor ONLY of the Auditorium.
Elevator access is available for all levels; however, to get to your actual theatre seats, most seats/rows will require the use of stairs.
Barrier Free Parking
Available for patrons with disabilities on all levels of the Wharton Center ramp. Access to level 2 (Wharton entrance) is available by elevators from all levels.
Drop Off Location
Patrons can be dropped off at our front loop located off of Bogue Street. Bogue Street is accessible off of Shaw Lane ONLY. The front loop is approximately 50 feet from the building entrance.
Sensory Kits
Fidgets, noise-canceling earphones, and small weighted lap mats are available at all Wharton Center performances and may be checked out at the Patron Services Desk.
Service Animals
Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted into the theaters and must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times. A service animal must sit under the patron’s seat or at their feet and is not permitted to sit in the aisle or on seats. A patron whose service animal poses a threat to the safety of other Wharton Center patrons and/or staff may be asked to relocate or remove the animal.
Large Print Programs
Large print programs are available at the Patron Services desk and for download on the Digital Program.
Wharton Center, in collaboration with MSU and community partners, has created an initiative to provide a supportive and welcoming environment that will make live theatre accessible to those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, sensory processing disorder, and other sensory-sensitive people and their families.
View an extensive digital tour of Wharton Center prior to attending a performance.