Accessibility Info

Paper Mill Playhouse is much more than what is produced on our stage. The theater has an extensive program of award-winning community services, including:

• Sign-interpreted performances
• Open-captioned performances
• Wheelchair seating
• Audio description & sensory seminars
• Braille and large-print programs

The theater permits barrier-free access for patrons using wheelchairs or walkers. On-grade entrances, elevators, railings, and wide doorways allow people to reach all areas of the theater. Designated parking spaces are conveniently located, and accessible restroom facilities are available at orchestra level. The orchestra section has integrated seating for patrons in wheelchairs.

Please note: A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan, free of charge. Please inquire at the box office.

 

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"Paper Mill has gone beyond the spirit of law, making its premises fully accessible and comfortable, offering the disabled audience independence as theatergoers."

-Paula Terry,
Director, Special Constituency Office of the National Endowment for the Arts

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An infra-red listening system is available to patrons with hearing loss during all performances to assist them with amplification and clarity. The system makes use of lightweight headsets, without wires or cables. Patrons can sit anywhere in the theater and use the headsets, which have adjustable volume controls. Headsets are available at the Access Window in the lower lobby prior to the performance. A major credit card or driver's license is required as collateral.

Due to the popularity of the infrared headsets (especially at matinees), please plan to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to curtain to avoid disappointment.

Scheduled sign-interpreted performances are offered for every mainstage production. Upon request, children's theater performances and other events may also be interpreted. With the assistance of an advisory board composed of both deaf and hearing members, Paper Mill Playhouse hires the best theatrical interpreters for these performances. Discount tickets are available to patrons benefiting from this service.

 

 

 

Scheduled open-captioned performances are offered for every mainstage production. This service is available to patrons with hearing loss who may not fully benefit from the infrared amplification system or the American Sign Language interpreters. A large digital screen, which projects dialogue as the action occurs live on stage, is placed on the edge of the stage on the left side of the auditorium. Upon request, children's theatre performances and other events may also be open-captioned. Please provide a minimum of two weeks notice to assure accomodation.

Audio description for patrons with vision loss is available for two performances of each musical and play, and requested children's theatre productions. Using an earpiece attached to a small, hand-size transistor, patrons with vision loss can hear a live, objective, and concise description of the action on stage, in between dialogue and/or music. A major credit card is required collateral for the transistor, which can be obtained during the "sensory seminar" or from the Access Window in the lower lobby. Discount tickets are available to patrons benefiting from this service. An advisory board, composed of individuals with and without vision loss, ensures the quality of the audio description and the "sensory seminars".

Sensory seminars are offered at noon prior to each audio-described performance. These free seminars allow patrons with vision loss to feel props, set pieces, and costumes in order to give them a better understanding of a character's body type and personality, the spatial relationship of the set, and the time period of the production. Please notify the Box Office if you wish to attend the "sensory seminar" when you purchase your ticket for Audio Description.

 

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"If audio description was not offered at Paper Mill it would be very difficult to adjust and the quality of my theatre experience would suffer. My sighted friends who have attended Paper Mill with me have applauded the amount of information delivered through audio description and the quality with which it is provided. I love this program and every theatre should have it!"

Chatham, NJ, Audio Description Patron

 

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2010-2011 Access Dates

HAIRSPRAY Audio-Described: Saturday, October 16 at 1:30pm; Sunday, October 17 at 1:30pm
Sign Interpreted / Open-Captioned: Sunday, October 17 at 7:00pm

LES MISERABLES

Audio-Described: Saturday, December 18 at 1:30pm; Sunday, December 18 at 1:30pm
Sign-Interpreted / Open-Captioned: Sunday, December 18 at 7:00pm

THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Audio-Described: Saturday, February 12 at 1:30pm; Sunday, February 13 at 1:30pm
Sign-Interpreted / Open-Captioned: Sunday, February 13 at 7:00pm

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

Audio-Described: Saturday, April 9 at 1:30pm; Sunday, April 10 at 1:30pm
Sign-Interpreted / Open-Captioned: Sunday, April 10 at 7:00pm

CURTAINS

Audio-Described: Saturday, May 21 at 1:30pm; Sunday, May 22 at 1:30pm
Sign-Interpreted / Open-Captioned: Sunday, May 22 at 7:00pm

 

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'"The comprehensive communication access services (interpreted performances, captioning and assistive listening devices) offered to patrons of Paper mill are among the most progressive and inclusive in New Jersey entertainment."

-Richard Herring,
Former Director, New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

 

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TICKET POLICY

Tickets for patrons benefiting from the above Access Services and one guest are available at a discounted rate. To order tickets for our audio-described, sign-interpreted or open captioned performances, call the Box Office at 973.376.4343 or via TTY at 973.376.2181 or Group Sales at 973.379.3636 ext. 2438.

Paper Mill Playhouse's award-winning Access brochure - "Theatre For Everyone" - is free of charge, and is also available in large print and Braille. If a patron cannot attend a scheduled audio-described, sign-interpreted or open captioned performance, please feel free to inquire about alternate arrangements. For futher information about Paper Mill's Access Performances or to request a brochure, please contact Michael Mooney, Manager of Outreach & Access Programs, at 973.379.3636 ext. 2666 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Accessibility programs are supported in part through the generosity of The New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, C.R. Bard Foundation, Fund for the New Jersey Blind, The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey in cooperation with the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and The William & Helen Hoffman Foundation.