Visitor FAQ
Whether you’re here for a performance, a stroll through our historic campus, or a special event, this FAQ will help you plan your visit.
GETTING HERE & GENERAL INFORMATION
Jacob’s Pillow is located in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts in the town of Becket. We are within easy driving distance of Boston, New York, Albany, Burlington, and Hartford. For detailed directions and local transportation options, visit our Directions and Travel page.
Our Address is:
358 George Carter Road
Becket, MA 01223
The Pillow grounds are open daily. The Jacob’s Pillow Box Office has extended hours during the Summer Festival Season (June-August). Learn more about Box Office hours here. Administrative office hours and the front desk are open Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 5pm.
From September through May, visits to the Archives may be scheduled Mondays through Fridays between 9:30am and 5pm by contacting [email protected].
Parking is free, and no ticket is required to enter the grounds.
Jacob’s Pillow offers free public parking in a designated lot behind the campus, with signage on George Carter Road. Most parking areas are gravel, but guests may drop off passengers near the Main Path before parking. Golf cart transportation is available upon request to assist with getting to and from the parking lot. Please note that parking on George Carter Road is prohibited—vehicles parked there will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Yes! We encourage visitors to explore our beautiful campus year-round. You can enjoy a picnic, take a walk, capture photos, and experience the historic grounds. During the summer, we offer picnic baskets with meals for purchase should you want to picnic on-site (please note that Pillow Picnic Baskets must be ordered at least 72 hours in advance on our website). We also offer several options for free programming, including PillowTalks, exhibitions, and public tours. Visit our Calendar page here to learn more and plan your visit.
ARRIVAL & TIMING
Theater doors generally open 30 minutes before showtime, but this may vary by performance. We recommend checking your ticket for details and listening for announcements on-site. Ushers will be available to assist you once seating begins.
We recommend arriving at least one hour before showtime to allow time for parking, exploring, and getting settled. Stop by the Pillow Store, grab a drink at the Pub, attend any performance Pre-Show Talk for free, or take in the scenery before the performance begins.
Late seating is not guaranteed and is determined by the House Manager in coordination with the performing artists. Performances begin promptly at their scheduled time, so please check your ticket for curtain time. If you arrive late, your seat may no longer be available. We recommend arriving early to ensure a smooth experience.
TICKETING & SEATING
For information on ticketing, including delivery methods, discounts, exchanges, and accessibility options, visit our Box Office page.
Late seating is not guaranteed and depends on the House Manager’s discretion. For full details on seating policies, visit our Box Office page.
Prohibited items include: Outside food and beverages, photography and recording equipment, large bags or backpacks, and weapons of any kind.
Photography, video recording, and audio recording are not permitted during performances in any of our theaters. However, guests are welcome to take photos before and after performances, during final bows, as well as around our campus. We encourage you to share your experience on social media and tag us at @JacobsPillow!
AMENITIES & SERVICES
The Ted Shawn Theatre does not have traditional air conditioning, but it is equipped with an eco-friendly air cooling system that circulates cool air using ice and ventilation. Since temperatures can vary, we recommend dressing in layers—bringing a sweater for cooler evenings or wearing lighter clothing on warm days. Some guests also bring handheld fans for extra comfort.
The Doris Duke Theatre is fully temperature controlled with air conditioning.
Jacob’s Pillow does not offer a coat check service. We recommend keeping your belongings with you during your visit.
Yes! There is one ATM on campus, conveniently located across from the Pillow Pub, next to the Ted Shawn Theatre.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for all guests. If you’d like to connect, just ask any staff member for the password—we’re happy to help!
ACCESSIBILITY
Yes! Many areas of our campus, including the Box Office, Ted Shawn Theatre, Archives, and Pillow Pub, are wheelchair accessible from the main parking lot. The Henry J. Leir Stage has a drop-off location with paved pathways to accessible seating. Golf cart transportation is also available upon request to assist with getting around campus.
Please note that Jacob’s Pillow is located in hilly, natural terrain, and some paths include stone-chip gravel, wood chips, and slight slopes, which may be uneven in places.
Accessible and companion seating is available. To request accessible and/or companion seating in advance of your event, please contact the Box Office at 413.243.0745.
Yes, assisted listening devices are available upon request.
Yes, we have all-gender restrooms across from the Ted Shawn Theatre and at the center of campus near the Annex, each with a wheelchair-accessible stall and changing table. Single-user restrooms are also available in the Ted Shawn Theatre.
Yes, leashed service animals are permitted in all indoor and outdoor performance spaces and dining areas in accordance with ADA regulations. Please note that emotional support animals, comfort animals, and pets do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted in performance spaces or dining areas. However, leashed pets are welcome on the Pillow’s campus grounds.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Food and beverages are not allowed inside the Ted Shawn Theatre or Doris Duke Theatre, except for water in a capped or covered container. Guests are welcome to bring outside food and beverages to the outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage and other scenic spots across our campus. We also invite you to enjoy a meal with us at the Pillow Café or Pub!
Our Pillow Pub and Pillow Café offer a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages before performances and during intermission. Our Pillow Coffee Bar is also open during the day and early evening, serving light snacks and coffee.
Reservations for the Pillow Café and pre-ordered picnic baskets are available during the Festival season on our Dining webpage. Picnic meals must be ordered at least 72 hours in advance and can be enjoyed anywhere on campus. To learn more about dining options and place an order, click here.
Yes, our on-site dining options can accommodate Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan dietary restrictions. For any questions regarding dining options, please contact [email protected].
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Performances at Jacob’s Pillow are open to all ages, but some productions may contain mature themes or content. If age recommendations or advisories apply to a specific performance, they will be noted on the event’s webpage.
A limited number of booster seats are available at the Ted Shawn Theatre on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ask an usher upon arrival for assistance.
Reduced-price tickets are available for children 12 and under with the purchase of an accompanying adult ticket. Offer available through the Box Office only and verification is required. Please call 413.243.0745 to confirm the content of any particular program. Infants held in front body slings do not need a ticket.
SUPPORT & VOLUNTEERING
Jacob’s Pillow Members are essential partners in our work and receive many benefits including early ticket access for the Festival, invitations to year-round in-person and online gatherings and events, and Jacob’s Pillow Member swag.
Becoming a Jacob’s Pillow Member or making a donation helps support dance presentation, preservation, creation, and education. Learn more about giving opportunities here.
Our volunteers are a vital part of Jacob’s Pillow’s mission to support dance, presentation, education, creation, and preservation, and often serve as a first point of engagement with the public. Volunteer opportunities are focused in ushering and patron services related duties. For more information about volunteering and opportunities please contact [email protected] or click here.
JACOB’S PILLOW ONLINE
You can explore our digital programming, including livestreamed performances, at jacobspillow.org/live.
Visit our Watch & Discover page to explore our extensive archives, streaming options, and historical footage.
Check out our Digital Events FAQ page for instructions on how to access upcoming digital programming, figure out technical requirements, and engage with Pillow performances from home.
DIDN’T GET YOUR QUESTION ANSWERED?
We’d love to help answer it for you! Visit our Contact Us page below to reach out with your question.