The Folger wants every visitor to enjoy exploring our building, our programs, and our collection. We strive to provide access to all audiences.
Below are services and information currently provided. Please contact VisitorServices@folger.edu if you have any questions, or if there is anything else we can do to make your experience enjoyable.
Accessible seating
Patrons who wish to reserve accessible seating may contact Visitor Services at VisitorServices@folger.edu or (202) 544–7077. A representative will be happy to find the best seat location for you. Please let our staff know if you may need assistance entering the event venue.
Assistive listening devices
Our assistive listening devices, which work with headphones or with T-Coil wireless transmission, are available at most performances and events at no extra charge.
Audio description
Audio description (AD) is a narration service that attempts to describe the visual aspects of theatre and make the visual an auditory experience, with the goal of helping low vision and Blind audience members share in the experience of live theatre more fully. Audio described performances are narrated in real time, using concise, objective descriptions to depict new scenes, settings, costumes, body language, and sight gags. Our audio description is brought to you by Volunteers Inclusion Access.
Upcoming Audio-described performances
Measure for Measure
Saturday, Oct 11, 2026 at 2pm
Hamlet
Saturday, Apr 3, 2027 at 2pm
Open-captioned performances
Open-captioning makes live theater performances accessible by using a non-intrusive caption board at the front of the stage which scrolls the entire text of the production in real time.
For information about the best seat locations from which to see the caption board, contact Visitor Services at VisitorServices@folger.edu or (202) 544–7077.
Folger Theatre’s open-captioned performances are generously sponsored by Vinton and Sigrid Cerf.
Upcoming Open-captioned performances
Measure for Measure
- Sunday, Oct 25, 2026 at 2pm
- Sunday, Oct 25, 2026 at 7:30pm
Hamlet
- Sunday, Apr 4, 2027 at 2pm
- Sunday, Apr 4, 2027 at 7:30pm
The Comedy of Errors
- Sunday, Jun 13, 2027 at 2pm
- Sunday, Jun 13, 2027 at 7:30pm
Sign language interpretation
ASL interpretation is available for performances and events with at least two weeks advance request.
Please contact VisitorServices@folger.edu to make a request, or for more information about interpreted performances and events.
Relaxed performances
Relaxed performances are designed to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for audiences that may receive, process, and react to information in different ways. The content of the production is the same, but some elements of the environment are altered. Examples of this include changes to the lighting, sound, and audience members can enter and exit as needed. These performances are spaces where no one will be asked to be silent, and any reactions are welcome. The Folger aims to be a welcoming space for all and we happily invite you to enjoy our productions in your own way.
Please contact VisitorServices@folger.edu with any additional questions.
Upcoming Relaxed performances
Measure for Measure
- Sunday, Oct 11, 2026 at 7:30pm
- Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026 at 2pm
Hamlet
- Sunday, Mar 21, 2027 at 7:30pm
- Wednesday, Mar 24, 2027 at 2pm
The Comedy of Errors
- Sunday, Jun 6, 2027 at 7:30pm
- Wednesday, Jun 16, 2027 at 2pm
Sensory bags
Sensory bags are available upon request at the Welcome Desks. Bags include headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, and earplugs. These tools are available to help make visiting the Folger inclusive for visitors who are neurodivergent.
Social narratives
These social narratives describe what a visitor will experience during a general visit to the Folger Shakespeare Library or at a Folger Theatre production, letting them know what to expect ahead of time. These narratives can offer increased predictability and a sense of control, making the experience more inclusive for visitors who are neurodivergent.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available upon request at the Welcome Desks.