Accessibility

Last Updated: Mar 07, 2023
Please check back to this page as we will be continuing to update its content for the Winter/Spring 2023 Season.

How can we help?

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances.

Please contact The Cultch box office (604-251-1363) to reserve ASL tickets.

Live Audio described performances in partnership with VOCALEYE:

Live Audio Description is available for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Visual elements of the shows are described in real-time. Click here to read more about Vocal Eye and Live Audio Description.

Please contact The Cultch box office (604-251-1363) to reserve tickets and description equipment. The equipment consists of a handheld receiver and a single plastic earpiece that fits over either ear. The receivers are also compatible with most personal earbuds and headphones. Equipment is available, at no charge, for pickup at the VocalEye table in the lobby up to one hour before showtime. VocalEye’s Theatre Buddies will be available to escort you to your seats and assist you with setting up your receiver and ear piece.

Relaxed Performances:

Relaxed performances are designed to welcome audience members who would benefit from a less restrictive audience environment including (but not limited to) individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory sensitivities, and learning disabilities. Light and sound levels may be slightly adjusted, audiences can make noise and move and enter and exit the theatre throughout the show. A relaxation area will be available in the lobby.

Captioning Services:

Captioning augments a performance with synchronized dialogue, lyrics and sound descriptions. This adds a layer of engagement for patrons with any degree of hearing loss.

Please note that captioning is available on our digital offerings only.  

Assisted Listening Devices:

Listening devices are available in all Cultch venues on a first come, first serve basis. 

To reserve a listening device, once service is restored, please inform our box office at time of booking or lets us know on your arrival to the theatre.

Accessible Parking:

Reserved parking for individuals with mobility considerations is available at The Cultch’s 1895 Venables location.  Please contact the box office at time of booking to reserve a parking space.

Unfortunately, there is no accessible parking at The York at this time

Accessible Seating:

The Historic Theatre and Vancity Culture Lab (1895 Venables Street) and the York Theatre {639 Commercial Drive) are wheelchair accessible. Support persons accompanying patrons who require assistance to attend a performance will receive a complimentary ticket.

We also have a limited number of big and tall seats available to accommodate larger and taller body types. The dimensions are 23.5 X 31.25 and can accommodate up to 453KG.

To reserve wheelchair or big and tall accessible seats, please call our box office at 604-251-1363 or email us at [email protected].   

Chemical Sensitivities

The Cultch strives to be a scent-free environment. In respect for those with asthma, allergies and other chemical and fragrance sensitivities, we ask that patrons please refrain from using scented products before and while attending performances.

Accessible Ticketing:

The Cultch offers additional options to reduce barriers to attending performances.

Cultch Connects Program:

The Cultch Connects Program offers tickets to a variety of community organizations and social service groups to offer complimentary tickets to individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to attending Cultch performances. To request Cultch Connects tickets email [email protected]

As we continue to develop our accessibility program, we welcome any feedback and suggestions you may have. Please contact our Patron Development Manager at [email protected] or our Box Office at 604-251-1363.

Our Venues

The Cultch: Historic Theatre and Vancity Culture Lab

1895 Venables Street

  • Paved entrance way leading to the Box Office and main entrance door.
  • Walkways are well lit at night.
  • Wheelchair accessible (automatic) entrance door (door swings outwards).
  • 5 ft. wide+ accessible corridor through the venue from the accessible entrance to the washroom.
  • There are two accessible parking spots at the rear of the building of our 1895 Venables Street location. Please contact the box office ahead of time to reserve a space
  • There is a level entrance from the parking spot directly into the building. You will need to ring the doorbell for assistance.There is also step free access to the main entrance on Venables Street (via Victoria Drive)
  • There is no designated wheelchair-accessible street parking, but there is street parking in front of the building and around the neighbourhood.
  • There are spaces inside the Lobby to park mobility scooters. Please contact staff for arrangement.

    Street Parking Map for Historic Theatre
  • Bus #20 stops 2 blocks west of the Cultch on Commercial Drive and buses #10, 14, 16, 20, N20, N35, and R5 stop 5 blocks north on Hastings Street.
  • Bike racks can be found in front of the Box Office.
  • A mix of fluorescent, incandescent and LED lighting.
  • Fluorescent lighting turned off for performances in the theatre.
  • No water fountain, but we have a self-serve water dispenser available at the bar.
  • The height of the bar is 48 inches.
  • Seating is available in the main lobby and Founders Lounge.
  • The Cultch strives to be a scent-free environment. We ask that patrons please refrain from using scented products before and while attending performances.
  • All washroom facilities are located on the ground floor and are for use by people of all genders.
  • The main washroom area includes two wheelchair accessible stalls and there is also a separate accessible washroom around the corner (see below for specifications). The specifications of the accessible stalls are:
    • The stall door entrances are 34 inches and open outwards
    • The flush is controlled by a sensor located above the toilet
    • Swing style inside door handle
    • The washroom stall on the left of the main sinks has grab bars on the back and left and transfer is to the left and front of the toilet.
    • The washroom stall on the right of the main sinks has grab bars on the back and right and transfer is to the right and front of the toilet.
  • Soaps are scent-free.
  • There are no urinals.
  • In addition to the accessible stalls in the main washroom, there is a separate accessible washroom. It is located on the ground floor next to the main washrooms.
  • The washroom door entrance is 34 inches wide and opens inwards.
  • Transfer from the toilet is to the left and front of the toilet
  • Grab bar on left
  • Swing style inside door handle
  • Centre flush buttons
  • There is a baby changing station located in the main washroom.
    • Both theatres have designated wheelchair spots in the front row. Please contact the Box Office to reserve.
    • We have a limited number of big and tall seats available to accommodate larger and taller body types. The dimensions are 23.5 inches x 31.25 inches and can accommodate up to 453KG.
    • To reserve wheelchair or big and tall accessible seats, please call our box office at 604-251-1363 or email us at [email protected].
    • The majority of seats are fixed fold-down seats with armrests. They are 16 inches high x 18 inches wide.
  • Folding chairs at the sides may allow a guide dog to sit under the chair. Please contact the Box Office in advance or on your arrival.
  • The front row of the orchestra is wheelchair accessible in both theatres.
  • In both theatres, each row back from the front is accessed by 2 steps, i.e. there are 10 steps from the floor to the back row.
  • The balcony of the Historic can only be accessed by stairs. Depending on the seat, there are a minimum of 15 steps and a maximum of 26.
  • If you are blind and would like assistance to your seat please contact the Box Office in advance or on your arrival.
  • Support persons accompanying patrons who require assistance to attend a performance will receive a complimentary ticket.
  • Listening devices are available in all Cultch venues on a first come first serve basis. To reserve a listening device, please inform our box office or let us know on your arrival. 
  • Front rows are best for unobstructed views for interpretation and lip-reading.

The York Theatre
639 Commercial Drive

  • Paved entrance way leading to the Box Office and main entrance door.
  • Walkways are well lit at night.
  • There are two front doors measuring 47 inches in width. The right hand door is automatic. The left hand door is not automatic. The doors swing outwards.
  • There are no designated parking spaces at the York but there is free on-street parking in the area, detailed here on the parking map.
  • There are spaces inside the Lobby to park mobility scooters. To accommodate your scooter please contact the Box Office in advance or on your arrival. 
  • Bus #20 passes the York – the northbound bus stop is opposite the theatre, and the southbound stop is one block north of the theatre. Buses #10, 14, 16, 20, N20, N35, and R5 stop 5 blocks north on Hastings Street.
  • Bike racks can be found in front of the Box Office.
  • A mix of fluorescent, incandescent and LED lighting.
  • Fluorescent lighting turned off for performances in the theatre.
  • No water fountain, but a self-serve water dispenser is available at the bar.
  • The height of the bar is 43 inches.
  • Limited seating is available in the main lobby.
  • The Cultch strives to be a scent-free environment. We ask that patrons please refrain from using scented products before and while attending performances.
  • Unfortunately all washroom facilities are located on the upper floor. There is an elevator and a flight of stairs with 23 steps.
  • If you are unable to access the upstairs washrooms please contact a member of front-of-house staff for other options.
  • There are also gendered washroom facilities, each of which contains a wheelchair accessible stall:
    • The doorway measures 43 inches. The door opens inward. There is a swing style inside door handle.
    • Transfer from the toilet is to the right and front of the toilet. There are grab bars on the right and back.
    • Centre flush buttons
  • Soaps are scent free
  • In addition to the accessible stalls in the gendered washrooms, there is a separate accessible washroom.
  • It is located at the top of the stairs on the second floor. Unfortunately all washroom facilities are located on the upper floor. There is an elevator and a flight of stairs with 23 steps. If you are unable to access the upstairs washrooms please contact a member of front-of-house staff for other options.
  • Unfortunately there are currently no baby changing facilities at the York.
  • There are a number of wheelchair spots available on the main floor. Please contact the Box Office to reserve.
  • We have a limited number of big and tall seats available to accommodate larger and taller body types. The dimensions are 23.5 inches x 31.25 inches and can accommodate up to 453KG.
  • To reserve wheelchair or big and tall accessible seats, please call our box office at 604-251-1363 or email us at [email protected].
  • The dimensions of the seats vary but generally measure between 16 inches high x 18 inches wide.
  • The main floor is wheelchair accessible.
  • The balcony is accessible by an elevator. There are no wheelchair seats in the balcony but row DD has step free access. Other balcony seats are accessed by between 3 and 11 steps. 
  • If you are blind and would like assistance to your seat please contact the Box Office in advance or on your arrival.
  • Support persons accompanying patrons who require assistance to attend a performance will receive a complimentary ticket.
  • Listening devices are available in all Cultch venues on a first come first serve basis. To reserve a listening device, please inform our box office or let us know on your arrival. 
  • Rows D – J in the orchestra are best for unobstructed views for interpretation and lip-reading, as they are most level with the stage.

Jim Green House Studio
1885 Venables Street

  • The entrance to the Jim Green Studio is via the back alleyway.
    • The alleyway is not paved, but we have installed a runner that leads from Venables street to the door.
  • Standard double-door entrance. Doors swing outwards.
  • There is a ramp with a railing leading into the space. The studio itself is level through.
  • There are first-come-first served parking spaces next to the Jim Green House Studio, accessed by the alley between Venables St and Adanac St.
  • There is no designated wheelchair-accessible street parking, but there is street parking in front of the building and around the neighbourhood.
  • There is one washroom and it is wheelchair accessible. 
  • The washroom door is 34 inches wide and opens outwards. The door has a swing style inside handle.
  • Transfer is to the left and front of the toilet
  • Grab bar on the left
  • Front mounted flush handle on the left of the cistern