
Accessibility at the Festival
We strive to make theatre accessible and continually work with our community to address barriers and find solutions so everyone can fringe to their fullest. That means listening and adapting. We continue to learn and evolve as our community learns and evolves.
Below you’ll find the many ways we are working to make our Festival accessible. A list of accessible performances will be made available prior to the start of Festival (August 14 – 24, 2025). Venue accessibility is listed below.
To inquire or book accessible venues or performances, or book a wheelchair stall for the performance of your choice, please email boxoffice@fringetheatre.ca or call 780-409-1910
Additionally, our Accessibility Team can help with Festival navigation. Please email or call to ask any questions that may help you plan your Fringe experience!
Email: accessibility.vols@fringetheatre.ca
Call: 587-570-4577
Accessible Holdover Performances
As part of Fringe Theatre’s commitment to radically accessible theatre, the upcoming 2025 Holdover Series will include CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) captioning for select Holdover Series productions in the Westbury Theatre. CART captioning services will be provided by Jeffrey Weigl with WizCap Realtime Reporting, Inc.
CART captioning provides real-time subtitles of dialogue and sound cues during live theatre performances, ensuring Deaf and hard-of-hearing Audiences, as well as those who benefit from text-based access, can fully engage with the performances.
Holdover Series CART captioning is generously supported by Edmonton Community Foundation.
52 Stories, Westbury Theatre, Aug 27 (Wed) 7PM: CART captioning.
Cabaret of Legends, Westbury Theatre, Aug 28 (Thu) 7PM: CART captioning.
Accessible Festival Performances
Individual productions may choose to offer accessible performances and/or features such as relaxed performances or sign language interpretation. These additional accessibility considerations are up to the Artists and will vary from performance to performance. Here’s a list of Festival shows who’ve self-identified accessible performances and features. We’ll continue to add information here as we receive it so please check back often!
Anne Zander is MOTHER, Venue 1, all performances: Babes in arms and breast-/chest-feeding always welcome (WARNING: loud music and flashing lights, reduced for Relaxed Performance)
- August 15 (Fri) 11:15pm (10:45pm Touch Tour)
- August 16 (Sat) 2pm (1:30pm Touch Tour)
- August 17 (Sun) 4:45pm (4:15pm Touch Tour)
- August 19 (Tue) 8:45pm (8:15pm Touch Tour)
- August 20 (Wed) 12:00pm (Live Audio Description + 11:30am Touch Tour)
- August 21 (Thu) 2:00pm (Relaxed Performance + 1:30pm Touch Tour)
- Aug 23 (Sat) 6:45pm (American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted)
Beth and Josie EXPOSED, Venue 16, all performances: full story telling performance, very little non-scripted movement – our show does not require vision.
La Dernière Nuit de la Reine / The Queen’s Last Night, Venue 37, August 15 (Fri) 7:30pm and August 22 (Fri) 7:30pm: performed in French. All other show times are performed in English.
Dressing Room Requiem, Venue 21, all performances: all of our shows have surtitles provided for the songs (which includes language translations).
The Empire of Sand, Venue 10, all performances: this storytelling show is accessible to Blind/low vision audiences.
Just Business, Venue 27, August 21 (Thu) 6pm: relaxed performance, closed captioning.
It’s Just You and Me, Venue 31, all performances: this dance show contains no written or verbal language; accessible to D/deaf, hard of hearing and patrons that don’t speak English.
La rondine, Venue 16, all performances: all of our shows have surtitles provided for the songs (which includes language translations).
Multiple Neurosis, Venue 5, all performances: this storytelling show is accessible to low vision and blind audiences.
Polesque: the Grunge Era (post-grunge), Venue 25, all performances: this show has captions.
The Routine, Venue 13, all performances: this document describes the sound and music played in the show. The story of the show is told through movement, and this tool can help make the experience more equitable for deaf and hard of hearing audience members.
The Singing Psychic Game Show, Venue 4, August 18 (Mon) 2:00pm: relaxed performance – includes a preamble, dampened sound, and lighting with less contrast.
!SNAFU’s Sexy Puppet Show Epidermus Circus 2, Venue 1, August 20 (Wed) 7:00pm: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted performance. Interpretation by Andrea Konowalec.
100% Wizard, Venue 9, all performances: all performances are relaxed, with a preamble describing the relaxed performance, dampened sound, and lighting with less contrast.
Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS)
Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS) drop-off is available near the Festival Grounds on the East side of 103 Street South of 83 Avenue. Please note, you will need to cross 103 Street at the crosswalk once disembarking from DATS. Please contact DATS directly to book: edmonton.ca/transit.
Venue Accessibility
We do our best to work with our venues to ensure that they are making as many accommodations as possible. Take a look at the Festival venues and their accessibility features.
Please note: many of our Festival venues are operated by third parties. While we work closely with each venue to gather and share accessibility information, there may be times when your experience doesn’t match the information provided. We’re committed to updating our records and communicating changes quickly so every Fringer can make the best possible decision for themselves. If you notice an accessibility detail that needs correcting, please contact us at hello@fringetheatre.ca. Your feedback helps us build a more inclusive Festival for all.
Venues
Location
- Fringe Theatre Arts Barns
- 10330 84 Ave NW
Audio
- This theatre is equipped with a hearing loop (T-Coil Loop).
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- The doors into Fringe Theatre Arts Barns are 34” wide.
- The entrances to the Westbury Theatre are a 32” wide.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- The area around the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns is very flat.
- No stairs or ramps to get into the building or the theatre.
Seating
- Accessible seating is available on either side of the front row.
- The chairs have arms and some padding. Chair measurements are: depth 17.5″ by 17.5″ wide, and height (floor to seat): 18.25″.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are available down the hall of the main lobby on the northeast side of the theatre.
- Washrooms are accessible and have clearance for a 32″w x 32″h chair.
Additional Information
- The box office and theatre are located through the main entrance of the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns.
- This venue is located inside the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns. For a full list of accessibility features, please read the information at the following link: https://www.fringetheatre.ca/venues/accessibility/
Location
- Fringe Theatre Arts Barns
- 10330 84 Ave NW
Audio
- This theatre is equipped with a hearing loop (T-Coil Loop).
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- The entrance to the Backstage Theatre is 32” wide.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- The area around the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns is very flat.
- No stairs or ramps to get into the building or the theatre.
- If coming from the west side of the building there are rail tracks on the path to the theatre. There is also a small lip in the concrete in front of the venue. Both should be approached with care.
Seating
- Accessible seating is available on either side of the front row.
- The chairs have arms and some padding. Chair measurements are: depth 17.5″ by 17.5″ wide, and height (floor to seat): 18.25″.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible and have clearance for a 32″w x 32″h chair.
- Washroom signs have braille.
- Washrooms are gender-inclusive.
Additional Information
- This venue is located inside the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns. For a full list of accessibility features, please read the information at the following link: https://www.fringetheatre.ca/venues/accessibility/
Location
- Fringe Theatre Arts Barns
- 10330 84 Ave NW
Audio
- This theatre is equipped with a hearing loop (T-Coil Loop).
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- The entrance to the Studio Theatre has a 32″ wide clearnace and requires a 90-degree turn to enter.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- The area around the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns is very flat.
- No stairs or ramps to get into the building or the theatre.
Seating
- Accessible seating is available in the front row.
- The chairs have arms and some padding. Chair measurements are: depth 17.5″ by 17.5″ wide, and height (floor to seat): 18.25″.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible and have clearance for a 32″w x 32″h chair.
- Washrooms are located nearby, next to Studio A and Studio B.
- Washrooms are gender-inclusive.
Additional Information
- This venue is located inside the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns. For a full list of accessibility features, please read the information at the following link: https://www.fringetheatre.ca/venues/accessibility/
Location
- 10322 83 Ave NW
Audio
- This theatre is equipped with a hearing loop (T-Coil Loop).
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- Wheelchair seating is only available on the ground floor. Front of House Volunteers and Technicians can set up chairs for people to sit with their group.
Seating
- Loose chairs without arms and minimal padding are available for ground level seating. Please contact Front of House directly to request these chairs.Measurement of grey chair: 16.5 inch width, 16.25 inch depth and 18 ½ tall. Auditorium chairs: 17 depth by 17 width and 18 tall
- Grey chairs are 16.5″ wide, 16.25″ deep, and 18.5″ tall.
- Auditorium chairs are 17″ wide, 17″ deep, and 18″ tall.
Transportation
- The closest bus stop is #2886, located at 104 Street and 84 Avenue.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are available, but require a tight turn around for those who use wheelchairs.
Additional Information
- This venue is located inside the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns. For a full list of accessibility features, please read the information at the following link: https://www.fringetheatre.ca/venues/accessibility/
Location
- 10433 83 Ave NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- The entrance to this venue has a ramp. This ramp is narrower at the top but still has 34″ clearance.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Seating
- Accessible seating is available, and seating can be moved as needed.
- The chairs are folding plastic chairs without arms (typically found at gymnasiums). The chairs are 15″ wide, 15.5″ deep, and 17″ tall.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- Washrooms are gender-inclusive.
Location
- 8529 103 St NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- The entrance contains a steep ramp.
- The entrance to this venue has a 32″ wide clearance.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- The sidewalk outside is uneven.
Seating
- Accessible seating is available in the first row.
- The chairs are folding plastic chairs without arms (typically found at gymnasiums). The chairs are 15″ wide, 15.5″ deep, and 17″ tall.
- Sturdier, padded chairs are available upon request.
Transportation
- Reserved accessible parking is available for patrons with a valid disability permit.
- The closest bus stop is #2886, located at 104 Street and 84 Avenue.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are gender-inclusive.
- Washrooms are accessible and have clearance for a 32″w x 32″h chair.
- The wheelchair accessible stall opens outwards, away from the toilet.
Location
- 11 Tommy Banks Way
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- There are no stairs or curbs on the path to this venue from the Fringe Grounds.
- The entrance to this venue has a small lip of 1.75″.
Seating
- Accessible seating is available at the back of the venue. The stalls require patrons to back in.
- Chairs are made of metal, with some padding and no arms.
- Blue chairs are 17.5″ wide, 18″ deep, and 18″ tall.
- Blue polka-dotted chairs are 18.5″ wide, 17″ deep, and 17″ tall.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- Washrooms are gendered.
- Stall requires patrons to back in.
- Washroom signs have braille.
Location
- 8426 Gateway Blvd NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- A wide door is available for entry upon request.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- There are no stairs or curbs on the path to this venue from the Fringe Grounds.
- All stairs and curbs have elevators and ramps that are safe, and have a 32″ wide clearance.
Seating
- Accessible seating is available in the centre of the front row.
- The chairs are black folding chairs with some padding. They are 15″ wide, 17″ deep, and 19″ tall.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- The women’s washroom requires the patron to turn a corner meauring 44″ by 48″.
Location
- 8620 107 St NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Location
- 8331 104 St NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
.
Location
- 10329 83 Ave NW
Audio
- This theatre is equipped with a hearing loop (T-Coil Loop).
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- The entrance to this venue is accessible on 83 Avenue.
- Doors are automatic.
- The entrance to this venue has a 32″ wide clearance.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Seating
- Most chairs fold and are fixed in place.
- Accessible seating is available in the front row, stage right and stage left.
- Loose chair are available upon request.
Transportation
- The closest bus stop is #2886, located at 104 Street and 84 Avenue.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- There is a wheelchair accessible washrooms with a grab bar and an outwards opening door (away from the toilet).
Location
- 10437 83 Ave NW
Audio
- This theatre is equipped with a hearing loop (T-Coil Loop).
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- The wheelchair accessible entrance is the main entrance on 83 Avenue. A short elevator ride is required once inside.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Seating
- All seating is accessible, and comes in a variety of sizes.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
Location
- La Cité Francophone
- 8627 91 Street
Entryways
- An accessible entrance to this venue is on 91 Street. Please go down the ramp beside the parkade entrance.
- An accessible entrance to this venue on the upper-level of the parkade.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- All stairs and curbs have elevators and ramps that are safe, and have a 32″ wide clearance.
Seating
- Auditorium-style seating and chairs without arms are available.
- All chairs have some padding.
Transportation
- Reserved accessible parking is available.
- Free parking is available.
- The closest bus stop is #2131, located at 91 Street and 82 Avenue.
- This venue is near a stop for the Fringe Shuttle.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- A 59″ by 80″ stall is available, with a grab bar.
- Washroom stall doors open outwards, away from the toilet.
Location
- La Cité Francophone
- 8627 91 Street
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- An accessible entrance to this venue is on 91 Street. Please go down the ramp beside the parkade entrance.
- An accessible entrance to this venue on the upper-level of the parkade.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- All stairs and curbs have elevators and ramps that are safe, and have a 32″ wide clearance.
Seating
- Chairs are metal, without arms, and have some padding.
- All chairs have some padding.
Transportation
- Reserved accessible parking is available.
- Free parking is available.
- The closest bus stop is #2131, located at 91 Street and 82 Avenue.
- This venue is near a stop for the Fringe Shuttle.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- A 59″ by 80″ stall is available, with a grab bar.
- Washroom stall doors open outwards, away from the toilet.
Location
- Campus St. Jean
- 8406 91 St
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- Though wheelchair accessible, those both manual and power-chair users may find navigation difficult.
Seating
- Most chairs are fixed, can fold, and have arms.
- Seating is fixed and raked.
- Loose chairs are available upon request.
Transportation
- Free parking is available.
- This venue is near transit.
- This venue is near a stop for the Fringe Shuttle.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are gendered.
Location
- Campus St. Jean
- 8406 91 St
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- This venue can be accessed through the main doors, and down a staircase. An elevator is also available.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- Pathways are tight, and those with wheelchairs and walkers may find it difficult to navigate.
Seating
- Rigid lecture hall seating.
Transportation
- This venue is near transit.
- This venue is near a stop for the Fringe Shuttle.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
Location
- 10019 81 Ave NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- The entrance is through the main doors to the Grindstone theatre, entering south off of 81 Avenue. The theatre is located past the bar.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- All stairs and curbs have elevators and ramps that are safe, and have a 32″ wide clearance.
Seating
- All seating is ground-level with folding chairs without arms.
- Chairs are metal and plastic without arms.
- Chairs may be moved to accomodate wheelchairs.
Transportation
- On-street parking available for use by disability permit holders.
- Free parking is available.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- Washrooms are gender-inclusive.
- There is a wheelchair-accessible stall that is 6′ by 8′ with a grab bar.
- Washroom stall doors open inwards, towards the toilet.
Location
- The Luther Center
- 10014 81 Ave NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Entryways
- The entrance is through the main doors, entering from 81 Avenue.
- The entrance to the theatre is down a ramp to the left inside the entrance of the building.
Mobility
- All stairs and curbs have elevators and ramps that are safe, and have a 32″ wide clearance.
Transportation
- On-street parking available for use by disability permit holders.
- Free parking is available.
- The closest bus stop is #2681, located at 101 Street and 82 Avenue.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- A wheelchair accessible washroom is located through the backstage. This washroom is 14′ by 3′, and has a grab bar.
Location
- G.B. Building
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Stairs are required to enter and exit the venue.
Location
- 9931 78 Ave
Mobility
- Venue is wheelchair accessible.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
Location
- Holy Trinity Anglican Church
- 10037 84 Ave NW
Entryways
- The venue entrance is through the main entrance doors, with a 32″ wide clearance.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- There is one curb up to access the concrete pad in front of the church, which is level with the main entrance doors.
- Once inside the main entrance doors there is a lift which can go up one level to the venue. The theatre is on level ground after that.
- Some of the floor is carpeted and the rest is wood flooring.
Seating
- Seating is fixed church pews.
Transportation
- On-street parking available for use by disability permit holders.
- Free parking is available.
- The closest bus stop is #2864, located at 102 Street and 82 Avenue.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- There is a wheelchair-accessible stall.
- Washroom stall doors open inwards, towards the toilet.
Location
- Holy Trinity Anglican Church
- 10037 84 Ave NW
Entryways
- The venue entrance is through the main entrance doors, with a 32″ wide clearance.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- There is one curb up to access the concrete pad in front of the church, which is level with the main entrance doors.
- Once inside the main entrance doors there is a lift which can go up one level to the venue. The theatre is on level ground after that.
- Some of the floor is carpeted and the rest is wood flooring.
Transportation
- On-street parking available for use by disability permit holders.
- Free parking is available.
- The closest bus stop is #2864, located at 102 Street and 82 Avenue.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- There is a wheelchair-accessible stall.
- Washroom stall doors open inwards, towards the toilet.
Location
- Holy Trinity Anglican Church
- 10037 84 Ave NW
Mobility
- This venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Stairs are required to enter and exit the venue.
Transportation
- On-street parking available for use by disability permit holders.
- Free parking is available.
- The closest bus stop is #2864, located at 102 Street and 82 Avenue.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
- Washrooms are gender-inclusive.
Location
- 8712 Street NW
Audio
- This theatre is equipped with an FM radio system hearing loop.
Mobility
- Stairs are required to enter and exit the venue.
- Only the auditorium is fully wheelchair accessible at this time. It is possible to get into the auditorium via ramp from an emergency exit through the alley on the north side of the building, which we know is not ideal. The venue has asked all patrons to meet at the main entrance and they will lead you through. As well, we encourage you to contact the venue in advance to discuss ways to mitigate barriers to a visit.
- For more information: https://metrocinema.org/accessibility-info/
Seating
- Seating is raked and fixed.
Transportation
- Parking is available in the Garneau School parking lot on 86 Avenue and 109 Street.
Washrooms
- We do have a fully-accessible single-room washroom that can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids, however there is also the issue of steps separating the lobby and washroom area from the auditorium and from the street.
Location
- 8217 104 St NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue has a barrier free access through a private pin-coded side door, complete with elevator and accessible washrooms. For assistance, please come early for early access and our teams will help you. Alternatively, please contact Box Office (boxoffice@fringetheatre.ca) for the code.
Transportation
- The closest bus stop is #2632, located at 104 Street and 82 Avenue.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are gender-inclusive.
Location
- Sugar Swing Ballroom
- 10019 80 Ave NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- A separate entrance is used for patrons who use wheelchairs. Please arrive early and request use of this entrance.
Location
- Sugar Swing Ballroom
- 10019 80 Ave NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Stairs are required to enter and exit the venue.
Location
- Roots on Whyte Community Building
- 8135 102 St NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Seating
- Seating is unfixed and raked.
Transportation
- Accessible parking stalls in the underground parkade are available for use by disability permit holders.
- Underground parking is available, which can be entered through the back alley.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
Location
- 10450 72 Ave NW
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
Location
- 10033 80 Ave NW
Mobility
- This venue is accessible but washrooms are not.
Seating
- Seating is unfixed and raked.
Transportation
- Parking available for use by disability permit holders.
Washrooms
- Washrooms not accessible.
Location
- The Roxy
- 10708 124 Street
Resources
- Full accessibility information for the Roxy Theatre can be found on their website: https://theatrenetwork.ca/accessibility
Location
- The Roxy
- 10708 124 Street
Resources
- Full accessibility information for the Roxy Theatre can be found on their website: https://theatrenetwork.ca/accessibility
Location
- 13915 115 Ave NW
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- The venue has a step-free entrance.
Transportation
- Parking available for use by disability permit holders.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
Location
- 10347 80 Ave
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible, however the washroom is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Location
- 10347 80 Ave
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
Location
- 9722 102 St
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
Location
- 9103 95 Ave
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Washrooms
- Washrooms are accessible.
Location
- 10418 118 Ave
Climate
- This venue is air conditioned.
Mobility
- This venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Stairs with a railing are required to enter and exit the venue.
Location
- Outdoors – 10330 84 Ave
Location
- Outdoors – 84 & 104 St
Seeing Shows
Please arrive early for shows. Indoor theatre shows begin exactly at their scheduled start time. Latecomers are not permitted entry. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the start of the show.
Show your e-ticket or printed ticket at the door to see the show. Fire code and insurance policies require that everyone attending the performance has a ticket, including babes-in-arms. Babes-in-arms who don’t require their own seat will be issued complimentary infant tickets (some shows have specially priced tickets for young Fringers).
All tickets are general admission, with first come, first served seating. Fringe shows do not have intermissions. If you leave the show for any reason, you may not be re-admitted.
Seeing Theatre for Young Audiences Shows
All Theatre for Young Audience shows are relaxed performances. Wiggles, giggles, and bathroom breaks welcome. You may re-enter a Theatre for Young Audiences performance if you need to step out to tend to the needs of your little ones. We have a dedicated Theatre For Young Audiences venue – The Edmonton Public Library – Strathcona Branch – check out the shows!
Pre-Boarding
Need help navigating stairs or crowds? If you require additional time or assistance, we encourage you to please self-select to “pre-board” at your venue. Any patron who uses a mobility aid or who needs more time to enter a venue may speak with a Front of House Volunteer when you arrive at the venue. We’re here to help make your Fringe awesome!
Seating Accessibility
Should you require assistance or accessibility accommodations at any of our venues, please share your needs in the accommodation field when booking your ticket online at fringetheatre.ca; tell us in-person at the Box Office; or over the phone at 780-409-1910. You may also speak with the Front of House Volunteers when you arrive at the venue.
Wheelchair Stalls
Tickets for wheelchair users (known as wheelchair stalls) may be purchased in-person at the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns Central Box Office; by email at boxoffice@fringetheatre.ca; or by phone at 780-409- 1910. Please note: unfortunately, due to software limitations, wheelchair stall tickets cannot be purchased online.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are welcome in all venues. Please ensure your service dog is wearing their service vest.
Sensory Kits
Sensory Kits are available to borrow for free from the Box Office located in the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns Lobby, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sensory Kits contain ear plugs, over ear protection, fidget devices, and sunglasses to mitigate sensory sensitivities.
T-Coil Loops
Our Central Box Office and all theatres inside the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns are equipped with hearing loops (t-coil loops) for Fringers who use assistive hearing devices. These loops transmit directly to a hearing aid or cochlear implant electromagnetically, with no extra equipment.
To use the system:
- Ask your hearing aid provider to activate your t-coil function; and
- When you arrive at the theatre, switch your hearing aid to the t-coil function and adjust the
volume as needed.
Those without hearing aids can also utilize a portable headset receiver. Units are available to borrow for free from the Box Office located in the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns Lobby and are available on a first come, first-served basis.
Scent Free
Fringe is continually aiming to be more inclusive to all Fringers. We do our best to encourage a scent-free environment. Increasingly, there is information the chemicals that create scent in our daily products can cause sickness for people with many different conditions. We ask for all Fringers to not use strong scents when fringing. Please use fragrance free or unscented personal care products to help keep the air healthy for everyone.
Environmental Impacts
We recognize that environmental air quality issues may impact the Festival experience. This includes wildfire smoke, COVID-19, and other airborne issues. Fringe recognizes our Artists and Patrons have different needs and comfort levels regarding protective masking. Many people have reasons for masking, including smoke from the forest fires. We encourage Patrons to mask as they need to for their own safety. We also ask Patrons to not attend Fringe if sick, or wear an appropriate mask to avoid getting others sick.
Ongoing Accessibility Initiatives
Accessibility is a patient journey, and we’re working hard to make meaningful progress. We strive to make theatre accessible and continually collaborate with our community to address barriers and find solutions so everyone can fringe to their fullest. That means listening and adapting. We continue to learn and evolve as our community learns and evolves. Here’s what Fringe Theatre is doing to build a more inclusive Festival, now and into the future.
Ongoing Accessibility Initiatives
All 2025 Festival show listings include plain-language descriptions on our ticketing website to help audiences make informed and confident choices. What does plain language mean? Plain language is geared toward literal descriptions, shorter words and sentences. Plain language descriptions describe what is occurring in the performance so that audience can understand and make informed decisions. It can also help to bridge cultural gaps, understanding not everyone comes from the same cultural backgrounds, knowledge and stories (i.e. not everyone has read Shakespeare!).
Each year, we conduct and update accessibility audits of indoor Festival venues to identify, understand, and, where possible, address barriers to physical access and environmental sensory concerns. Most venues offer wheelchair stalls (tickets for wheelchair users) as well as seating options (ie, seats without arms). All venues offer “pre boarding,” allowing audience with access needs or seating and/or parking needs due to mobility aids to go to the front of the line. Patron Services is pleased to assist and inform venues of patron needs.
We’re collaborating with members of the Deaf community to create a practical, Artist-informed guide that will support the inclusion of Deaf Artists and audiences in our theatre community. This guide is currently under review by Deaf Artists and will be available to the community in fall 2025.
We’re developing a dedicated application stream for Deaf Artists to participate in the 2026 Festival, with the goal of increasing representation and reducing barriers to participation.
Select performances in our year-round Fringe Theatre Season are offered as relaxed performances, designed to welcome audience members who benefit from a more flexible and sensory softened theatre environment.
Here’s what Fringe Theatre is doing to build a more inclusive Festival.