Accessibility

If arriving by car, the traffic moves West to East (approach from 10th Avenue). We are located mid-block and there is a step up from the street to the sidewalk.

• For those driving to the theater, we have preferred parking rates available with Manhattan Parking Group.

• The two closest locations to the theater are 401-471 West 42nd Street and 475 West 41st Street. Get more information and pre-book.

The closest subway stop is 42nd Street/Port Authority on the A, C, and E trains at Eighth Avenue. Its elevators are inside Port Authority on 8th Ave between 41st St and 42nd St and on the SW corner of 44th St and 8th Ave.

• You may also take the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, R, Q, or S trains to 42nd Street/Times Square, or the B, D, M and F to 42nd Street/Bryant Park at Sixth Avenue. 

• The M42 Crosstown & M104 buses are also available for your convenience. The M42 bus stops at the NW corner of 42nd and 9th.

For more information about nearby accessible train stations, visit MTA's listing here.

The nearest Access-a-Ride (AAR) pick-up and drop-off point is at Port Authority Bus Terminal, on 42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.

• Playwrights Horizons is one block West from that stop, on 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenue. 

• The path to our theater crosses 9th Avenue; there are curb cuts at both corners.

• The running time of our shows is listed (after the first couple of weeks of preview performances) on the web page for each show.

Learn More about Access-a-Ride.

Large Print Programs are available at all performances after opening night (typically 1–3 weeks into the production's run).

Braille Programs are available at all performances after opening night (typically 1–3 weeks into the production's run). Both large print and Braille programs may be obtained from the Accessibility Services Desk upon entering the lobby of the attending performance.

Braille and Large Print Programs are provided by JBI Library. Funded with the generous support of the NYCT.

Other Playwrights Horizons' print materials will be made available in alternate formats upon request with at least two weeks’ notice. To request a document in an alternate format, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@phnyc.org.

Audio Described Performances

Audio Description is offered at select Playwrights Horizons performances throughout the year. The service is broadcast through a headset and delivered around the dialogue, with trained describers providing live narration of key actions, sets, costumes, facial expressions, and visual humor that might otherwise be missed. Pre-show notes begin about 15 minutes before the performance.

Patrons who wish to use this service must pick up a headset. Headsets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Accessibility Services Desk. A photo ID is required to check out a device. Our system works with the standard over-ear listening device provided, or with most personal wired headphones (standard plug) if you prefer to bring your own. Access Team members are always available to help with setup.

View Upcoming Audio Described Performances

Touch Tours

Touch Tours are offered in conjunction with Audio Described performances at Playwrights Horizons. These pre-show experiences provide a unique opportunity to explore the visual design elements of the production through guided, hands-on engagement.

During a Touch Tour, audience members are invited onstage to meet members of the cast and interact with significant sets, costumes, and props. A trained guide leads the tour, offering tactile access to details that enrich and deepen the theatergoing experience.

Touch Tours begin prior to each Audio Described performance. Space is limited, and timing is confirmed the week of the performance. Patrons will be contacted with details if they hold tickets to that performance.

View Upcoming Touch Tours

Audio Described performances and Touch Tours at Playwrights Horizons are generally facilitated by professional audio describer Andrea Miskow. When necessary, another qualified audio describer will provide this service.

For more information on scheduled Audio Described performances or Touch Tours, or for questions and assistance, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org. 

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are available at no charge for every performance in both the Judith O. Rubin Theater and the Peter Jay Sharp Theater. These radio frequency (RF) systems amplify and clarify sound by reducing ambient noise, and headsets may be used at any seat.

Headphones are provided, though you may bring your own personal headphones if preferred. Headsets with induction neckloops are also available for patrons who use hearing aids or cochlear implants with a “T” switch (telecoil). Ask your audiologist whether your device has a T-switch and how to use it with an assistive listening headset.

Devices are distributed free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Accessibility Services Desk. A photo ID is required to check out a device. If you experience any issues during a performance, please return to the desk for assistance.

We offer Closed Captioning (CC) at every performance after opening night (typically 1–3 weeks into the production's run) via the free GalaPro app. GalaPro is a free app available for download on your personal smart phone or tablet, iOS and Android, and can be used to read captions for all of our shows, at any performance after opening night.

For the best experience we recommend you bring your own fully charged device to the theater. There are also tablets available for check out at the Accessibility Services Desk, photo ID required. Instructions for for downloading and using GalaPro can be found here.

This service is being provided, in part, by a grant from NYSCA/TDF TAP Plus.

View Upcoming Performances with GalaPro Available →

ASL-Interpreted Performances

ASL-Interpreted performances are scheduled for every Playwrights Horizons production throughout the season, with interpreters provided in partnership with SignNexus. Interpreters stand in a clearly visible position onstage and interpret the spoken and auditory elements of the performance using American Sign Language.

Designated seating is reserved to provide d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members with the best sightlines to the interpreters. For more information on scheduled ASL-Interpreted performances or to reserve designated seating, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org. 

View Upcoming ASL-Interpreted Performances

Relaxed Performances at Playwrights Horizons are designed to create a welcoming theater experience for people with diverse needs, including those who are neurodivergent (such as autism, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, or anxiety), as well as for anyone who may benefit from a more inclusive environment.

During a Relaxed Performance, audience movement, sound, re-entry, and vocal expression are welcome throughout the show. The house lights remain at a low level during the performance, and a designated break area is available for use at any time.

Ear defenders, ear plugs, and fidget tools are available at the Accessibility Services Desk. Resource materials, including a Know Before You Go guide with details about technical elements such as strobe lighting or loud sound cues, are provided in advance to help guests prepare for their visit.

Playwrights Horizons engages the consulting services of Dr. Becca Yuré, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA for all Relaxed Performances.

For more information about Relaxed Performances, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org.

View Upcoming Relaxed Performances

Playwrights Horizons is committed to creating safer, more welcoming spaces for disabled and immunocompromised members of our community. At designated Mask-Required Performances, all audience members are asked to wear a face mask at all times while inside the building and theater.

If you arrive without a mask, one will be provided by a member of the theater staff.

View Upcoming Mask-Required Performances →

Playwrights Horizons provides a Know Before You Go (KBYG) Guide to help audiences prepare for their visit. The guide offers clear, detailed information about the theater environment and the performance, with the goal of reducing uncertainty and supporting a calm, welcoming experience.

Each guide includes:

• A social narrative describing what to expect when arriving at the theater, moving through the lobby, and taking your seat.

• Production details that highlight technical elements such as strobe lighting, loud sound effects, or moments of darkness.

• Visual supports (photos, icons, or diagrams) when helpful, to preview spaces and production elements.

The guide is available in advance so that patrons, families, and support networks can review it at their own pace and return to it as needed.

For questions about Know Before You Go resources, or to request a copy in advance of a Relaxed Performance, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org.

Access the Know-Before-You-Go Guide for Nothing Can Take Your From the Hand of God

Playwrights Horizons is committed to sharing information in advance about content or sensory elements in our productions that may be triggering, distressing, or otherwise important for audience members to know. Our goal is to ensure that each patron has the resources they need to make an informed decision about their theater experience.

Each production includes a Content Transparency Statement, available on the show’s webpage prior to the start of performances. Statements highlight material such as strong language, sexual content, violence, stage effects, or other themes that may be relevant to individual audience members.

Full content information is placed behind a clearly marked link so that only those who wish to access it will see detailed descriptions.

For more information about Content Transparency, or to request a copy of a statement in advance, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org.

Access the Content Transparency Statement for Nothing Can Take You From the Hand of God

Access the Content Transparency Statement for Practice

A variety of sensory tools are available free of charge at Playwrights Horizons to support audience comfort during performances. These include ear defenders, ear plugs, fidget tools, and TheraSpecs (light-filtering glasses).

Tools may be picked up at the Accessibility Services Desk before the performance. Ear defenders and TheraSpecs should be returned after use; all other items are yours to keep.

We recognize that certain supports may not meet everyone’s needs, and that some may interfere with another person’s ability to access the theater. If you have specific concerns, please reach out and we will do our best to provide individual accommodations.

For more information about sensory tools, or to request them in advance, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org.

Our Judith O. Rubin Theater’s seats measure 22.5" armrest to armrest, and the cushions are 17.5" wide.

Our Peter J. Sharp Theater's seats measure 23" armrest to armrest, and the cushions are 18" wide.

For guests requiring additional space beyond standard seating measurements, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org or call the Box Office at 212-279-4200 (Tuesday–Friday, 2:00–6:00 PM) for assistance booking seats.

In the Judith O. Rubin Theater (“The Judy”), Row E, the central aisle width is 57 inches. Depending on whether companion/removable seats are in place, aisle widths measure 48.5 inches with the seats installed and 36.5 inches with the seats removed.

In the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, Row F, the central aisle width is also 57 inches. Depending on seat configuration, aisle widths measure 25.5 inches with the seats installed and 18.5 inches with the seats removed.

Wheelchair and companion seating in the Judith O. Rubin Theater (“The Judy”) is located in Row E, Seats 1–7.

Wheelchair and companion seating in the Peter Jay Sharp Theater is located in Row F, Seats 1–2 and 15–16.

Please note that neither theater includes seats with folding armrests.

For guests requiring additional space beyond standard seating measurements, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org or call the Box Office at 212-279-4200 (Tuesday–Friday, 2:00–6:00 PM) for assistance booking seats.

The main entrance to Playwrights Horizons is located at 416 West 42nd Street, and it is fully accessible for patrons using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. To enter, press the button located to the left of the left-side door to automatically open the far-right door.

All entrances to the building, the Judith O. Rubin Theater (“The Judy”), and the Peter Jay Sharp Theater are accessible. The elevator must be used to access both theaters: the Judith O. Rubin Theater (“The Judy”) is located on Level 1M, and the Peter Jay Sharp Theater is located on Level 4.

Both the Judith O. Rubin Theater (“The Judy”) and the Peter Jay Sharp Theater have accessible seating locations for patrons using wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility devices. Patrons may choose to remain in their mobility device or transfer to a theater seat.

Accessible seating is located near the elevator and positioned close to the theater entrances with step-free access. Patrons who cannot or do not wish to transfer should request accessible seating locations when ordering tickets.

Accessible seating may be purchased by phone, in person, or online. Open locations, indicated with a wheelchair symbol, allow patrons to remain in their mobility device or use a provided removable seat.

Accessible Seating Locations

• Judith O. Rubin Theater (“The Judy”): Row E

• Peter Jay Sharp Theater: Row F

For assistance selecting accessible seats, please call our Box Office at 212-279-4200 (Tuesday–Friday, 2:00–6:00 PM) or email our Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@phnyc.org. 

View seating charts →

Accessible restrooms are located on Level LL and Level 3M of the building, accessible via the elevator.

Service animals are welcome at Playwrights Horizons. To help us seat you comfortably, please email our Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@phnyc.org in advance so our Front of House team can prepare for your visit. Service animals cannot block aisles.

Under the ADA, a “service animal” is defined as an animal trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, guiding, alerting, retrieving, assisting with mobility, or performing other specialized support. A service animal is not a pet.

Additional Details

Playwrights Horizons' accessibility programming is supported by the Theodore H. Barth Foundation, the Jerome L. Greene Foundation Fund in The New York Community Trust, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council, National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Innovation & Exploration Fund, NYSCA/TDF TAP Plus, and the RuthMary Westfall Foundation.

Video supported in part by the Innovation & Exploration Grant, a program of National Alliance for Musical Theatre, with funding from The Alhadeff Charitable Foundation – www.namt.org.