How do I get to the Pillow?

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

When is Jacob’s Pillow open?

The Pillow grounds are open daily. Administrative office hours and visiting hours vary depending on the season:

• Summer Festival Season (June-August): Extended hours for performances and activities. (Need to finalize open Festival hours)
• Rest of the Year: Offices operate Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Parking is free, and no ticket is required to enter the grounds. The Archives are open by appointment from September through May.

Where do I park?

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.

Can I visit Jacob’s Pillow without attending a performance?

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.

What happens if there is inclement weather on the day of an outdoor performance?

Outdoor performances may be relocated due to rain, high heat, or air quality concerns. Rain or Shine ticket holders will be accommodated indoors, while Shine Only ticket holders will have their funds moved on-account. For full details on ticketing policies related to weather, visit our Box Office Policies page.

What time do doors open before a performance?

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.

Is there a recommended arrival time before the show starts?

We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before showtime to allow time for parking and getting settled. Arriving early also gives you a chance to explore! Stop by the Pillow Store, grab a drink at the Pub, or take in the scenery before the performance begins.

What is the policy for late arrivals?

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.

Are there items prohibited inside performance spaces?

Prohibited items include: Outside food and beverages, photography and recording equipment, large bags or backpacks, and weapons of any kind.

Where can I learn more about ticketing policies?

For information on ticketing, including delivery methods, discounts, exchanges, and accessibility options, visit our Box Office Policies page.

What is the late seating policy?

Late seating is not guaranteed and depends on the House Manager’s discretion. For full details on seating policies, visit our Box Office Policies page.

Does the Ted Shawn Theatre or Doris Duke Theatre have air conditioning?

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.

Is there a coat check service available?

Jacob’s Pillow does not offer a coat check service. We recommend keeping your belongings with you during your visit.

Are there ATMs on-site?

Yes! There is one ATM on campus, conveniently located across from the Pillow Pub, next to the Ted Shawn Theatre.

Is Wi-Fi available for guests?

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!

Is Jacob’s Pillow wheelchair accessible?

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.

Are assisted listening devices available?

Yes, assisted listening devices are available upon request.

Are there accessible restrooms on-site?

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.

Are service animals permitted inside the venue?

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.

Learn more on our Accessibility On Campus page here.

Learn more about our dining options here.

Can I bring outside food or beverages into the venue?

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! 

Are there concessions available during performances?

Our Pillow Pub and Pillow Cafe 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. 

How can I make dining reservations or order a Pillow Picnic Basket?

Reservations for the Pillow Café and pre-ordered picnic baskets are available during the Festival season. Picnic baskets 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, visit our dining page.

Do on-site dining options accommodate dietary restrictions?

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].

Is photography allowed during performances?

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!

Are there age restrictions for certain performances?

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 page.

Are booster seats available for young children?

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.

Do children need their own tickets?

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.

What are the benefits of becoming a Jacob’s Pillow Member?

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.

Become a Member

How can I support Jacob’s Pillow?

Becoming a Jacob’s Pillow Member or making a donation helps support dance presentation, preservation, and education. Learn more about giving opportunities here.

Are there volunteer opportunities available?

Our volunteers are a vital part of Jacob’s Pillow’s mission to support dance, presentation, education, 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]. Learn more about Volunteering opportunities here.

Why was the new theater built?

Following the loss of the original Doris Duke Theatre in a fire, Jacob’s Pillow committed to rebuilding a space that honors its legacy while embracing new possibilities. The new theater will support interdisciplinary work, immersive performances, and artist-driven projects that push the boundaries of dance and movement.

What can audiences expect at the Doris Duke Theatre?

Audiences can look forward to a mix of performances, installations, and creative residencies featuring both emerging and established artists. The theater’s design prioritizes flexibility, making it a dynamic space for diverse programming.

Learn more about the new Doris Duke Theatre here.

Can’t visit us in person? Experience Jacob’s Pillow from anywhere with our digital offerings!

Where can I watch livestreamed performances and digital programs?

You can explore our digital programming, including livestreamed performances, at jacobspillow.org/live.

How can I access archival footage, Dance Interactive, and past performances?

Visit our Watch & Discover page to explore our extensive archives, including Dance Interactive, past streams, and historical footage.

Have questions about accessing digital events?

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.