Access Measures
All Next Stage shows provide standard access measures such as priority and accessible seating, welcoming service dogs, and offer complimentary tickets for support workers.
Many shows at Next Stage provide additional access measures at select performances including relaxed performances, closed audio description, ASL and Deaf interpretation. A brochure supplement will be available online mid-December. Please go to individual show pages for full details and check out the icons posted on the show schedules. General information about access measures can be found below.
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Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances welcome patrons who may benefit from a less restrictive audience environment, including (but not limited to) patrons with sensory processing conditions, Autism, intellectual disability, or those with young children. Relaxed performances offer an introduction at the start of the show and 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. All relaxed performances at Next Stage offer a quiet area adjacent to the theatre space with a live feed. Patrons may use the quiet area at any time during a relaxed performance. Some shows at Next Stage offer a modified version of a relaxed performance. As each Next Stage show is unique, please see individual show pages for details.
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AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) & DEAF INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES
Some shows will offer ASL and/or Deaf interpretation at select performances. Audiences using interpretation services are encouraged to make use of priority seating to ensure best sight lines. Information about best sight lines can be obtained at the Next Stage box office prior to the performance. Where possible, ASL fluent volunteers are available prior to show start. Please email access@fringetoronto.com for more information.
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AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES
Closed audio description improves access for blind and partially sighted patrons by providing a live verbal description of the visual elements of a performance (sets, costumes, and nonverbal onstage action) as well as pre-show notes. These performances require an earphone and receiver that can be obtained from the Next Stage box office. Please identify yourself at the box office least 25 minutes prior to the performance start times to make use of this service. Support persons attend free however they must also be issued a ticket.
Please note: pre-recorded audio description of key visual and movement elements will be available for U-R-U. Please go to show page for details in early January. The team behind Pearle Harbour: Agit-Pop! is in the early stages of research towards integrating audio description within their show. Feedback is welcome and can be sent to access@fringetoronto.com