GCTC strives to provide an inclusive environment that is welcoming and accessible to all – physically, emotionally and creatively.
Access at GCTC
As part of our work here at GCTC, we strive to meet the diverse needs of audiences. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment that is welcoming to all. We offer a range of different types of access initiatives for our shows to better serve you and meet your needs.
Some of our access initiatives are available on-demand or by request. We also offer performances that have additional access built into them. If you don't find something that accommodates your needs please contact our Access Manager, Drea (drea@gctc.ca). She will work with you to find a way to support you.
To read our full Customer Service Accessibility Policy please click here.
On This Page:
On-Demand Services:
‘By Request’ Services:
Show Type Descriptions:
On-Demand Services:
On-demand means that you can come to the theatre or our webpage and find the following available to you.
Step-free Access
Our building features step-free street access. There is an accessible push button to enter the building. There is an elevator to access the second floor, and there are accessible washrooms on the first and second floors. Check out our access guide for more information (For our Venue Access Guide click here).
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
There are wheelchair accessible seats in the front row and one in the back row. These seats can accommodate manual and electric wheelchairs or scooters. If you prefer to transfer to a theatre seat this can be arranged as well. You may reserve these seats by calling the box office at 613-236-5196 or book them online.
Companion/ Attendant Seating
If you need a ticket for a personal support worker (PSW) or your companion attendant to accompany you to the theatre, we offer complimentary tickets. This ticket can be reserved through our box office over the phone at 613-236-5196 or in person. At this time companion seats can’t be reserved online.
Service Animals
Your service animal is welcome in the theatre for the duration of the performance. Please let the box office know when you are booking your ticket so we can assist you in purchasing a ticket that accommodates you and your service animal. If required there is a patch of grass outside our theatre on Holland Ave, which can be accessed by turning right when you exit the main theatre doors.
Scent-Free
Some people require a minimal or no scent environment in order to participate in events. All of our cleaning supplies are scent-free and the staff and volunteers at GCTC work without scent. Our theatre asks that when you visit the GCTC that you come without scent.
Assistive Listening Devices
You may borrow one of our five free assistive listening devices for our mainstage theatre performances and are available at the box office. Please ask the box office when you arrive or let us know when booking your tickets. These devices are available on a first-come-first-served basis. These assistive devices rest around the back of your head and over your ears.
Content Notes
Content notes provide more details about what to expect. These notes highlight elements of a performance that may trigger a response in someone. These can include but are not limited to flashing lights, loud noises, violence, sexual violence, mental health themes etc. Notes will be available on each show's webpage, as well as at the box office.
Access Guide
This guide supports people who need to know more about what to expect at an event. An access guide tells the synopsis of the play, how to buy a ticket, it shows pictures and maps of how to get to the theatre, and what the actors and characters will look like. The Guide also highlights the content notes.
These guides will be sent to anyone attending a relaxed performance and are available on the show webpage.
*Please note that our Access Guides are only available for our mainstage programming and will not be available for “Women of the Fur Trade” as it is being performed at the National Arts Centre.
Chill-out Space
Some people’s access needs may require a quieter space with reduced sensory stimulation. We offer a permanent space where you are welcome to come and sit, lie down or stretch. Feel free to come into this space and breathe, stim, or find some respite.
*Please note that our chill out space will not be available for Women of the Fur Trade as it is being performed at the National Arts Centre.
Audio Pre-show Note
These recorded audio notes describe the visual elements of the play. This includes descriptions of the set, costumes, props and characters (in order of appearance). It will also include some information about the show such as the play's synopsis, and the director's note as well as who is in the play. This pre-show note will be available as an audio track on the show's webpage.
Digital Programs
Our program is now digital. You can access it via the show’s webpage or, when in the theatre you can scan a QR code to read the program on your personal device. Or by clicking here. (Link will display the most recent production’s program).
Accessible Washrooms
We have two accessible stalls on the main floor. We have one inclusive large self-contained washroom on the second floor. Please see our venue access guide for the measurements and pictures. Additionally, all of our washrooms are inclusive. Please use the stall or washroom that best meets your needs. Link to the venue guide here.
‘By Request’ Services:
‘By request’ means these services are available, you just need to ask.
Playscripts
Access to playscripts may support those who require auditory or visual information described in text form. Please note that this is not a verbatim transcript of the play.
This year, you can request access through the box office (or when you purchase your ticket). We will then send you a link to an online or digital PDF copy of the playscript prior to the performance. You will have access to the script starting on the first preview of the production up to 48 hours after the final performance. Access to the playscript is for your personal use only. We kindly ask that you don’t download or distribute it as the script is the property of the playwright.
Printed Accessible Programs (show information)
Our programs are now offered digitally. If you require a printed document there will be a limited number available from the Box Office or around the lobby, for you to read and return when you attend the show. These printed programs are in 18-point font (large print).
Show Types Descriptions:
[Image description: A two week calendar with performance types and associated dates. ]
Preview Performances
The first Tuesday and Wednesday are previews where the public is invited to see the show before the official opening. This allows the director, design team, cast, and crew to make small adjustments to the show based on how it plays for the audience. You can expect the production team in the audience to take some notes while you watch.
Opening Night
[Image Description: List of show types with the calendar legend. It displays preview performance, opening night, 1975 pricing, post-show talkback, reduced capacity, relaxed performance, ASL performance, performance, and mask required.]
This is when the show officially opens! After the show, you can expect to have a party with the cast and production team. There are usually snacks and drinks available at this event.
Reduced Capacity & Mask Required Performance
The first Friday of the GCTC production is our reduced capacity and mask mandatory shows. This is for community members who feel supported by attending a show where everyone is masked and there is space between attendees. These shows are sold at 75% capacity and require everyone in the audience and staff to wear a mask. For more information and a full list of our reduced capacity performances please click here.
1975 Pricing [previously known as Pay-What-You-Decide (PWYD)]
On the first Sunday performance of each mainstage production, tickets are available for PWYD pricing. New for the 24-25 Season, as part of our anniversary season, we will be tickets at the 1975 price of $3.50. This means any seats available at noon the day before (Saturday 12 pm) can be purchased for $3.50. Tickets I want to pick a higher price for my ticket. How do I do that?
You can purchase regular priced tickets for the first Sunday performance up to the Saturday before at noon. After this, all remaining tickets will be on sale for $3.50. If you’d like to donate to raise your ticket price for attending you are welcome to do so and will be prompted in the online checkout process. purchased before this time are available at standard pricing. You can purchase your tickets at this special 1975 price online, on the phone (613-236-5196) or by visiting us in person. (Visit contact us here). For a full list of our 1975 performances and more information click here.
Relaxed Performance (Mask Required Performance)
The second Tuesday is GCTC’s Relaxed Performance. These performances welcome the audience into a relaxed sensory environment to enhance their experience of the production. Relaxed performances at GCTC make no adjustments to the show itself. Instead, we create a relaxed atmosphere for audiences to enjoy the show and listen to their body’s needs. These performances also require masks, are reduced capacity at 50% and have limited $5 tickets available. For more information about our Relaxed performances and a full list of shows click here.
Talk Back Night
On the second Thursday of the production, you are invited to stay after the show ends for a question and answer period with the cast and production team. You can ask them any questions you might have.
ASL Performance
These shows include American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. This means spoken English is interpreted into ASL. There will be ASL interpreters on the stage during the performance. You can book specific ASL sightline seats to ensure you can see the interpreter. For more information and a list of ASL interpreted shows please click here.
Touch Tour Performance
These happen on the second Saturday of the production. A touch tour is an opportunity for blind and low-vision audience members to come prior to a performance to learn more about the show and familiarize themselves with the design of the space, costumes and props ahead of the show itself. For more information and a full list of our Touch Tour Performances click here.
Mask Required Performance
These performances require everyone in the audience, volunteers and staff to wear a mask. This is for community members who feel supported by attending a show where all audiences and staff are masked. Two shows per production offer opportunities to attend mask-required performances. These happen on the first Friday and second Tuesday of the production. For more information please check out our reduced capacity performances here and our relaxed performances here.
We want to ensure patrons can see themselves represented on our stages and in our facility.
The artists, staff and volunteers respectfully acknowledge that our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabe people
We are a Proud City organization, identified as a positive space for LGBTQ2+ persons
We subscribe to and support the policies set out in Not in Our Space!
We welcome your feedback
We welcome your feedback as we want to make our services as accessible to you as possible. You can provide feedback anonymously by filling out a Google form at this link which will be sent to Drea or by emailing us. You can email either Drea (drea@gctc.ca) or Hugh, GCTC’s Managing Director (Hugh@gctc.ca). We will respond to your feedback within 48 hours, if requested.
Any policy of Great Canadian Theatre Company that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of disabled people will be modified or removed.
If you have questions about these access initiatives please email Drea, GCTC's Access Manager (drea@gctc.ca) or contact the box office (link).