Accessibility
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is committed to creating an environment that is accessible for everyone. We believe that a theatrical experience should be available to all people.
Assisted Listening Devices: An FM Listening System is available for patrons who have a hearing impairment. Light, comfortable headsets are available free of charge at the Theatre’s Box Office.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Wheelchair Seating and Wheelchair Seating Plus Companion is available in both the orchestra and the balcony. Please call ahead to reserve.
Large-Print Programs: Programs with larger text are available free of charge by request at the Box Office window.
Closed-Caption Performances: Available throughout the season, these performances are for patrons wishing to view captions of the on stage dialogue and sound effects. The Theatre is excited to partner with Globetitles to provide an electronic captioning system patrons' can access on their personal phone or tablet. View more information about Globetitles.
See below for a full schedule of our Closed-Caption Performances.
Audio Described Performances: Patrons with visual challenges can hear live descriptions of the action on stage through an FM transmitter. Pre-performance sensory seminars are available upon request and allow patrons to handle props, costumes, and set pieces prior to the show. Please contact the Box Office for information.
See below for a full schedule of our Audio-Described Performances as well as our Sensory Seminars.
Please see below for what Accessibility programs are available at our different venues.
Accessibility at The Main Stage: F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre
- The 308-seat F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is barrier-free and fully accessible to persons with disabilities, in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. To request special accommodation, please phone the Box Office at 973-408-5600 24 hr. in advance of your arrival.
- Braille Signage appears throughout the building wherever public signs are posted.
- A Wheelchair-Accessible Elevator is available on all levels of the building.
- A Control Room Lift makes the control room fully accessible for technicians employed at the Theatre.
- The Front Entrance Ramp allows for wheelchair entrance accessibility.
- A Stage Lift transports actors who are unable to use the stairs from the dressing room to the stage and back.
Take a virtual tour! The Google Tour program is made possible in part by support from Kessler Foundation, in partnership with the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
Accessibility at The Outdoor Stage: The Greek Theatre
- Large-Print Programs are available free of charge by request at the Box Office table.
- Wheelchair Seating and a Wheelchair-Accessible Rest Room are available.
Relaxed Performances
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is committed to providing quality theatre for all of our patrons.
In the hope of making our work more accessible, we will offer some Relaxed Performance opportunities throughout each season for our patrons who may have different cognitive, sensory, or environmental needs.
The goal of our Relaxed Performance space is to provide a judgment free zone for any of our patrons who may want or need a less "traditional" audience experience. Our Relaxed Performance patrons should feel free to vocalize, move around, or use any silent electronic devices that will contribute to their comfort while guests within our space.
BEFORE THE SHOW
Before each Relaxed Performance, a member of our education team or artistic staff will lead a "Touch Tour" allowing audience members the opportunity to see and handle certain props, costumes, and set pieces. Depending on the production, materials may also be made available to attending patrons in advance so they can familiarize themselves with the cast, the crew, and our space.
AT THE SHOW
During all Relaxed Performances at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, the house lights will remain on for the duration of the performance, and the entrance doors to the theatre will be kept open. All of the volunteers for our Relaxed Performance will be trained and educated on ways they can help make the experience as pleasant for our patrons as possible, and patrons will also have access to an accessible quiet space.
Relaxed Performances at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey may include adjusted sound and lighting cues, adjustments to certain elements of blocking or staging within the performance, or a pre-show introduction of the cast members in and out of certain costume pieces in the hopes that it may allow some of our patrons to feel more comfortable with the performance they are about to see.
AFTER THE SHOW
Members of the cast will take part in a Q&A with the audience, moderated by a member of our Artistic or Education Staff.
If you have any questions about our Relaxed Performances, please feel free to reach out to our Box Office (BoxOffice@ShakespeareNJ.org) and they will be happy to direct your question to the appropriate department.
2025 Closed-Caption Performances
Please note that Closed-Caption performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Importance of Being Earnest - Thursday, May 22nd
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] - Thursday, July 17th
Romeo and Juliet - Thursday, September 18th
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein - Thursday, October 30th
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play - Thursday, December 11th
2025 Audio Described Performances
Please note that Audio Described performances will have a Sensory Seminar that begins at 6:30 p.m. Audio Described performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Importance of Being Earnest - Thursday, May 29th
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] - Thursday, July 24th
Romeo and Juliet - Thursday, September 18th
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein - Thursday, November 6th
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play - Thursday, December 18th
We always welcome feedback from our audience. Please send us any comments about our access services to BoxOffice@ShakespeareNJ.org.