Accessibility

We believe that our shows should be available to everyone.

If you have any questions about accessibility or the services described below, contact our offices at accessibility@phnyc.org or 212-564-1235.

Please let us know about your experiences with us. Your feedback is important. We can all continue to make Playwrights Horizons an inclusive place for everyone.

Navigate Below:

Getting Here
Our Seats
Audio Described Performances
Touch Tours
ASL-Interpreted Performances
Relaxed Performances
Assistive Listening Devices
GalaPro Closed Captioning
Accessible Entrances and Seating
Large Print and Braille Programs
Services for Patrons with Sensory Processing Needs
Mask-Required Performances
Service Animals
Additional Details

Getting Here

• Playwrights Horizons' address is 416 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. The theater is located on the South side of West 42nd Street. 

By Car

• 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.

By Public Transportation

• 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.

By Access-a-Ride

• 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.

Seat Widths

• 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 needing extra space outside of standard seating measurements, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org or call the box office at 212-279-4200 for assistance booking seats.

Audio Described Performances

• Audio Description is an accessibility service that aids the theatergoing experience for those who are blind or low vision. 
• Audio description provides a live verbal commentary on the visual elements of a production, broadcast through a headset.
• Delivered around the dialogue, audio describers articulate action that is essential to the understanding of the story, as well as information such as the set, costumes, facial expressions, and visual jokes that might otherwise be missed.
• Description is delivered via a personal listening device. Devices are available for check out at the concessions stand (photo ID required). To reserve a device or learn more, please contact accessibility@phnyc.org

View Upcoming Audio Described Performances

Touch Tours

• Touch Tours are conducted prior to each audio-described performance, providing an exceptional opportunity for individuals who are blind or have low vision to engage with the visual design elements through tactile exploration.
• At a Touch Tour, a trained guide will invite audience members to the stage, allowing them to engage with the cast and partake in a hands-on experience with significant sets, costumes, and props.
• Playwrights Horizons has retained the services of professional audio describer Andrea Miskow for all audio described performances and touch tours.

View Upcoming Touch Tours

ASL-Interpreted Performances

• We schedule multiple ASL-Interpreted performances throughout the season for all of our shows to provide access for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members.
• ASL-Interpreted performances feature interpreters who will stand in a clearly visible position and interpret the spoken and auditory aspects of the show using American Sign Language.
• Designated seats will be allocated for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members to have the best view of the interpreter.
• Playwrights Horizons partners with SignNexus for ASL-Interpreted performances.

View Upcoming ASL-Interpreted Performances

Relaxed Performances

• Relaxed performances at Playwrights Horizons are specifically designed to welcome people with diverse needs (e.g., neurodivergence such as autism, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, etc.), as well as anyone else that may benefit from a more inclusive theater environment.
• A clinically trained professional will train actors, house staff, and provide support to ushers and patrons to ensure each relaxed performance meets Playwrights Horizons’ commitment to inclusive and accessible theater.
• At Playwrights Horizons, we offer the following adjustments during a Relaxed Performance:

• At Playwrights Horizons we offer the following adjustments:

  • Masks required: Masks are required to be worn inside the building and theater for all relaxed performances.

  • Lighting adjustments: The house lights will be raised at a designated level throughout this performance. There will be no adjustments to onstage lighting.

  • Talking permitted: We embrace a more tolerant approach towards noise in the audience. During a Relaxed Performance, the theater is a "hush-free" zone. Patrons can express themselves vocally or physically without fear of disrupting the performance.

  • In & Out Privileges: The audience is permitted to come and go as needed

  • Designated Break Area: A quiet area is available to anyone for mingling and relaxation during the performance.

  • Sensory Adaptations: Ear defenders, ear plugs, and fidget tools for modulation are encouraged and available at the Audience Services Desk.

  • A Supportive Staff and Environment: Trained staff and volunteers will be available to assist in meeting individual needs. They will be located in the theater and in the lobby area. 

  • Pre-show Materials and Information: Know-Before-You-Go Guides are available digitally to help prepare for the show.

• Playwrights Horizons has retained the consulting services of Dr. Becca Yuré, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA for our Relaxed Performances.

View Upcoming Relaxed Performances

Assistive Listening Devices

• Radio Frequency assistive listening systems (ALDS) are available at no charge at every performance and can be checked out from the Accessibility Services desk.  

  • These devices are available in both our Judith O. Rubin Theater and Peter Jay Sharp Theaters for every performance, per ADA requirements. Headphones for these devices will be provided by the theater, but you are also welcome to bring personal  headphones from home should you prefer. 

  • Headsets with induction neck-loops are available for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a "T" switch.

  • If you have any issues with your listening device during the performance, please visit our Accessibility Services Desk to find an Accessibility Assistant who will be able to assist you.

Closed Captioning via GalaPro

• We offer closed captioning via the free app GalaPro at every performance after opening night.
• 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.
• Instructions for how to use GalaPro can be found here.
• 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 concessions stand, photo ID required.
• This service is being provided, in part, by a grant from NYSCA/TDF TAP Plus.

View Upcoming Performances with GalaPro Available →

Accessible Entrances

• The accessible entrance is located at 416 West 42nd Street. The door to the far right opens automatically by pushing a button located to the left of the left-side door.
• All entrances to the building, Judith O. Rubin, and Peter Jay Sharp Theaters are accessible. 
• The elevator will need to be used in order to enter the Judith O. Rubin Theater ("The Judy") and Peter Jay Sharp Theaters.
• The theater’s bathrooms are located one floor below their respective theater.

Accessible Seating

Both our Judith O. Rubin and Peter Jay Sharp Theaters have wheelchair and scooter accessible locations where patrons can remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to theater seats. 

• Both theaters are located near our elevator with access to their main lobbies and bathrooms. 

• Patrons who cannot or do not wish to transfer from their wheelchairs to a theater seat should request/purchase wheelchair-accessible locations when ordering tickets.

• Wheelchair accessible seating may be purchased by phone, in person, and online. Open seating locations where a patron may choose to remain in their mobility device or take a provided removable seat are indicated with a wheelchair symbol.

  • “The Judy”: Wheelchair seating available in Row E

  • Peter J. Sharp: Wheelchair seating available in Row F

For assistance selecting accessible seats or for more information about accessibility for a person with a disability, please contact 212-279-4200 or accessibility@phnyc.org.

Accessible Restrooms

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

View seating charts →

Large Print and Braille Programs

• Large Print Programs are available at all performances after the production has opened.
• Braille Programs are available at all performances after the production has opened.
• Both large print and Braille programs may be obtained from the Audience 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.

Services for Patrons with Sensory Processing Needs

Digital Content

Know-Before-You-Go Guide

• A KBYG Guide is aimed at helping prepare theatergoers of varied abilities for their visit to our theater and the subsequent show.
• A social narrative aims to prepare the theatregoer for the experience, and alleviate anxieties or apprehension, by providing some predictability and possible choices for them to make when certain things happen.

Access the Know-Before-You-Go Guide for Hold Me In the Water

Content Transparency Statement

• Playwrights Horizons is committed to sharing information with our audiences about any topics or sensory experiences which people may find triggering or distressing in advance of attending any of our productions or events.

Tips for Digital Content

• Here are a few suggestions for viewing or listening to any of our digital content at home:
  • Adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
  • Pause recordings to take a break and return to them at any time.
  • Adjust the brightness of your screen.
  • Review the performance details for information about what to expect.
  • Contact our Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@phnyc.org with any questions.

In-person Services

Sensory Adaptations Options

• At the Accessibility Services Desk, staff can provide earplugs, ear defenders, and fidget tools. Please return the ear defenders after the performance.
• We acknowledge that certain supports may not meet everyone’s needs and that some may interfere with some people’s ability to access theater. Please reach out with concerns and we will do our best to meet individual needs.

Masked Performances

• To protect our community from viral illnesses, masks are required for all audience members at select performances.

View Upcoming Mask-Required Performances →

Service Animals

• Service Animals are welcome at Playwrights Horizons.
• Service animals cannot block aisles.
• Please email our Accessibility Coordinator, Martha Bennett, at accessibility@phnyc.org to notify our Front of House team that a service animal will be accompanying you or a loved one.
• “Service animals” are defined as an animal that is trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The tasks may include, but are not limited to, guiding, alerting, pulling, assisting, retrieving or performing other special tasks for someone with a disability. 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.