[nagdu] Guide Dogs at Carnegie Hall

[Shanna Stichler]

Hi everyone,

Firstly, I'm sorry I haven't been active on this list. I will try and 
remedy that, but for now I have an access question for those of you who 
know about such things.

I am scheduled to perform at Carnegie hall next year with a vocal 
ensemble. I have performed at this venue previously, and at that time, I 
was told before I arrived in New York that while my guide dog was 
welcome to attend rehearsals and remain backstage, she would not be 
permitted onstage during the performance or final dress rehearsal. The 
tricky part is that the actual stage at Carnegie is not an area open to 
the public, so possibly the production company is within their wrights 
to refuse my dog access to that area. However, I'm involved in a program 
their, and as I understand it, my dog gets access, even though the stage 
isn't an area open to the public because all other participants in my 
group will have stage access.

The first time I went there, I let this issue slide because to be 
honest, I had a lot of other problems on my hands, and I didn't have the 
energy for another drama in my life at that point. Also, my parents and 
friends came to watch the performance, so I had someone willing to watch 
my very easy to handle Labrador. Additionally, the stage was configured 
in such a way that having a dog would have been very awkward for myself 
and my little girl.

This time though, I'm more willing to advocate for my needs if I'm right 
about how the ADA works.

My dog, Diamond, is very well-behaved when onstage with me during other 
performances, including with the symphony and other fairly high-profile 
groups in my area, so she wouldn't cause a disruption in any way.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you all might have about this issue.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Shanna