Wheelchair Access and Seating
Berkeley Playhouse has a ramp from the right side of the front patio to the theater’s front entrance, and to the right side of the house where there is chair accessible seating. ADA accessible restrooms are located near this seating area, and the House Manager provides access upon request. (*Historical building layout informs location).
Assistive Listening Devices
Infrared Assistive Listening Devices are available by request. Please ask a member of the House Management team.
Audio Described Performances
In partnership with Gravity Access Services, live audio described performances and pre-show haptic access tours are available for blind and visually impaired audience members.
Audio description is a live audio track spoken by a professional audio describer to audience members with visual impairments through a wireless headset system. It provides clear and engaging descriptions of the meaningful visual details of a performance. For sighted patrons, the performance is otherwise the same as on any other performance.
Haptic access tours (20 minutes) are a live pre-show tour that allows patrons to experience—through touch and their own movement—the space, performers, costumes, and objects in addition to key movement elements in the performance.
ASL Interpreted Performances
In partnership with Velvet Hands, ASL Interpreted performances are open to everyone, and are designed to enhance the theatre experience for audience members who are Deaf.
Sensory Friendly Performances
Sensory friendly performances are designed to provide a welcoming theater arts experience for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, and other cognitive or developmental disabilities, and their family members and care teams.
Adaptations can include:
- Use of fidget toys, noise reducing headphones, sensory tools, and comfort items is encouraged
- Social stories and additional resources provided in advance of the performance
- Theater house lights remaining dimly lit throughout the performance
- Reduced use of strobe lighting and startling special effects
- Lower overall sound levels and reduced startling effects
- Relaxed theater etiquette
- Talking or vocalization, as well as movement in the rear of the theater is acceptable
- A designated quiet space in the lobby to take breaks from the theater as needed
Getting to Berkeley Playhouse
Directions and more info. If you have questions about finding the theater, please call the box office at 510.845.8542 x351 (hours are Mon-Fri 11am-4pm) or email boxoffice@berkeleyplayhouse.org
