Plan Your Visit

Accessibility

Shakespeare in the Ruins is committed to ensuring live theatre is accessible to as many people as possible. Towards this goal our accessibility services include: a free, accessible, bus charter from downtown Winnipeg to the Ruins on pay-what-you-can Tuesdays; live audio description of selected performances and “In the Grove” shows, stationary performances staged under the trees for people for whom our promenade experience is a barrier.


Together with our ongoing commitment to affordable theatre through pay-what-you-can Tuesdays, discount prices for patrons under 30 and for members of the theatre industry, under-employed folks or people living on a fixed-income, we strive to ensure everyone can experience the magic of live theatre.

With thanks to our Accessibility Partner

  • Access 2

    Shakespeare in the Ruins is a proud member of the Easter Seals Access 2 Program.


    Support persons do not pay admission to attend our performances with people they are supporting. To secure a seat for a support person contact our box office directly at 204-891-9160 or boxoffice@sirmb.ca

  • In the Grove

    “In the Grove” performances are stationary and designed for people that find our promenade experience a barrier. Seating is provided, though patrons should feel free to bring their own chairs. The grove is shady and accessible by wheelchair.


    This years “In the Grove” performance of Macbeth takes place on June 22nd at 2:00 p.m.

  • Support Animals

    Support animals are welcome at all Shakespeare in the Ruins performances. Patrons will not be asked for “proof” for their support animal.

  • Live Audio Description

    Live Audio Description is provided for the following performances:


    Macbeth – June 24th @ 7:30 p.m.

    Waiting for Godot – July 1st @ 7:00 p.m.


    Audio Description is provided by VIEW

  • Relaxed Performances

    Relaxed performances are designed for patrons who would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. These performances allow for noise and movement in the audience area as well as exit and re-entry from the performance area whenever needed by audience members.


    To this end ALL Shakespeare in the Ruins performances are relaxed performances. Patrons who require more space, may vocalize or need to leave the performance area are welcome at all our shows. Speak with our Front of House Manager when you arrive and they’ll work with you to ensure appropriate seating.

  • Accessible Transit

    An accessible, free bus charter is available on Pay-What-You Can Tuesdays.


    The charter leaves from Portage Place – 393 Portage Avenue and returns after the show.


    The pick up location is normally directly in front of Portage Place, at the bus stop. It is a chartered city bus marked “Shakespeare in the Ruins.” However, the bus may also be found in the “parking” or “loading zone” to the west of the main doors.


    There is no need to reserve a seat. As it is a chartered bus, it does not make any other stops.


    The pick-up time for Waiting for Godot is 5:30 p.m.

    The pick-up time for Macbeth is 6:00 p.m.

  • Shade

    In response to climbing temperatures, and to increase the accessibility of our performances, we’ve added small tents for shade to some audience areas.


    These tents are intended for frail elderly, and others for whom direct sunlight poses a greater than average threat to their health and wellbeing. Some examples include, but are not limited to: anyone on immunosuppressants for whom sun exposure poses an increased risk of cancer; persons with MS, lupus, fibromyalgia or other conditions for which sun exposure can cause “disability progression”; Autistic people who are over stimulated by sun exposure; people on medications that cause sun sensitivity or are contraindicated by sunlight; and people living with photosensitivity.


    These spots are limited, available upon request, and can be reserved by contacting the Box Office at 204.891.9160.

  • Accessibility

    Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park is partially wheelchair accessible. The Ruins themselves are accessible and there are accessible washrooms on site, but the promenade experience can provide some challenges for wheelchair and walker users.


    People with motorized wheelchairs are often able to take part in the promenade experience, other mobility-device users may find the terrain difficult to navigate or too “bumpy” for comfort. It really depends on the user.

Feedback & Accommodation Requests

 

Please email our Managing Director, Sara Malabar at gm@sirmb.ca or call her at 204-957-1753 to provide feedback on our accessibility programs OR to request a specific accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I purchase tickets?

    Online

    Tickets are available online 24 hours a day.


    Day-of purchases can be made online up to 4 hours prior to the performance, after which, it is removed as an option from the website and tickets can be purchased in person at the box office at the Ruins.


    By Phone

    Call the Box Office at (204) 891-9160 to purchase by telephone.


    Lines are open Monday – Thursday from 9:00am – 1:00pm. If we miss your call, we are assisting other patrons. Please call back within Box Office hours or email us at boxoffice@sirmb.ca.


    If you have an inquiry concerning your ticket purchase, please feel free to leave a clear message with your name, phone number, email, and ticket order number (if applicable). The box office will return your call or handle your inquiry via email.


    In-Person

    Though we strongly recommend you purchase your tickets before arriving at the theatre, you can purchase day-of tickets in person at the box office when you arrive at the Ruins. Any available tickets are on a first come, first serve basis. Please note, it is very common for the last two weeks of the Shakespeare performance to sell-out. In the case of a sold-out show, we will have a first come, first serve waiting list in the case of no shows.


    We accept credit, debit, and cash at the door.


    Questions? Email boxoffice@sirmb.ca

  • I’ve purchased tickets, now what?

    You should have received a link to your digital ticket in your email. (Check your junk mail!) However, if a digital ticket is not received, worry not, patrons need only provide the name tickets were booked under at the box office for entry. 

  • What is promenade theatre?

    In our promenade-style theatre experience the audience follows the actors through different scenes, set in different areas of the Ruins and/or Park. As this experience may not be accessible to all patrons, we also present “In the Grove” performances which are stationary and wheelchair accessible. 

  • What does “Fixed-Income” mean; do I qualify for this discount?

    In an effort to make our performances accessible to everyone, we have expanded the umbrella of those who qualify for our discount admission. The discount admission is available for patrons Under 30, those who work in the theatre industry, and those who are under-employed or living on a fixed-income. If you are living on a monthly stipend such as EI, Social Assistance or CPP, you qualify for the discount admission.

  • Where can I buy tickets for Pay What You Can Tuesday performances?

    Pay What You Can (PWYC) tickets are only available in person at the box office at the Ruins. 20 tickets are held at the door for PWYC patrons. Priority is given to patrons arriving on our charter bus.

  • Where are the Ruins?

    The ‘Ruins’, as we lovingly call them, or The Trappist Monastery Heritage Provincial Park is located at 80 Ruines du Monastere St. 


    Drive south on Pembina Hwy past the St. Norbert Farmer’s Market. Turn right at the lights before the bridge onto Rue des Trappistes. Turn left on Ruines du Monastere St.


    You can’t miss us! 


    CLICK HERE for a map and pictures of the Ruins.

  • Are seats general or assigned?

    Seating is general.

  • Do I need to bring a chair?

    No, we provide light weight, collapsible tall AND short chairs for the performance. Patrons are welcome to bring their own chair if required for accessibility reasons. 

  • Are kids free?

    Children 5 and under are free (as long as they can sit in your lap.)

  • Is the park/show wheelchair accessible?

    Parts of the park are wheelchair accessible. The Ruins are accessible and there are accessible washrooms on site, but the promenade experience can provide some challenges for wheelchair and walker users. People with motorized wheelchairs are often able to take part in the promenade experience, other mobility-device users may find the terrain difficult to navigate or too “bumpy” for comfort. It really depends on the user.


    To address mobility barriers we’ve created In the Grove performances which are stationary. 

  • I’ve got tickets for tomorrow’s performance, but there is rain in the forecast. Will the show go on?

    Shakespeare in the Ruins does not cancel a performance due to rain in the forecast. We perform in mild and moderate rain, and audience members should come prepared to watch a show in these conditions. (Rain boots recommended!)


    We only cancel a performance if there is lightning overhead OR thunder, rain and wind are so loud our actors cannot be heard OR there is an air quality warning in effect.


    Please dress appropriately for the weather, as the show must go on!

  • The show I have tickets for was rained out or cancelled. What do I do now?

    In the event that your performance is cancelled due to weather conditions, our box office staff will do their best to reschedule your tickets for another date that works for you. If you cannot come on another date your tickets will be fully refunded.

Refund & Exchange Policy

Refunds

All ticket sales are final. Refunds will only be offered if a performance is canceled by SIR due to weather conditions AND the box office is unable to offer an alternate date that works for the ticket holder/s.

 

Exchanges

Tickets may be exchanged to another performance of the same play for a fee of $2.50 per ticket, plus GST.

Ticket exchanges can only be made by calling the box office at 204-891-9160.

All exchanges are subject to availability.

 

 

Cancellations

Shakespeare in the Ruins does not cancel a performance due to rain in the forecast. We perform in mild and moderate rain, and audience members should come prepared to watch a show in these conditions. (Rain boots recommended!)

We only cancel a performance if there is thunder and lightning overhead OR rain and wind are so loud our actors cannot be heard.

 

Questions

If you have further questions, contact our Box Office by email at boxoffice@sirmb.ca.


If you require assistance over the phone, please call the Box Office at (204) 891-9160. If we are unable to answer your call, leave a clear message with your name, phone number, email, and ticket order number (if applicable).


The box office will return your call or handle your inquiry via email during box office hours.

Air Quality & Performance Policy

 

At SIR, your health and comfort matter to us. As wildfire smoke and air quality concerns have become more frequent, we’ve developed and introduced the following guidelines, which help us determine if a performance will go on.


How We Decide if the Show Goes On

Because air quality can vary greatly from one part of Winnipeg to another, we do not rely solely on city-wide forecasts. Instead, our production team assesses air quality directly at the Ruins — using both sight, smell, and real-time local sensors. We make the call at least 60 minutes before showtime. Here’s what we look for:


Condition On Site → What It Means for the Show

Clear No haze, no smoke smell → Show goes on!

Light Haze A little smoke or scent, no discomfort → Show goes on, we may reduce intense movement

Moderate Smoke Visible haze, smell, some irritation → Stationary performances of Macbeth

Heavy Smoke Thick haze, strong smell, symptoms → Show will be canceled for safety


What Happens if We Cancel?

If a performance is canceled due to air quality, we will notify ticket holders through our social media platforms as soon as the decision is made. Our box office will then email you in the following days with the chance to exchange, donate, or refund your ticket.


For Guests with Respiratory Concerns

If you have asthma or other respiratory sensitivities, you’re welcome to exchange your tickets for a different date free of charge if we decide to proceed on a day when the air quality is unsafe for you. Just speak with our box office staff for assistance.