As part of our mission, we strive to make every visit to our theaters comfortable and enjoyable through a welcoming environment. Below, you will find information on what to expect during your visit to the Wisconsin Union Theater, and resources to aid in additional accessibility around Memorial Union. If there are any accommodations that we can further assist you with, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the box office.
Please note: This page covers accessibility in the Wisconsin Union Theater spaces (Shannon Hall and Play Circle). For more information regarding accessibility in other areas at Memorial Union, visit the Wisconsin Union accessibility webpage.
Arrival & Parking
The Wisconsin Union Theater is located in Memorial Union, which is an accessible building with multiple accessible entrances, including one on North Park Street by Shannon Hall as well as another on Langdon Street by the Box Office. There are parking spaces for people with Disabled Parking Identification hang tags in nearby Helen C White Garage (Lot 6) at 600 N. Park Street. Additional parking information can be found at the Transportation Service’s Website.
Restrooms
Memorial Union has both ADA-accessible and single-occupancy restrooms. See map for details.
Theater Seating
Both Shannon Hall and Play Circle have ADA-accessible seating in all price zones. Shannon Hall has ADA-accessible seats with companion seats available in the orchestra section, and the Play Circle has ADA-accessible seats at floor level, also with companion seats available.
Please note: While all seats in the orchestra section of Shannon Hall are accessible without the use of stairs, there is no elevator to the balcony or mezzanine in this historic theater. There are two flights of stairs to get to the balcony from the ground floor.
For questions regarding ADA-accessible seating, please contact our Box Office at (608) 265-2787 or boxoffice@union.wisc.edu.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
The Wisconsin Union Theater offers assistive listening devices (ALDs) for our shows. We have two types available: an earpiece or an induction loop (for use with a T-coil enabled hearing aid). There is no need to request an ALD in advance. The Theater House Manager can assist upon arrival. Please be prepared to provide an ID to check out an ALD, which we will hold until the device is returned.
If you or a companion needs an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, we are happy to assist. Please complete our Request Disability Accommodation form preferably two (2) weeks in advance of the show, and we will arrange for an ASL interpreter. Our box office will also provide assistance in seating assignments to ensure interpretation services are clearly visible. ASL interpretation services are available for virtual events as well through the same request form.
Backstage Spaces
Whether you are interested in renting our spaces or are part of a performance or lecture at the Wisconsin Union Theater, learn more about accessibility in our backstage spaces.
Shannon Hall: There are two dressing rooms at stage level, both equipped with ADA accessible restrooms. Lower level rooms are accessible via freight elevator. The backstage area is also outfitted with an audio and video paging monitor.
Play Circle: Dressing rooms are at stage level, along with a single occupancy ADA accessible restroom.