WaMu Theatre: Excellent Show, But ADA Staff Conduct Lacked

Though the performance and audience enthusiasm were excellent, I found the Aurora concert at WaMu Theatre to be marred by concerning staff conduct.

The Show & Venue: The venue itself provides decent sound and a well-laid-out area for big events; Aurora's set was great. It had all the ingredients for a memorable evening until the conduct of one ADA staff member produced an uneasy and inconsistent environment.

Regarding Staff Behaviour: I was close to the ADA section and saw one staff member shout at women for filming while ignoring nearby men doing the same. The inconsistency seemed unjustified and prejudiced. Even more troubling, the same staff member spent the majority of the night blocking what is legally mandated clear access path right in the centre of the ADA ramp. Many visitors had to beg him to leave, which should not happen at a place this size.

Later, I saw him violently challenge two women and their small children who had been given chairs by nearby visitors so the youngsters could view. The staffer yelled at them and glared them down long after they complied. Eventually, the family left early, visibly shaken. It seemed excessively aggressive and out of proportion.

Final Thoughts: WaMu Theatre has a lot going for it when it comes to sound and space but the lack of professionalism and disregard for accessibility from this staff member seriously impacted the night. I wish the venue in the future gave ADA compliance and guest treatment more weight.

I wish the site in the future took guest treatment and ADA compliance more seriously.