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Paper Mill Playhouse Access Programs

3,137 views · Published 10 June 2012 · 8:06 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: Paper Mill Playhouse · 2012 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Paper Mill Playhouse has been a leader in access and accessibility since 1983. 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

Sensory-friendly performances (for children with autism)

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.

An infra-red listening systemis 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.

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.

Most recently Paper Mill Playhouse won the 2011 Innovators Award for creating the first of its kind 'Theatre For Everyone' performances for children on the autism spectrum.  Paper Mill Playhouse also offers a theater class for students with developmental disabilities.

For more information please visit Paper Mill Playhouse's full accessible website...www.PaperMill.org.

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