ACCESSIBILITY

Audio-described performances are designed for patrons who are Blind or have low vision. Delivered via headset, the live audio description gives details of costumes, sets, and key on-stage action, supplementing the spoken dialogue without interfering with it.

For more details and dates: stratfordfestival.ca/AudioDescribed

Magnifying sheets may be borrowed from the House Manager.

For guests with restricted mobility

We offer accessible and mobility seating in all our theatres. While all theatres are equipped with handrails, please note that regular seating areas at the Studio Theatre and in the Avon Theatre balcony are steeply inclined. While the Avon balcony level may be reached by elevator, there are steps leading to the seats.

Our theatres also feature special-access washrooms, motorized door controls and elevators in multi-level buildings. Patrons are welcome to bring their own assistive devices; however, large devices such as walkers must be stored outside the auditorium during performances.

Pre-paid special-access parking is available with a valid disability parking permit. These spaces are limited, so please reserve when booking tickets. The City of Stratford also provides unreserved special-access parking in Upper Queen’s Park adjacent to the Festival Theatre, as well as near our other theatres. Metered parking is free throughout the City of Stratford in designated spaces with a valid disability parking permit.

For more details: stratfordfestival.ca/Parking

We welcome support persons who provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, or access to our facilities. Support persons must have their own valid tickets for performances and events that have assigned seating; admission prices will be charged for both attendees based on seating location chosen. Complimentary admission for one support person will be granted with a valid CNIB card or Access 2 card, on a case-by-case basis. Please call the box office prior to performance.

Relaxed performances are designed to welcome patrons who may benefit from a less restricted audience environment. Patrons of all abilities are welcome, including those with intellectual or learning disabilities, sensory processing conditions, autism, social anxiety, Alzheimer’s, PTSD or dementia. There will be a relaxed attitude to noise and movement within the auditorium, and some minor production changes may be made to reduce the intensity of light and startling effects. During the performance, patrons may leave and re-enter the theatre as required, and quiet spaces are provided in our lobbies.

For more details: stratfordfestival.ca/Relaxed

Our theatres offer wireless radio-frequency hearing-assistance receivers that are also compatible with t-coil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants. For optimal performance, guests are encouraged to bring their own headphones, though we do have a limited number that we can lend. Please reserve your hearing-assistance device when booking your ticket.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available on selected dates throughout the season.

Currently, we do not have any open captioned performances scheduled, but we are working hard to organize this for our 2023 season. This page will be kept up to date with any open captioned performances that may be scheduled.

For more details: stratfordfestival.ca/ASL

In consideration of others, we ask our guests to refrain from wearing scented products. While we cannot guarantee a scent-free environment, should you have an allergy to scented products and need to be moved from your original seating location, please see the House Manager.

Service animals are welcome: please call our Box Office if you have any questions or concerns regarding best seating locations when visiting with a service animal.

Additional open caption, audio-described and ASL performance dates may be available to groups of 20 or more for performances after July 1. Please contact accessibility@stratfordfestival.ca, for more information.