Accessibility

Arena Stage has a long history of inclusion and playing a pioneering role in providing access services for patrons with disabilities. Arena Stage was at the forefront of the creation of audio description services for live productions in the 80s, and with the installation of GalaPro we are able to provide captioning services in any seat, at any performance. We hope that the continued evolution of our services will continue to allow every patron who visits our building to have a full and enjoyable experience.

For more information about accessibility at Arena Stage or to speak to a friendly sales associate regarding tickets, fill out our Information Request Form, contact us at 202-488-3300 (voice), 202-848-0247 (TTY) or email access@arenastage.org.

Information request form

All Access services are offered free-of-charge. Devices for loan are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from the Visitor Services Desk, located to the left in the building's Main Entrance.

Arena Stage's Arts Accessibility initiatives are sponsored by .

Accessibility Services

Onsite accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must call the Box Office in advance (202-488-3300) or email access@arenastage.org to reserve a space. The cost is $25 per performance. Vehicles must bear a valid Department of Motor Vehicles disability parking placard or license plate.

Complimentary Valet is provided to our patrons with accessibility needs who have booked their parking in advance. To take advantage of this service, simply pull up at the main entrance to Arena Stage on Sixth Street SW and a valet will assist you. Valet parking is available one hour before show time for all performances.

For other parking information, visit the Transportation & Parking section of our website. View more

Accessible seating/locations are available in all performance spaces. Patrons may either remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to theater seats. Transfer seats are available in all three venues. Patrons who would like to remain in their wheelchairs during the performance should request wheelchair-accessible locations when buying their tickets. These seats can also be purchased online. Movable seating locations are indicated with a wheelchair symbol and companion seats are indicated with a star.

Accessible entrances and electronic doors are located at the entrance to the building and all three theaters. The building's open layout allows most locations to be easily accessed without encountering a door.

Accessible restrooms are available on all levels of the Mead Center.

Accessible Ramps and Elevators allow patrons to reach all 4 levels of the Mead Center. An Accessible Ramp may be used to enter the center from the parking garage. An elevator operates between the Main Entrance level (off Sixth Street SW) to the Main Lobby. A second elevator services the Kreeger Theater Orchestra, Main Lobby and Terrace levels.

Courtesy wheelchairs are available for loan to navigate the Mead Center. We suggest that those planning on using one of our wheelchairs bring someone to assist them around the Mead Center, since our volunteers and staff are not able to leave their posts to assist. We may request your ID to be held when checking out accessible materials and devices.

For more information about accessibility at Arena Stage, please contact us at 202-488-3300 (voice), 202-848-0247 (TTY) or access@arenastage.org.

closed captioning Captioning at your fingertips

Captioning, is available for Arena Stage performances, and is powered by GalaPro.

GalaPro allows patrons to view captioning at any performance at Arena Stage, though captioning is not available during previews. Patrons can download the https://www.galapro.com/ to their tablet or mobile phone, or can borrow a tablet from our Visitors Services Desk.

For more information, please reach out to access@arenastage.org.

GalaPro is made possible in part by funding from

ASL Interpreted Performances are available for select evenings.

Assistive Listening Devices amplify and clarify the sound onstage. The devices may be used in any seat at any performance in all three performance spaces. Headsets with induction neck loops are available for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a "T" switch. Headsets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from the Visitor Services Desk, located to the left in the building's Main Entrance.

The Script Loan Program is available for patrons who find that reading the play before attending improves their experience. Arena Stage can mail you a copy of the script prior to your performance. E-mail access@arenastage.org or request a script when you buy your tickets.

For more information about accessibility at Arena Stage, please contact us at 202-488-3300 (voice), 202-848-0247 (TTY) or access@arenastage.org.

Audio description is a carefully timed narration of the onstage visual elements in the performance, including the action, costumes and scenery. Program notes are available 10 to 15 minutes before show time. The description is broadcast live simultaneously via an inconspicuous FM receiver. Patrons may choose a single earpiece or dual headset. Patrons may pick up their receiver and headset, at the Visitors Services Desk, located to the left in the building's Main Entrance.

This service is prescheduled on selected Saturday matinee performances for each Arena Stage production.

Program books are available in large-print and braille formats at all performances and may be picked up, free-of-charge, from the Visitors Services desk, located to the left in the building's Main Entrance.

For more information about accessibility at Arena Stage, please contact us at 202-488-3300 (voice), 202-848-0247 (TTY) or access@arenastage.org.