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
- Autism-Friendly for children and adults
Access Dates Autism-Friendly Dates
Barrier-free Access
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 transport to and from your seats, free of charge. Please inquire at the box office. These wheelchairs are not available for seating during the performance.
Infra-red Listening System
An infra-redlistening 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.
Sign-interpreted Performances
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.
Open-captioned Performances
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 theater performances and other events may also be open-captioned. Please provide a minimum of two weeks notice to assure accommodation.
Audio Description
Audio description for patrons with vision loss is available for two performances of each musical and play, and requested children’s theater 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.”
Autism-Friendly Performances
Autism-Friendly performances are theater experiences in which the environment and typical “rules of attendance” have been relaxed to accommodate individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and the families and professionals who support them. Click here for a list of accommodations and Autism Program Sponsors.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are defined as any certified dog which helps with performing a function for a person that is limited by a disability. They are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are admitted in the theater.
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.
If a patron cannot attend a scheduled audio-described, sign-interpreted, or open captioned performance, please feel free to inquire about alternate arrangements. Two weeks notice is required to reschedule. For further information about Paper Mill’s Access Performances or to request a brochure, please contact Lisa Cooney, Director of Education, Outreach & Access at 973.315.1667 or LCooney@PaperMill.org.
TRS
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is a telephone service that allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls. Just as you can call 411 for information, you can dial 711 to connect to certain forms of TRS anywhere in the United States. For more information visit the Federal Communications Commission website at fcc.gov.
Major funding for autism-friendly programs is provided by the Merck Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Paper Mill Playhouse’s accessibility programs are generously supported by BD, Fund for the New Jersey Blind, The Karma Foundation, Merck Foundation, and The Summit Foundation.
The Hearst Foundations are Paper Mill’s Education & Outreach Partner.
