Access Measures
The Toronto Fringe and the Next Stage Theatre Festival are 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 Next Stage, contact us at general@fringetoronto.com or call 416-966-1062.
Click here for the Next Stage Venue Guide
Additional Access Measures at Select Performances
Next Stage shows that are providing additional access measures at select performances are listed below.
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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.
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American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted Performances
Some shows will offer ASL and/or Deaf interpretation at the performances listed below.
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Access Guides
Access Guides are a written resource, using plain language to provide audiences, particularly neurodiverse audiences, with specific sensory details of programming in advance. In an Access Guide, you will learn about performance dates, times, accessible features, content information, lighting and sound advisories, and more. Certain shows will have Access Guides available online prior to their performance dates and will be listed below. The guides will be available on the show pages and may be updated closer to the 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.
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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.
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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. Please refer to the show pages to access their pre-show audio notes if offered.
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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.
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 all Next Stage venues. Information includes door widths, ramp specifications, and accessible washroom details.
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Active Listeners
Active Listening is a supportive, compassionate and empathetic relationship between two people who have lived experiences in common. Active listeners are available for all patrons, artists, staff, and volunteers every day of the festival online or in-person at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.