Accessibility

Playwrights Horizons is fully accessible to patrons using wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility devices.

Entrances & Building Access

All entrances to the building and both theaters are accessible. The main entrance is located at 416 West 42nd Street. To enter, press the button located to the left of the left-side door to automatically open the far-right door. The elevator provides access to the Judith O. Rubin Theater ("The Judy") on Level 1M and the Peter Jay Sharp Theater is located on Level 4.

Seating

Accessible seating is available in both theaters. In the Judith O. Rubin Theater, accessible seating is located in Row E, Seats 1–7. In the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, accessible seating is located in Row F, Seats 1–2 and 15–16.

These locations are near the elevator and offer step-free access to the theater. Patrons may remain in their mobility device or transfer to a theater seat.

When purchasing tickets, please request accessible seating. Locations marked with a wheelchair symbol indicate spaces for mobility devices or removable seats. 

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

View seating charts →

Restrooms

Accessible restrooms are located on Level LL and Level 3M and can be reached via the elevator.

Seat Widths

Seats in the Judith O. Rubin Theater (“The Judy”) measure 22.5" from armrest to armrest, with 17.5" wide cushions.

Seats in the Peter Jay Sharp Theater measure 23" from armrest to armrest, with 18" wide cushions.

Aisle Widths

In the Judith O. Rubin Theater (Row E), the central aisle width is 57". Depending on configuration, aisle widths measure 48.5" with seats installed and 36.5" with seats removed.

In the Peter Jay Sharp Theater (Row F), the central aisle width is also 57". Aisle widths measure 25.5" with seats installed and 18.5" with seats removed.

Additional Space & Seating Support

If you require additional space beyond standard seating or have specific seating needs, we’re happy to help. Please contact accessibility@phnyc.org or call the Box Office at 212-279-4200 (Tuesday–Friday, 2:00–6:00 PM) to discuss options and book seating that works best for you.

Please note that neither theater includes seats with folding armrests.

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.

Large print and Braille programs are available for most performances after opening night (typically 1–3 weeks into a production’s run). These programs may be obtained from the Accessibility Services Desk in the lobby of the attending performance.

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

Braille and large print programs are produced by JBI Library with generous support from the New York Community Trust.

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.

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.

Content Transparency Statements provide advance information about potentially sensitive material in a production. These statements outline themes, staging elements, and moments that may be helpful for audiences to know in advance, such as strong language, depictions of violence, or references to difficult topics.

Our goal is to share this information clearly and calmly, without revealing major plot points, so that audiences can make informed choices about their experience.

Access the Content Transparency Statement for No Singing in the Navy

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.

Throughout the season, Playwrights Horizons offers select performance dates with additional accessibility services to support a range of access needs. These accommodations are scheduled after opening, once the production is set, to ensure the highest-quality experience for audiences.

The following accommodations offer different ways to engage with the show—whether through Audio Description for blind or low-vision audiences, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing audiences, closed captioning, or a more flexible, relaxed environment.

To find upcoming accessible performances, visit the Productions & Tickets page and use the filters at the top of the calendar to select accommodations. Each performance listing will indicate which services are available.

We recognize that access needs are not one-size-fits-all. If the accommodations listed do not meet your needs, please contact us at accessibility@phnyc.org so we can explore additional ways to support your visit.

Captioning provides a text representation of spoken dialogue and relevant non-speech audio (such as sound effects and music cues) to support a full understanding of the performance.

Closed Captioning (CC) is available at select performances and may be offered in one of the following formats, depending on the performance:

• Live Closed Captioning (provided by C2 (Caption Coalition), Inc.) delivers captions in real time to personal devices via a wireless connection. Access is provided through a QR code available at the theater and can be used on smartphones or tablets.
• App-Based Closed Captioning (via GalaPro) delivers captions through the free GalaPro app, which can be downloaded on a personal smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android).

A limited number of devices for caption access may be available for checkout at the Accessibility Services Desk (photo ID required). Details for each performance will be listed on the ticketing page.

View Upcoming Performances with Closed Captioning Available →

ASL-Interpreted performances are scheduled for every Playwrights Horizons production throughout the season. 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

Audio Description

Audio Description provides live narration of key visual elements — sets, costumes, movement, facial expressions, and visual humor — delivered via headset.

Headsets are required to use this service and are available 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. The system is compatible with the standard over-ear headset provided, as well as most personal wired headphones with a standard audio jack. Access Team members are available to assist 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.

Note: Touch Tours usually begin 1-2 hours before the show. Timing is confirmed the week of the performance. 

View Upcoming Touch Tours

Relaxed Performances 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.

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. 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.

Note: Mask are required at Relaxed Performances.

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 →

The Access Passport is a season-long membership program that makes attending accessible performances at Playwrights Horizons more affordable and flexible.

Members receive:

• Discounted tickets to accessible performances, priced at $30–40 for you and a guest.

• Early booking privileges, with access to tickets three weeks before the general public.

• No fees, ensuring tickets are never subject to facility or service charges.

• Free exchanges, allowing you to move your tickets at no cost.

Accessibility offerings include ASL-Interpretation, Audio Description, Touch Tours, Closed Captioning (including live captioning and GalaPro), and Relaxed Performances.

GET YOUR ACCESS PASSPORT →

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.

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.