Accessibility

Serving Everyone in our Community

At SpeakEasy Stage, we pride ourselves on providing an inclusive, accessible environment, welcoming everyone who wants to partake in our art, while treating all involved with respect.

We want to make sure that everyone feels not only included, but actively wanted in our space, and so we are dedicated to expanding the accessibility resources and programming we offer. 

We are committed to offering the following, for select productions:

• Open Captioning – specially scheduled performance with live captioning visible to all patrons
• Audio Description – live narration of visual elements to be experienced through headphones while watching the show live
• Sensory Friendly Performance – a relaxed performance intended for those on the autism spectrum, with sensory sensitivities, or with other needs that might benefit a more relaxed environment

In SpeakEasy’s 2023-2024 season, we will be offering the following services:

AUDIO DESCRIPTION

POTUS
Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2pm

The Band’s Visit (a co-production with The Huntington)
More information coming soon.

A Case for the Existence of God
Friday, February 9, 2024 at 8pm
Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 2pm

Cost of Living
Friday, March 22, 2024 at 8pm
Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 2pm

A Strange Loop (a co-production with Front Porch Arts Collective)
Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 3pm
Friday, May 17, 2024 at 8pm

Audio Described performances include a live description of all visual elements of the production delivered through a headset. While this resource is specifically intended for the Blind and low-vision communities, it is open to anyone who would like to experience an oral narrative of the action.

Headsets must be reserved and limited seating is available. Braille and large print programs will be available with advance request. Please plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early for audio described program notes, and set and actor descriptions.

Tickets for Audio Described performances cost $25 for patrons who require these services and their guests. These tickets can be reserved by mentioning “Audio Description” at the Box Office (617-933-8600), using the code SPKAUDIO on our ticketing site, or by contacting our Community & Artistic Programs Manager Alex Lonati at alexlonati@speakeasystage.com.

OPEN CAPTIONING

POTUS
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 8pm
Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 3pm

The Band’s Visit (a co-production with The Huntington)
More information coming soon.

A Case for the Existence of God
Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 8pm
Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 3pm

Cost of Living
Friday, March 29, 2024 at 8pm
Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 2pm

A Strange Loop (a co-production with Front Porch Arts Collective)
Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 8pm
Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 3pm

Open Captioning performances feature visible captions, aligned in real-time with the dialogue on stage, displayed on a monitor next to the stage. Some communities that may enjoy this resource are the Deaf and hard of hearing communities, those with comprehension challenges, or anyone who might prefer to see the text of the piece written out. Patrons utilizing open captions will be placed in select seats near the open caption board to ensure they can see both the stage and the caption board during the performance.

Tickets for Open Caption performances cost $25 for patrons who require these services and their guests. These tickets can be reserved by mentioning “Open Captioning” at the Box Office (617-933-8600), using the code SPKCAPTION on our ticketing site, or by contacting our Community & Artistic Programs Manager Alex Lonati at alexlonati@speakeasystage.com.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE

Sensory Friendly Performances are adjusted to make the production accessible and welcoming for those with sensory input disorders, anxiety, those on the autism spectrum, and for anyone else who may benefit from a relaxed theatre etiquette.

Modifications on the space and production – including adjusted sound and light cues, optional quiet space, fidget materials, and established flexibility on movement, food/drink consumption, and theatre etiquette – create an open, non-judgmental and supportive environment that encourages patrons to experience the art in their own way. All are welcome to attend this performance.

More information on future Sensory Friendly Performances coming soon. You can also contact Community & Artistic Programs Manager Alex Lonati at alexlonati@speakeasystage.com or 617-482-3279 with any questions.

ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES

The Calderwood Pavilion is equipped with an FM hearing enhancement system. Wireless headphones are available free of charge at the main lobby concession stand. Assistive listening devices are made available to patrons at all performances.

FACILITY ACCESS

The Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA is fully accessible. The Nancy and Edward Roberts Studio Theatre can accommodate up to four wheelchair seats, depending on the seating configuration. There are accessible restrooms on both levels of the Calderwood Pavilion. The Atelier 505 Parking Garage provides handicapped parking in close proximity to the Calderwood Pavilion.

---

Questions?

If you have any questions about any of these performances or resources, or require additional accessibility services, please contact Alex Lonati at alexlonati@speakeasystage.com or 617-440-3934.

SpeakEasy’s Accessibility Programming is sponsored in part by the Yawkey Foundation and the Liberty Mutual Foundation. We are so grateful for the support.