The Bay Area’s December Lineup of Accessible and Inclusive Performances
ASL interpreted, open captioned, sensory sensitive, and audio described performances are dazzling audiences in the Bay Area this holiday season.
The Bay Area’s arts scene is embracing the holiday spirit with a growing commitment to accessibility. Across the city, organizations are ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy the magic of the season by providing services from ASL interpretation to sensory-friendly performances designed for young audiences.
If you’re seeking inclusive experiences—whether it’s festive musicals, enchanting ballets, or heartwarming theatre productions—this season offers a variety of performances to make the holidays bright for all.
A Whynot Christmas Carol
- Sensory Friendly: December 18 at 1 p.m.
- Open Captioned: December 21 at 1 p.m.
A small theatre troupe in the town of Whynot has gathered to put up their director’s new version of A Christmas Carol. From the first rehearsal to opening night, we follow these sometimes-reluctant comrades on their quest to put on a great show with too little time and money but no shortage of opinions.
American Conservatory Theater
act-sf.org
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
- Closed Captioned: All matinee performances through December 12
- Audio Described: December 14 at 2 p.m.
Step into the vibrant world of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, a beloved Harlem hotspot where West African immigrant braiders work their magic on the locals’ locks. Amidst the lively buzz of a scorching summer, love ignites, dreams soar, and secrets unravel.
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
berkeleyrep.org
Hamilton
- Closed Captioned: Available at all performances with GalaPro
- Audio Described: Available at all performances with GalaPro
- ASL Interpreted: January 4 at 1 p.m.
The epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
BroadwaySF
broadwaysf.com
Shrek the Musical
- ASL Interpreted: December 7 at 1 p.m.
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.
BroadwaySF
broadwaysf.com
The Golden Girls Live
- ASL Interpreted: December 15 at 2 p.m.
San Francisco’s most eagerly-awaited holiday tradition—The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes—is making a grand move from the intimate setting of the Victoria Theatre to the historic Curran Theatre.
BroadwaySF
broadwaysf.com
Mean Girls
- ASL Interpreted: December 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George.
BroadwaySF
broadwaysf.com
Beetlejuice
- ASL Interpreted: December 26 at 7:30 p.m.
It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
BroadwaySF
broadwaysf.com
Shrek the Musical
- Closed Captioned: December 18 at 7 p.m.
- ASL Interpreted: December 21 at 1 p.m.
- Audio Described: December 22 at 1 p.m.
- Open Captioned: December 22 at 6:30 p.m.
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.
Broadway San Jose
broadwaysanjose.com
Dorrance Dance: The Nutcracker Suite
- Audio Described: December 15 at 3 p.m.
- Pre-show Haptic Tour: December 15 at 2 p.m.
Explosive tap dance meets hot jazz rhythms in acclaimed company Dorrance Dance’s intoxicating production of the holiday classic. Danced to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s marvelously inventive 1960 reinterpretation of the classic Tchaikovsky score The Nutcracker Suite.
Cal Performances
calperformances.org
Nutcracker
- Sensory Friendly: December 29 at 11 a.m.
As the lights fade and Tchaikovsky’s enchanting melodies fill the Opera House, you’ll be whisked away to a fantastical realm where snowflakes dance, flowers waltz, and the Sugarplum Fairy conjures a child's dream.
San Francisco Ballet
sfballet.org
Thirty-Six
- ASL Interpreted: December 8 at 5 p.m.
Dang, dating sure is hard these days. But don’t worry, this show will flirt its way into your heart and hit like a one night stand! A hot and loaded experience brings the new age of dating to life onstage. Opposites who attract, David and Jenny answer the NY Times “36 questions that lead to love.”
Shotgun Players
shotgunplayers.org
The Christmas Ballet
- Audio Described: December 18 at 2 p.m.
- ASL Interpreted: December 21 at 7:30 p.m.
It wouldn’t be the holidays without Smuin’s annual run of The Christmas Ballet. From the classical first act to the “Cool Yule” of the second, make your spirits bright with this big-hearted production. As always, new additions keep Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet evergreen.
Smuin Contemporary Ballet
smuinballet.org
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
- ASL Interpreted: December 17 at 7:30 p.m.
- Open Captioned: December 22 at 2 and 7 p.m.; December 26 at 2 p.m.
- Audio Described: December 28 at 8 p.m.; December 29 at 2 p.m.
As the beloved Bennet sisters gather for carols and confections at the Darcy’s Pemberley estate, perennially passed-over sister Mary retreats into her books and fantasies. Will an unexpected guest lead her in an enticing new direction? It’s Christmas after all.
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
theatreworks.org
