Show Accessibility

We encourage all participants to make their work as accessible as possible and to offer facilities to customers with access needs. Please see The Fringe Handbook for Adapting A Show for more details. Please note, information here will be included (along with performance space information) in the Fringe Programme.

Enhanced Performances

Will there be signed performances arranged with a qualified Sign Language interpreter?

A signed performance refers to the presence of a sign language interpreter at the performance who will translate the show into sign language for d/Deaf audiences that could benefit from it. Select 'Yes' if you have arranged, or plan to arrange, a signed performance.

If you chose yes you will be asked the following questions:

 

Sign Language Interpretation Questions



Please provide the dates on which you will offer signed performances.

An interpreter is a person trained in translating between spoken and a signed language. In order to offer a signed performance, you must have booked or arranged for an interpreter. 

Select the agreed position of the signer on the stage during your performance. Please note that this will effect where your audience chooses to sit. 

Choose the sign language that your show will be interpreted in: BSL (British Sign Language), ASL (American Sign Language), Macaton (for adults and children with learning and communication difficulties) and/or IS (International Sign).

Please note, that if any of the above information, if you are yet to confirm any of the above information, plesae leave the field blank.

If there are additional details you wish to communicate about your signed performance, please include these in the text box provided. Information provided will appear on the accessibility tab of your online listing. Please note, the team may remove any copy provided here which is not deemed factual information of benefit to someone making a booking.

 

Will there be live captioned audio of the show, including non-verbal sound, displayed on a screen? 

Similar to (but separate from) subtitles in a foreign language film or surtitles in opera, captioning displays dialogue, sound effects and off-stage noises in text format. A caption unit, close to the stage, can be watched simultaneously with the performance so that hearing-impaired audience members can follow what is being said and by whom. The captions roll in time with the performance and are generated live by a trained operator who is familiar with the show. Audience members with learning disabilities can also benefit from the added information provided by captioning. Select 'Yes' if you have arranged, or plan to arrange, a captioned performance.

If you chose yes you will be asked:

 

Live Captioned Questions

 

Please provide the dates on which you will offer captioned performances.

Choose the mode of captioning that you have opted to use for your captioned performance. Open is presented on a screen for the entire audience. Closed (Tablet) involves providing a device for captioning to the user. Closed (Own Device) involves the user utilising their own device (typically through an app).

If there are additional details you wish to communicate about your captioned performance, please include these in the text box provided. Information provided will appear on the accessibility tab of your online listing. Please note, the team may remove any copy provided here which is not deemed factual information of benefit to someone making a booking.


Will there be audio description of the performance provided through speech or a device, in addition to the usual dialogue or music of the show?

Audio description refers to an additional narration track for members of the audience who are visually impaired. Select 'Yes' if you have arranged, or plan to arrange, an audio described performance.

If you chose yes you will be asked:

Audio Described Questions

 

 

Please provide the dates on which you will offer audio described performances.

Select the option that best describes the mode of audio description you have chosen to use. Integrated description is presented to the whole audience, potentially integrating the description into the artistic product as opposed to it being in addition to the performance. Unit with headset refers to audience members listening to the audio description via a personal headset.

If there are additional details you wish to communicate about your audio described performance, please include these in the text box provided. Information provided will appear on the accessibility tab of your online listing. Please note, the team may remove any copy provided here which is not deemed factual information of benefit to someone making a booking.

 

 

Will the company be providing a Touch Tour for audience members at any point during the show run? 

A Touch Tour is an opportunity for patrons who are visually impaired to go into the performance space and touch parts of the set and any major pieces of scenery, props and costumes ahead of seeing the show, to help them better immerse themselves in the following performance. Please select 'Yes' if you have arranged, or plan to arrange, a Touch Tour.

If you are providing a touch tour, you will be asked which date/s are on offer and, in the text box, please provide all of the necessary information that an audience member will need in order to understand how your touch tour will run. This includes timings, meeting points and booking requirements.

 

 

Relaxed Performances

Does your show have any Relaxed Performances which have been adapted for audience members who are on the autism spectrum or have learning difficulties? 

A relaxed performance is designed to make theatre more accessible to individuals and their families with autism or other special needs. The experience will be less formal, in a more supportive and friendly atmosphere. It is understood that audience members may need to make more noise, move around, or leave and re-enter the auditorium during the performance.

Sometimes a quiet time out space will be provided for audience members who need to take a break during the performance. There will often be some changes to the production such as lighting or sound levels, house lights staying on low, warnings before loud noises, etc. Additional Front of House or trained staff may be on duty to assist the audience.

Sometimes a visual story is provided. This is a document containing photos and short descriptions that will explain the whole theatre visit, from arriving at the venue to leaving. This might include photos of the theatre entrance, auditorium, box office, descriptions of what happens when the show starts, etc.

A visual synopsis may also be provided, which can be helpful if audience members need to exit the performance at any point. A visual synopsis will consist of photos and short descriptions of the characters, setting and plot.

Relaxed performances are designed for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed theatre environment, for whatever reason.

For advice on providing increased access to your show via any of the facilities mentioned above, please contact the Fringe Society on equalities@edfringe.com.

If you are offering adapted Relaxed Performances, you will be asked:

 

Relaxed Performances Questions 1

Relaxed Performances Questions 2

 

Please provide the dates on which you will offer relaxed performances and select all the options that apply to your show as each option could have an impact on the experience of an attendee.

Introducing the cast/characters can make an attendee's experience more comfortable. Select Yes if you intend to include an introduction to your show that is specific to your relaxed performance. Please provide details of your planned introduction so that this information can be passed on to audiences looking to attend your relaxed performances.

Please provide information on any further adjustments made to your show for your relaxed performance. More information on relaxed performances can be found here.