ID: image of the outside of the Brooklyn Paramount with the text "Access Review" on top
General Note
This is a review of the accessibility of the Brooklyn Paramount as a way to prep folks with various needs before they visit.
For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy their experience because they know what to expect and can accommodate their needs better. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!
I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.
Access
A few days before the show I emailed them at info@brooklynparamount.com to say I would need a seating accommodation.
When I got to the theater I walked up to a security guard to say I’m on their accommodations list, which they brought someone else out to crosscheck and give me a bracelet and then had me wait just to the side of the entrance until doors opened so I didn’t have to wait.
Through security (bag check & metal detector) I walked to the podium at the base of the stairs on the far side (it’s straight ahead) labeled “Guest Services” where someone walked me to the ADA section of the venue.
Guest services also has KulturCity sensory bags, strobe-reduction glasses, and assistive listening devices for loan
The ADA section is located on the floor on the left side of the stage in a barricaded-off section. Because the venue is otherwise standing you can’t always see the full stage from every seat, but you wouldn’t be able to standing either. There’s also a small bar directly to the left of the section for easy access.
I sat in the back right of the section and this is what my view looked like:
[Image of the stage with a crowd in front of it viewed from being seated on the left. Most things above neck level on the performers can be seen, but only the left third of the floor of the stage is visible]
Prior to the show, everyone in the ADA section was offered earplugs and the medic team was handing out water both to our section and to folks in front of the pit which was very kind! They were extremely safety-forward as a venue and I was incredibly impressed.
Also my night had ASL interpreters on the left side of the stage (just in front of the ADA section) who were fantastic.
Bathrooms are located, exiting the theater, to the right and down a flight of stairs. They were wheelchair accessible so that means there’s an elevator I didn’t immediately find. The coat check is located next to those stairs, as is the water fountain.
They’re divided into the binary but there’s a sign saying they’re gender inclusive and use whatever makes you feel more comfortable, and the sinks are shared between the two.