Accessibility

To order accessible seats please call the UIS Ticket Office at (217) 206-6160. Accessible seats are reserved in each price level and are subject to availability, we ask patrons to request accessible services two weeks before a performance to give us sufficient time to make appropriate arrangements. Please note that all services may not be available for every performance and that requests will be processed in the order they are received.

Parking and Passenger Drop Off/Pick Up

Parking spaces for patrons with handicapped-accessible government-issued hang tags are available for all events. These spaces are located near the Level One entrance (i.e. Teardrop), Lot C-South, Lot E and in the Auditorium loading and receiving area just south of Lot E.

Passengers may be dropped off at the Level One entrance to the Public Affairs Center (PAC) Building. To reach the Level One entrance (i.e. Teardrop), vehicles should proceed down Ernest Hemingway Drive and stay to the right side at the bottom of the Teardrop, closest to the building.

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Wheelchair Assistance

For those who require it, wheelchair assistance into the UIS Performing Arts Center can be obtained at this location. The UIS PAC has several wheelchairs, three of which were generously donated by Vono Medical Supplies, that are used to assist patrons to their seats. If you need assistance, please click here to submit a special accommodations request, or contact the UIS Ticket Office at (217) 206-6160 so that an usher can be waiting in the teardrop with a wheelchair. Please note that the UIS PAC is unable to provide personal care assistance to patrons or anyone utilizing the venues. Those requiring these services are kindly reminded to make proper arrangements (including purchasing a seat) for someone to assist them, including helping them move from the wheelchair to their event seat. Any questions regarding this information can be directed to the Events and Patron Services Manager at (217) 206-6150.

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TDD/TTY Service

A relay service for patrons who use a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) is available by calling (800) 526-0844.

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Personal Assistive Listeners

New personal assistive listening devices are available for patron use.  The devices are available at the gurest services desk free of charge on a first come, first served basis; photo ID is requested for check-out.  Various types of headsets, including induction loops that work with t-coil hearing aids are also available for check-out.  The devices will also work with your own 3.5mm jack headphones.  This new system is provided thanks to a gift from Clark and Carol Esarey.

Large Print and Braille Programs

For most shows, large print and Braille programs can be provided. Please make this request when ordering tickets or fill out the Accessible Services Request Form.

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American Sign Language Interpreters

Interpretive services can be arranged for patrons with hearing impairments. Please make this request when ordering tickets. There is designated seating for this service available on the house left side of rows L and M.

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)

CART, also known as realtime captioning, is available in the mezzanine only. Please request this service when ordering tickets.

Easy Access Seating

Rows J and K on the main floor, row R in the mezzanine, and rows C and M in the balcony can be reached without going up or down any steps. Easy access seating is only available on a first come, first served basis.

Extra Leg Room

Most seats on the main floor have approximately 18 inches of leg room, measured as the distance between the front of one seat when folded down and the back of the seat in front of it. Most seats in the mezzanine and balcony have approximately 10 to 11 inches of leg room. A few seats with extra leg room are available on all three levels. The UIS Ticket Office staff can help you identify these seats when ordering tickets.

"Large" or "Plus Size" Seating

Due to the curved configuration of the theatre, some seats are larger than others. Our seats range in size from approximately 16 to 19 inches between the arms, but most are between 17 and 18 inches. Ticket Office staff will try to help you find a comfortable seat, but the auditorium does not have specially designated “large” or “plus size” seating.

If you would like to request seating with extra room, we can make arrangements to have a chair without arms and a companion seat in the last row of the mezzanine or on the main floor in rows J and K.

Sensory-Inclusive

The UIS Performing Arts Center has partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests during all events. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by supplying our staff with annual training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.

KultureCity® Sensory bags
KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, feeling thermometer, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Guest Services Desk located in the House Left side of the lobby.

Weighted Lap Pads
Weighted lap pads are available upon request (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Guest Services Desk located in the House Left side of the lobby or by speaking to a UIS PAC staff member.

Quiet Areas
Quiet areas are located at the corner lounges rear the House Right side of the upstairs lobby and is marked by signage.

Social Story and KultureCity® App
Download the KultureCity® App to get your social story to help you further with your visit to the UIS Performing Arts Center

Sensory-friendly performances are available multiple times a year and can be found in the list of Upcoming Events.