Access Measures
The Toronto Fringe is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all patrons, staff, artists, and volunteers, including those with disabilities. We work with our community to identify, prevent, and remove barriers so that a fulfilling experience can be enjoyed by all. If you have access needs or a question about accessibility at the Fringe, contact our Patron Services Manager, Lucy McPhee, at patron.manager@fringetoronto.com or call our Festival Box Office at 416-966-1062.
June 28, 2022: initial Accessibility Supplement draft published.
July 1, 2022: A PDF Copy of the Accessibility Supplement to our Program Guide - Version 2.2 - is available for download HERE.
Updates to the Accessibility Supplement:
- The Boy Who Cried will no longer be offering a touchbook at any of their performances
- creme de la creme is no longer offering a touchbook at any of their performances
- Jay and Shilo are no longer offering full relaxed performances for either of their shows (they will have relaxed measures, but not a full RP)
- Femmillennial now offering TBI chair at select performances
- sleeping, tucked in the lonely purple now offering TBI chair at select performances
- Confronting Space now offering TBI chair at select performances
- Phantasmagoria now offering TBI chair at select performances
View general updates to show listings in the 2022 Toronto Fringe since the Fringe Program Guide was printed.
HOW DO I INDICATE ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS TO BOX OFFICE?
Online: If you are a new ticket buyer at Fringe, you will be prompted to create a Fringe patron account. When filling out your details, please select from the list of Access Categories. If you have booked tickets with the Fringe before, simply log into your account and edit “My Account” where you can select from the list of Access Categories. When finalizing ticket purchase, you will be able to provide notes on any additional access requirements.
Over the phone: The Patron Services Representative will be able to help you update the Access Categories associated with your patron account and will also ask if you have any additional access requirements for the performance(s) you are interested in attending.
Additional Access Measures at Select Performances
Many Fringe shows are providing additional access measures at select performances. Shows that have opted-in will have an icon beside their listing in this program. For detailed information about the type of accessible performance please refer to our Assisted Performances Supplement or our website. You can search by Assisted Performance type online in our show listings.
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Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances have a relaxed attitude to noise and movement, including reducing extreme sound and lighting effects, leaving house lights on at a low level, and allowing patrons to come and go.
See a list of Relaxed Performances in this year's Festival
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Audio Described Performances
Some performances offering Audio Description may require an earphone and receiver that can be obtained from the venue box office. Please advise the box office when you purchase your tickets to reserve an earphone. Please identify yourself at least 25 minutes prior to performance start times to make use of these services.
There are currently no Fringe shows offering audio description. Please see the Pre-show Audio Notes section for shows offering that measure.
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American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted Performances
We will provide ASL and/or Deaf interpretation for select public events at the POSTSCRIPT Patio and some shows will offer interpretation at one or more of their performances.
See a list of shows offering ASL at this year's Festival.
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Tactile Body Immersion Chair
Some companies may integrate an ImmersX Tactile Body Immersion device into their performance. There is only one seat available per performance, please advise the box office when you purchase your tickets to reserve it. Please identify yourself when you arrive.
See a list of Shows offering a TBI Chair at this year's Festival
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Pre-Show Audio
Pre-show audio notes allow audience members to access the performance by giving detailed descriptions of elements such as the set, costumes, and props. These notes are pre-recorded and are available in advance of the performance. These may be provided by some companies at select performances. Please refer to the shows listed in the pre-show audio section of this guide for directions on how to access their pre-show audio notes
See a list of Shows offering Pre-Show Audio in this year's Festival.
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Touchbooks
Touchbooks offer a tactile experience of various elements of the set, props, and costumes through touch. Some shows may choose to make touchbooks available to patrons prior to the performance. These can be accessed by checking in at the Front of House area at the show venue. All touchbooks must be returned to FOH prior to entering the house. There will be limited copies available, so plan to arrive early if you’d like to access a show’s Touchbook.
There are currently no Fringe shows offering a Touchbook.
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Visual stories
Visual stories are a written resource, using plain language to provide audiences, particularly neurodiverse audiences, with specific sensory details of programming in advance. In a visual story, you will learn about performance dates, times, accessible features, content information, lighting and sound advisories, and more. Certain shows will have Visual Stories available online prior to their performance dates. These will be available on the show listing pages on the Toronto Fringe website and may be updated closer to the festival.
See a list of shows offering a Visual Story Guide in this year's Festival.
Standard Access Measures
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Personal Support Workers
Where a support worker is required to accompany patrons with disabilities, admission to all Fringe performances and events is free for the accompanying person. Every attending patron and accompanying support person must have a valid ticket to that performance or event. Please advise the box office when you purchase your tickets.
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Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in all areas of our venues that are open to the public. Please advise the box office when you purchase your tickets.
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Priority Seating
Patrons with access needs are requested to identify themselves at the venue box office at least 25 minutes prior to performance start times. Priority seating cannot be guaranteed after general admission begins.
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Access Seating
Access seating for mobility devices is available for mobility device users. It may be reserved when purchasing tickets or by presenting to Patron Services at the Venue Box Office at least 25 minutes before the performance start time. Mobility device users may transfer to standard seating (assistance is not available).
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Device Storage
Patrons may request to check wheelchairs, strollers or other items required for accessibility with Patron Services Staff. They must identify themselves for Priority Seating.
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Screen-readers
All published PDFs will adhere to best practices for accessibility. We endeavour to make them screen-reader compatible.
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VENUE ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
Detailed accessibility information is available on our website for most main venues and POSTSCRIPT locations. Information includes door widths, ramp specifications, and accessible washroom details. Click here for Venue Information.