Lyric Opera 2024-2025 Issue 4 - Figaro

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 14 demonstrations, while costume designers and stage managers can take patrons through the process of set and costume design. In last year’s production of Champion , for example, attendants were able to touch props like the boxing gloves that Emile Griffith, portrayed by Justin Austin, wore throughout the production. In 2020, an anonymous donor’s generosity allowed the Ardis Krainik Theatre to be renovated and redesigned. The overall goal for the project was to improve accessibility — not to mention the benefits of new seats and improved sightlines. The process was a grand undertaking. Eight concrete trucks weighing more than 55,000 pounds each were loaded in to resculpt and level out the main floors. Wheelchair platforms were designed in collaboration with Staging Concepts, Lyric’s disability platforms manufacturer; the platforms are available at every price range throughout the opera house, and companion seating is provided to ensure the most pleasant viewing experience. Currently, there are 19 movable disability platforms, 11 additional wheelchair fixed locations, and 45 removable aisle seats. In addition, the seats themselves — provided by Series Seating — encourage “active sitting,” which increases blood circulation, reduces back strain, joint stiffness, and muscle strain when sitting for long periods of time. The opera house also has numerous accessible restrooms; elevators that provide access to all above-ground floors; automated exterior doors; and removable aisle-side armrests. These recent developments are just a few of the many ways in which Lyric continues to cultivate and expand the audience for opera. As inclusive practices and technological developments continually evolve, Lyric too will continue improving how people experience opera. Through engaging with community members and having intentional and purposeful discussions on accessibility — and with the generous support of forward-thinking donors — the company will keep striving to make the art form ever more available. For more information, , call 312.827.5600, or email audienceservices@lyricopera.org . New seating,above,has provided dramatically improved sightlines. Costume Director Kim Buetzow,below,shares some of her department’s handiwork during a Touch Tour. Robert Kusel Kyle Flubacker call 312.827.560 , or email l l l