Access Guide

At the Fine Arts Center, it is our goal to engage and inspire campus and regional audiences and to make the arts accessible to everyone. As we continue to examine and expand our services to our audiences with accessibility needs, we urge input and feedback from our patrons.

PATRON SERVICES AT EVENTS 

ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES 

The Frederick C. Tillis Performance Hall and Bowker Auditorium are equipped with an FM hearing enhancement system compatible with most ALS systems and in compliance with the ADA. Induction loops and headsets are available for patrons who have cochlear implants. Anyone with or without a hearing aid may use the equipment from any seat in the theaters. Listening devices may be checked out from the Audience Services staff prior to any performance with a photo ID or a valid credit card. There is no charge to use a listening device. Please note that not all performances are enhanced for ALS systems. If you know in advance that you will require assistance, please call the Box Office.
 

ACCESS SERVICES FOR PATRONS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED 

Ushers are available to assist with seating blind/visually impaired patrons who attend a production alone. Inquire at the Box Office or with the House Manager to request this assistance. Service animals are welcome. 

SERVICE ANIMALS 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to providing appropriate access to all members of the University community. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals that are trained to provide services and tasks for persons with disabilities are permitted in Fine Arts Center managed spaces. Pets, support, or companion animals are not permitted. 

LARGE-PRINT PROGRAMS 

Large-print programs are available at each Fine Arts Center sponsored event and are available free-of-charge at the Box Office and at the wheelchair entrance in the refuge area outside section 3 on house right.

PURCHASING TICKETS 

Our Box Office is equipped with a counter and personnel accessible to patrons in wheelchairs. When ordering tickets over the phone, please indicate your accessible seating needs.

CONCESSIONS

Concessions are available at some Tillis Hall events. Ushers are available to take orders for refreshments for patrons seated in the wheelchair area.

 

PARKING & EMERGENCY EXITS

A map of all parking lots on campus may be reviewed at: https://maps.umass.edu/parking/

FREDERICK C. TILLIS PERFORMANCE HALL 

PARK in the South Entrance Lot, located to the right of the main entrance. The lot is reached via an access drive at the end of Haigis Mall. A nearby ELEVATOR gives access to the wheelchair seating area. WHEELCHAIR and companion seating are located in sections 2 and 3. RESTROOMS and water fountains are located off the lobby and in the refuge area outside section 3 to the right of the stage. 

EMERGENCY EVACUATION: Mobility-impaired patrons should exit house right, across the lobby, and into the Area of Refuge (to the left of the elevator). During an evacuation, the elevator will not be available. Emergency personell will evacuate patrons from the Area of Refuge. Tillis Hall Lobby: Patrons should exit via the south side of the lobby toward the Haigis Mall Plaza.

UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART 

PARK along the back driveway behind Bromery Center near the campus pond. This back driveway is off North Pleasant St. WHEELCHAIR access to the gallery is from the north, pond-level entrance. Please ensure the appropriate license plate or placard is displayed for parking attendants. 

BEZANSON RECITAL HALL

PARK across the street in University Lot 62 on North Pleasant St. Enter through the doors marked Bezanson directly across from the cross walk. WHEELCHAIR and companion seating is located in a large access row at the back of Bezanson Recital Hall in the center of the row. A RESTROOM and water fountain are down the hallway leading from the lobby to the Department of Music & Dance.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION: Mobility-impaired patrons may exit either house right or left out the main doors of the hall and out the North Pleasant St entrance.

CURTAIN THEATER

PARK in the parking spots between Bromery Center and Herter Hall. Access to these parking spots is at the end of Haigis Mall near the bus stop. Check in at the Curtain Theater Box Office to have an usher escort you into the venue.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION: Follow the ushers out of the venue. Please call the Department of Theater at 413-545-3490 for more information.

RAND THEATER 

PARK in the South Entrance Lot, located to the right of the main entrance to Bromery Center. The lot is reached via an access drive at the end of Haigis Mall. Access to the Rand Theater is via the main lobby entrance. Seats for WHEELCHAIRS and companions are located at the back of the theater in the center. A RESTROOM and water fountain are located in the main lobby. 

EMERGENCY EVACUATION: Mobility-impaired patrons should exit out the seating-area doors and out the south side of the lobby toward the Haigis Mall Plaza. Please call the Department of Theater at 413-545-3490 for more information.

BOWKER AUDITORIUM 

Located in Stockbridge Hall
PARK in designated spaces in the Campus Center Parking Garage or in Lot 65 behind Stockbridge Hall. A RAMP entrance behind the building gives access to the Hall. Multiple seating areas accommodate WHEELCHAIRS and companion seating. A RESTROOM and water fountain are available on the lobby level.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION: Mobility-impaired patrons should exit house left via the side entrance to the theater and straight across the hallway out the ramp entrance. 

AUGUSTA SAVAGE GALLERY

Located in New Africa House
PARK in designated spaces in front of New Africa House. WHEELCHAIR access is down a walkway to a RAMP at the rear of the building. 

HAMPDEN GALLERY

Located in Hampden Dining Commons
PARK in Lot 50 off Fearing Street. Follow the concourse to the front of the gallery entrance on the east side of the Hampden Dining Commons. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For detailed parking information, visit the University parking website at umass.edu/transportation/parking. Together, we can ensure a barrier-free environment in which to experience the arts. This access guide will be updated and revised as future needs are identified and services are added or expanded.

Comments are welcome by calling our Audience Services Manager at 413-545-0498.

Last Reviewed: August 1, 2023