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
• Touch Tours – For our Blind and low-vision patons we offer pre-show “Touch Tours” at select performances, which will feature props and costumes available to feel and contextualize prior to the performance.
• Sensory Friendly or Relaxed Performances – 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 2024-2025 season, we will be offering the following services:

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AUDIO DESCRIPTION

Laughs in Spanish
Saturday, October 5th at 2:00pm
Friday, October 11th at 7:30pm

Pru Payne
Friday, November 8th at 7:30pm
Saturday, November 16th at 2:00pm

Ain’t No Mo
Friday, January 31st at 7:30pm
Saturday, February 8th at 2:00pm

A Man of No Importance
Friday, March 14th at 7:30pm
Saturday, March 22nd at 2:00pm

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Saturday, May 24th at 2:00pm
Friday, May 30th at 7:30pm

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.

“Touch Tours” feature a selection of unique costumes and props available for tactile exploration in advance of the show. These will be offered for most, if not all, audio described performances.

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 Director of Artistic & Community Programs at alexlonati@speakeasystage.com.

OPEN CAPTIONING

Laughs in Spanish
Saturday, October 5th at 7:30pm 
Sunday, October 6th at 3pm

Pru Payne
Saturday November 2nd at 7:30pm
Sunday, November 3rd at 3pm

Ain’t No Mo
Saturday, February 1st at 7:30pm
Sunday, February 2nd at 3pm

A Man of No Importance
Saturday, March 8 at 7:30pm
Sunday, March 9 at 3pm

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Saturday, May 17 at 7:30pm
Sunday, May 18  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 Director of Artistic & Community Programs Alex Lonati at alexlonati@speakeasystage.com.

Relaxed performances

Laughs in Spanish 
Saturday, September 28th at 2pm

Pru Payne 
Sunday, November 10th at 3pm

Ain’t No Mo 
Wednesday, January 29th at 7pm

A Man of No Importance 
Saturday, March 15th at 2pm

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding 
Wednesday, May 28th at 7pm

Relaxed performances are designed to make theater spaces more welcoming to audience members who may not feel comfortable with the conventions of a traditional theater setting. While no part of the production itself will change, this particular performance will have relaxed theatre etiquette expectations – meaning that all patrons are allowed to enjoy the performance in whatever way makes sense to them. While we hope that patrons will lead with generosity and compassion at all of our performances, audiences at this performance can be comfortable knowing that they are in a judgment-free environment.

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.

SpeakEasy only offers Sensory Friendly Performances for select productions. Those simply searching for relaxed theatre etiquette should explore our Relaxed Performance options (see above). You can contact Director of Artistic & Community Programs 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.

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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.