Curtains Up, Barriers Down: Inclusive Performances in May
This week, we’re spotlighting bold new seasons, inclusive performances, and leadership shifts shaping the future of the Bay Area’s arts scene.
May in the Bay Area brings a strong lineup of accessible performances, from ASL interpretation to audio description and captioning. Highlights include the return of Pepperland at Cal Performances with a haptic tour and audio description on May 11, Mamma Mia! and Parade at BroadwaySF with select accessible dates, and Here There Are Blueberries at Berkeley Rep offering audio description and captioned matinees. Plus, San Francisco Opera’s Bohème Out of the Box offers free outdoor performances with mobile captioning through June. It’s a great month to enjoy the arts—in ways that welcome everyone in.
On the Stage
This week, we’re expanding the calendar you know and love. Alongside current performances, we’ll now highlight special events like inclusive shows, pay-what-you-can days, and more. It’s one more way Encore+ is promoting the performing arts that are welcoming for all.
Guerrero Conducts Pines of Rome
Classical | San Francisco Symphony
Now – May 3 | Tickets
Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero brings out all the Technicolor glory of Ottorino Respighi's Roman postcards, Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome—two vivid tone poems that sound like the best movie you've never seen.
More Events
- Jersey Boys | Palo Alto Players | Now – May 4
- Audio Described: May 3
- Two Trains Running | American Conservatory Theater | Now – May 4 | View the Program
- Here There Are Blueberries | Berkeley Repertory Theatre | Now – May 11 | View the Program
- Audio Described: May 10
- Closed Captioned: Matinees through May 8
- Bohème Out of the Box | San Francisco Opera | Now – June 29
- Closed Captioned: May 4
Next Line
SF Ballet announces their upcoming season and SFJAZZ has appointed a new CEO.
- San Francisco Ballet has unveiled its 2025/26 season, the third under Artistic Director Tamara Rojo—and it’s one of the company’s boldest yet. The season features a world premiere adaptation of Eugene Onegin by Yuri Possokhov, the return of the futuristic, AI-inspired Mere Mortals, and programs celebrating Balanchine, Forsythe, and other choreographic icons. With a mix of story ballets, contemporary works, and a continued focus on innovation, SF Ballet is offering something for both longtime fans and curious newcomers.
- The San Francisco Chronicle has reported on the appointment of Gabrielle Armand as the new CEO of SFJAZZ. With a background in arts marketing and strategic development, Armand steps into the role at a significant moment for the organization. Her leadership marks a new chapter for SFJAZZ as it looks to strengthen its mission and community impact.
