Planning a visit to the Walter Kerr Theatre at 219 West 48th Street in New York City? This guide provides essential information to ensure you have a seamless and enjoyable Broadway experience at this iconic venue. From arrival tips to accessibility services, find everything you need to know before you go.
Planning Your Visit to the Walter Kerr Theatre
Location & Directions
The Walter Kerr Theatre is ideally situated at 219 West 48th Street, nestled between Broadway and 8th Avenue in the heart of New York City’s Theater District.
This prime location on West 48th Street makes it easily accessible by various transportation methods, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Broadway.
Security and Entry
Your safety is paramount. Doors typically open approximately 45 minutes before the scheduled show time. Arriving early is highly recommended to allow ample time for security screening. Be aware that all bags are subject to inspection, and all guests will pass through metal detectors before entering the Walter Kerr Theatre. To ensure a smooth entry for everyone, certain items are prohibited, including weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, tasers, etc.), personal alarms, glass bottles, lighters, bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, illegal substances, and alcohol. Theatre management reserves the right to prohibit additional items as necessary.
Seating Information
Understanding the Walter Kerr Theatre seating arrangement can help you navigate to your seats efficiently. The Orchestra level is step-free, except for rows R and S, which are elevated by a single step. The Mezzanine level is located on the 2nd floor, requiring climbing 37 steps from the Orchestra. Balcony seating is on the 3rd level, a climb of 52 steps from the Orchestra. Within the Mezzanine and Balcony, each row is tiered with approximately 2 steps up or down. It’s important to note that the Walter Kerr Theatre does not have elevators or escalators. However, handrails are available on all stairs leading to and within the Mezzanine and Balcony levels.
Dress Code
There isn’t a strict dress code at the Walter Kerr Theatre. While some patrons enjoy dressing up for a special theatre outing, your comfort is the priority. Feel free to wear what makes you most comfortable. Keep in mind that theatres are generally kept cool year-round, so bringing a sweater or light jacket is advisable.
Amenities
To enhance your visit, the Walter Kerr Theatre offers several amenities:
- WiFi: Stay connected using the free network “-Walter_Kerr_Free_WiFi-” for improved service within the theatre.
- Drinks and Snacks: Refreshments are available for purchase at bars located at the back of the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels. You can bring your concessions to your seat to enjoy during the performance.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are located one flight of stairs up from the Orchestra level. An accessible, single-stall, all-gender restroom is available on the Orchestra level, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all guests.
- Coat Check: Please note that coat check services are not available at the Walter Kerr Theatre.
- Merchandise: Souvenirs and show merchandise can be purchased on the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels before the show, during intermission, and immediately after the performance, allowing you to take home a memento of your Walter Kerr Theatre experience.
Accessibility at Walter Kerr Theatre
The Walter Kerr Theatre is committed to providing accessibility for all patrons. A range of accessible seating options and assistive devices are available.
Accessible Seating Options
The Walter Kerr Theatre offers various types of accessible seating, all located on the Orchestra level, which is step-free from the sidewalk:
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating: These seats can be removed to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- Wheelchair Companion Seating: Seats located adjacent to wheelchair accessible seats for companions.
- Aisle Transfer Seating: Aisle seats with movable armrests for easier transfer.
- Aisle Transfer Companion Seating: Companion seats next to aisle transfer seats.
- Vision/Hearing Accessible Seating: Located in the middle of Orchestra Center Row D, offering optimal viewing and hearing.
Image of Walter Kerr Theatre interior seating arrangement
Alt text: Interior view of Walter Kerr Theatre seating, showcasing the orchestra and mezzanine levels, highlighting the classic Broadway theatre architecture at 219 West 48th Street, New York City.
Booking Accessible Tickets
Accessible seating tickets for the Walter Kerr Theatre can be purchased via SeatGeek.com, subject to availability. On SeatGeek, click the “Accessible” button to view all accessible seating types. You can further filter by specific types of accessible seating using the filter options (horizontal lines button in the app or vertical lines button on the website). Ensure “Any Quantity” of tickets is selected to see all available accessible seats. For pre-purchase inquiries regarding accessible seating or other accommodations, contact Jujamcyn Customer Service at (212) 840-0479 or via email.
Accessibility by Seating Section
- Orchestra Seating: Accessible without steps (except rows R and S – 1 step). Wheelchair and aisle transfer seating are located here.
- Mezzanine Seating: Located on the 2nd level, 37 steps up from the Orchestra. Stairs have handrails.
- Balcony Seating: Located on the 3rd level, 52 steps up from the Orchestra. Stairs have handrails.
Note that Mezzanine and Balcony levels have approximately 2 steps up/down per row.
Assistive Devices
To enhance the experience for guests with hearing or vision impairments, Walter Kerr Theatre provides assistive devices free of charge. These include:
- D-Scriptive Devices
- I-Caption Devices
- Infrared Headsets
- Audio Induction Neck Loops
- Showtrans Devices (Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Korean)
Visit the headset booth in the Orchestra lobby to obtain these devices. To reserve in advance, visit www.soundassociates.com/broadway-listings or email customer service with your details.
Restroom Accessibility
An accessible restroom is conveniently located on the Orchestra level, ensuring ease of access for all patrons.
Enjoy your visit to the Walter Kerr Theatre, a celebrated Broadway venue on West 48th Street in New York, NY!
