Festival Accessibility

AACTFest and YouthFest 2025 are committed to being inclusive and accessible. Explore available services and submit your request by April 7 to ensure your needs are met.

Festival Accessibility Services

Helping you fully experience AACTFEST & YOUTHFEST

Requests must be submitted by Monday, April 7, 2025

AACT is committed to making AACTFest and YouthFest as accessible as possible. Due to the unique format and length of the festivals, all accessibility service requests must be submitted in advance. The deadline to request services is Monday, April 7, 2025, for both YouthFest and AACTFest.

Festival Locations

YouthFest 2025 will be held June 22-24, 2025 at The Des Moines Playhouse
AACTFest 2025 will take place June 25-28, 2025 at Hoyt Sherman Place

Below are the accessibility services currently available at each venue:

The Des Moines Playhouse

Des Moines Playhouse Exterior (small image)

The Playhouse is dedicated to providing an inclusive experience for all guests.

Accessibility Services:

Wheelchair Accessibility: Theatres are fully wheelchair accessible.
Service Animals: Service animals are welcome.
Assisted Listening Devices: Available in the John Viars Theatre. If your hearing aid has a T-coil setting, toggle it to receive audio directly.
ASL Interpreted Performances: Available upon request.
Audio Description Performances: Available upon request.

For these or other accessibility services, please contact The Playhouse ticket office in advance with your specific request.

Hoyt Sherman Place

Hoyt Sherman Place offers a range of services to ensure all guests have a comfortable and accessible experience.

Accessibility Services:

Hearing Assistance: ADA-compliant assistance is available through a Williams Sound RF headphone system. Ask the box office or house manager for access.
Accessible Seating:
- Located on the main floor and reserved for patrons with accessibility needs and up to three companions (based on availability).
- Can be requested through your AACT registration or by contacting AACT at [email protected].
Accessible Parking:
- Available in the main parking lot on the east side of the venue (corner of 15th Street and Woodland Avenue).
Building Access:
- A ramp leads from the parking lot to the east-facing Box Office door and front lawn.
- An elevator in the Box Office lobby provides access to the main floor and balcony.
- Lifts are available to access the mansion and art gallery.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are located in the restroom annex, connected to the Box Office lobby on the lower-level east side.

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

As the official hotel and festival headquarters for AACTFest 2025, the Des Moines Marriott Downtown offers a wide range of accessibility features to ensure a comfortable and inclusive stay for all guests.

General Accessibility Features:

Des Moines Downtown Marriott (small image)

Wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, guest rooms, parking, and public areas
Valet parking available for vehicles outfitted for drivers in wheelchairs
Accessible routes throughout the hotel, including to the main entrance, registration and concierge desks, meeting spaces, fitness center, business center, restaurants, and swimming pool
Room and suite access via interior corridors
Swimming pool access with a self-operating lift or sloped entry
Service animals are welcome

Accessible Guest Room Features (available in some rooms):

Mobility-accessible and hearing-accessible rooms and/or kits
Roll-in showers and transfer showers
Toilet seat at wheelchair height
Non-slip grab rails in bathrooms, bathtub grab bars, and bathtub seats
Adjustable-height hand-held shower wands
Accessible vanities and lowered electrical outlets
Doors with lever handles, 32" clear width openings, self-closing hinges, and lowered safety features (deadbolts, night guards, viewports)
Safety chains and/or latches on all guest doors
Guests in mobility-accessible rooms may inquire about lowering the bed height
TTY/TTD compatibility
Audible and visual alarms in some rooms and public hallways
Alarm clock telephone ringers and closed caption TVs
Electronic room keys

Additional Amenities:

Connected to Des Moines’ downtown skywalk system for indoor access to nearby shops, restaurants, and venues
On-site amenities include a fitness center, business center, restaurant, bar/lounge, gift shop, concierge service, and airport shuttle

Because accessible room types are limited, guests are encouraged to select an accessible room during booking. For specific accommodations or questions, contact the Des Moines Marriott Downtown directly at (515) 245-5500.