Accessibility

Accessibility

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front entrance of prax

PRAx uses its venues and platforms to fuel Oregon State University's commitment to equity and accessibility. Universal design principles, ADA accessibility and OSU accessibility guidelines informed every element of the building's design, from interior layout to entrances, signage and venue technologies.

PRAx is also mindful that the history of art is structured by relationships of privilege and has not always promoted accessibility to all audiences. As we strive to create a welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment, we always appreciate your feedback and recommendations.  Please contact our Box Office at [email protected] if you would like to make a suggestion on ways we can improve, or if you would like more information about any of the functions listed here.

  • Tickets are available by phone, online and in person. For best seating options, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance and as early as possible.
  • Accessible seating and companion seating is available in all of our venues and at every performance. Detrick Hall includes designated spaces for wheelchairs as well as bariatric seating in outstanding seating locations. These seats may be selected at the point of purchase. In the Ray Theater and other venues, seating is customized for each event. Spaces for wheelchairs will always be held and patrons with other needs will be accommodated by contacting the Box Office at [email protected].

  • A vehicle drop-off area is located at our main entrance on 15th Street.
  • The closest accessible parking is located in the A3 parking lot south of the Kerr Administration Building, a short distance from the main entrance to the building. Accessible parking is also located in the B1 lot across the street from PRAx. Permits are not required after 5 p.m. More information on visitor parking, including a map, is available on our directions and parking page or at the OSU transportation and parking website.

  • All exterior routes to the building are accessible for mobility devices.
  • Door actuators are located at the three primary audience entrances on the north, east and south sides of the building. For performers and vendors, a door actuator also operates the stage doors on the west side of the building.
  • The double-door elevator offers entry/exit without the need to turn around.
  • The ticketing desk and drinking fountains include lower stations for wheelchair users.
  • Handrail extensions are located at all stairs and ramps.

All room signage has contrasting lettering and braille. Pictograms are used at restrooms and exit signs are tactile.

  • Multi-user restrooms include a doorless main entry, wheelchair stall, two ambulatory stalls, full-height stall doors for privacy and a full-height mirror. 
  • Family and gender-inclusive restrooms are located on the first floor.

A lactation room is located near the public restrooms on the first floor.

A quiet room is located near the Toomey Lobby.

PRAx venue technologies include an inductive hearing-loop coil system. Instructions for connecting to the system are available at the Box Office on performance nights or by contacting the Box Office at [email protected].

Sign language interpreters are available and we will make every attempt to schedule interpreters for patrons. Please contact our Box Office at least one week prior to the event to arrange ASL interpretation.

Noise levels may vary and change during events. For the comfort of our patrons, ear plugs are available at the Box Office.

PRAx allows service animals in its buildings, activities and events when the animal is actively performing its service function. We aim to be helpful so that both our guests and the service animal are comfortable and we welcome you to contact us if you have any questions before your visit. For additional information, please see the OSU Service & Assistance Animal Policy.

Audience members may be moved to dance at some high-energy events. At these shows we will designate set rows in the front of the theater as seated only, so that those who wish to stand or dance do not block patrons in seated only areas. Ticketing interfaces will indicate when the front rows are designated as no-standing areas.

Select performances are scheduled as Affinity Nights. We offer Affinity Nights when the artistic, intellectual or cultural content of a particular show suggests that individuals of particular identities may appreciate an affinity environment for viewing or conversation. Although we will not turn any patrons away, we recommend that people who do not self-identify within the affinity community join us on another night to ensure available seating for members of the affinity group.