HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL’S 2023 AUDIENCE ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE & CHECKLIST
The Hollywood Fringe Festival’s accessibility statement & goals
The Hollywood Fringe is committed to increasing accessibility for audience members of all abilities and backgrounds. This includes disability access and interpretation services as well as providing clear ideas of what we can and cannot provide as a non-curated, primarily volunteer-run festival.
As a festival we provide resources and workshops to educate, empower, and encourage producers to make their productions as accessible as possible. Each venue and show has their own unique conditions so we rely on the individual producers of each show to accurately report and uphold their own accessibility practices.
Accessibility checklist
1. Select the accessibility flags that apply to your production. (You can review the description of each accessibility flag below. Many of these are simple practices that, with some planning, can be easily incorporated into the run of your show. Think about how you’ll implement those procedures prior to and on the day of your performance(s). Be honest about what you're willing to commit to and what you’ll be able to provide.)
2. In addition to maintaining the accuracy of the accessibility flags on your project page, we encourage you to provide more detailed accessibility information on the project page. (This includes a content warning, how to find the box office, and who to contact on the day of the performance regarding personal accessibility requests.)
3. Confirm your venue’s accessibility flags are up to date and accurate for your performances.
4. Ensure that your actors, box office, and production crew know your show's accessibility details for audience members, as well as what they can expect.
Congratulations and thank you for working to make our festival as accessible as possible!
How to add flags for the accessibility features of your show to your project
- Go to your project page
- Click on the “admin tab”
- Click edit on the individual show you want to edit
- Check any features your show may have
This information will be searchable via the Hollywood Fringe show listings on a performance by performance basis. Do not forget to update EVERY performance you are offering services for. Available services will show up for patrons when they go to purchase tickets to your performance. They will need to click into the performance to see the services available, so it is important to list the services you have available in your long project description for easy access.
Meeting your audience’s access needs
Access needs are what an audience member needs to engage with and experience a production. You can learn more about services that make theatre accessible here.
Personal accessibility request during the ticketing process
When purchasing tickets through the website patrons have the option to make a personal accessibility request, which will be communicated to the producer(s) of that show. It is up to the discretion of the individual producer if they are able to accommodate the request or not.
These are some examples of common personal accessibility requests:
- Brighter house lighting during seating
- Large print program
- Extra assistance getting to their seat
- Copy of the script prior to performance
- Specific seating request (e.g. front row for hard of hearing or visually impaired patron)
Communicating with your audiences
Through the Hollywood Fringe website you’ll be able to directly communicate with everyone who has purchased tickets for your performances. It is your responsibility to keep them updated if any changes happen that affect any of the accessibility of that performance.
24 hours before the performance send an email to your audience reminding them of your show's accessibility information, how to find the box office, and who to contact on the day of the performance regarding personal accessibility requests.
Audience safety guideline (not following these guidelines will result in you being prohibited from presenting as a part of the festival.)
- Only non-firing guns (replicas) are permitted for use in Hollywood Fringe Festival shows, and they should NEVER be pointed in the direction of audience members.
- Any physical interaction must be consented to, both in rehearsals & performances. Audience members should have the ability to engage or opt out of any interaction.
Using our website’s accessibility flags
On our website patrons have the ability to search for shows and venues by the following:
Show Accessibility Flags
Relaxed Environment / Sensory Friendly Performance
Live ASL Interpreted Performance
Captioning Available
Primarily Visual Performance
Primarily Sound Performance
Audio Descriptions Available
Masks Required During Performance
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Required
Flashing Lights
Smoke/Haze
Sensory Advisory
Content Warning
Offering Tactile Preview Tours
Priority Early Access Seating
Live Streaming Performances
Venue Accessibility Flags
Size-Inclusive Seating
Onsite ADA Compliant Restrooms
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Assistive Listening Devices Available
Accessibility Flag Definitions & Resources
Relaxed Environment / Sensory Friendly Performance
Performance with slight adjustments including the reduction of any jarring sounds or intense lighting. Plus a separate quiet area and activity area, for those who need to leave their seats during the performance. Specify on the project page which date(s) these performances will take place on. Learn more about what to expect at a relaxed performance & why to offer sensory friendly performances If you select this option, list on your project page what adaptations you will make to give as much information as possible to those searching for this option.
Live ASL Interpreted Performance
Live American Sign Language interpretation will be present at the performance(s). List on the project page if interpreters will be present at all performances or only at certain ones.
Captioning Available
Captioning provides a way to follow what’s being said, sung, or used as sound cues during a performance. Specify on your project page the date(s) captioning will be provided, and if it will be open and/or closed captions. (The key difference between open captions and closed captions is the fact that open captions are always on for all to see, while closed captions can be turned on or off by the viewer. For example open captions might be projected above the stage, while closed captions might be read off an app audience members can run on their phones.)
Primarily Visual Performance
The production will be mainly visual, containing little to no dialogue, music, or sounds. Audiences can fully engage with and experience this show without any of the auditory elements.
Primarily Sound Performance
The elements utilized in this performance will be mainly auditory. Audiences can fully engage with and experience this show without any of the visual elements.
Audio Descriptions
The performance will be accompanied by a live or pre-recorded narration of what is happening on stage.
Masks Required During Performance
If you choose to utilize this performance flag it is the responsibility of the producer(s) to ensure these practices are being upheld at each performance.
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Required
If you choose to utilize this performance flag it is the responsibility of the producer(s) to ensure these practices are being upheld at each performance.
Flashing Lights
This show utilizes flashing lights, images, and/or projections. Post this on your project page AND at the door of the venue for audience members to see as they enter.
Smoke/Haze
This show utilizes smoke and/or haze. Post this on your project page AND at the door of the venue for audience members to see as they enter.
Sensory Advisory
This show utilizes sudden sounds, loud music, and/or other elements that may be overwhelming to someone with sensory sensitivities. Post this on your project page AND at the door of the venue for audience members to see as they enter.
Content Warning
A warning audiences can view on your project page prior to purchasing tickets; stating if the production will contain potentially triggering content. Examples of some content that may be upsetting or triggering: violence, hateful language, eating disorders, self-harm, animal cruelty, blood, sexual situations, conversations around body image, etc. (What if my show is family friendly, do I still need to write a content warning?Yes. Even if there is nothing you believe is potentially harmful in the content of your show, stating that provides a level of comfort for many potential audience members who may be on the fence about seeing your production.) Learn more about why we provide them to audiences here.
Examples of topics that require content warnings:
- rape and/or sexual assault
- abuse (physical, mental, verbal, sexual)
- self-harm
- suicide
- violence
- death and/or dying
- pregnancy and/or childbirth
- miscarriages and/or abortion
- blood
- torture
- jump scare
- mental illness
- eating disorders and diet culture
- any kind of discrimination and/or bigotry (racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia)
- drugs/alcohol/substance abuse
- police brutality
- (fake or mimed) gun or weapon use
Offering Tactile Preview Tours
A touch tour is usually held before an audio described performance to provide context about the show and to allow members of the audience to physically familiarize themselves with the design of the space, set, costumes, and props ahead of the show itself. A producer, performer, or someone on the creative team will provide key descriptive/visual information prior to the show so those attending can fully experience and engage with the performance. List the performance dates and time when you’ll offer tactile preview tours on your project page. Learn more about why we do it here.
Priority Early Access Seating
An announcement will be made that any patron who needs more time getting to their seats will be given a chance to enter the venue early before general admission seating, that way they will be able to find specific seating based on their access needs.
Live Streaming Performances
Live streaming your performance provides a unique opportunity for your show to be accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to attend an in-person performance.
Size-Inclusive Seating
Seating options are available for all body shapes and sizes, without special requests, and preferably different styles as well (with moveable armrests and without armrests). Tip: Bench style seating is extremely accessible. Communicate with your venue to list the amount of legroom, distance between seats, width, depth, and height of the seats available on the project page so audience members can know before buying tickets and arriving at the theatre. See examples of how theaters list seating information here.
Onsite ADA Compliant Restroom
Inside the venue is an accessible restroom (with proper signage) that complies with California’s ADA guidelines, learn more about the requirements here.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
The venue has wheelchair accessible hallways, entrances, and seating. For venues with stairs, note if there is access to a working elevator or ramp.
Assistive Listening Devices Available
Hearing devices to amplify the sounds on stage. Many of our venues are equipped with assistive listening devices or a hearing loop system.
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION CONSULTING
Alie B. Gorrie is a Disability Inclusion Consultant. Learn more at www.aliebgorrie.com and contact at [email protected].
Christine Bruno (Disability Equity Consultant) is an award-winning actor, director, teaching artist, and disability equity consultant for the entertainment industry and arts & culture organizations. Based in NYC, she holds an MFA in Acting and Directing from the New School and is a member of The Actors Studio. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA, she sits on the NY Local Board of SAG-AFTRA and is Chair of NY SAG- AFTRA Performers with Disabilities (PWD) Committee. She recently starred Off-Broadway in the world premiere of Bekah Brunstetter’s Public Servant and can be seen in the award-winning indie feature Best Summer Ever on Amazon Prime and iTunes. For more information on her consulting services, please visit www.BrunoDisabilityInclusion.com.
Marilee Talkington is a leader in the disability justice in arts and entertainment movement. Her niche expertise is training, writing for, casting, and working with blind & low vision actors and artists.
She is the founder of Access Acting Academy, a first-of-its-kind acting studio (virtual and in-person) for blind & low vision actors at all levels, where she, along with her master collaborators, have revolutionized the pedagogical approach to training with equity and access at the forefront at all times. She has consulted for major film studios, independent film production companies/writers/directors/producers, television networks and specific shows, theater, commercials, acting conservatories/university drama programs/acting studios, and non-arts related organizations. She is the recipient of the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award for transforming the way the world views blind humans, and has been profiled on Apple’s “Time to Walk”, Forbes, NY Times, AbilityMagazine, Spectrum TV, and so many more for her artistic and advocacy work. She is a professional actor with an M.F.A in Acting and one of the only legally blind women in the United States to be awarded this degree www.accessacting.com. For consultation rates, please contact me directly and mention where you got my information at [email protected]
The Rainbow Butterfly Café is an EduTainment Production & Consulting Company that creates performances and expressive arts workshops to eradicate ableism, racism and othering stigmas. Offers Disability Equity, Inclusion & Access Consulting for Individuals, Productions (Theater, Film & Television) & Arts Organizations: Diana Elizabeth Jordan- Chief Creative Artivist/Founder, www.rainbowbutterflycafe.com, [email protected], 424-259-1802
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION RESOURCES
Closed captioning and live transcription resources:
Article about closed captions and live transcription on Zoom: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/207279736-Closed-captioning-and-live-transcription
ASL Interpretation
The Sign Language Company Since 1986, The Sign Language Company has provided certified and qualified interpreters throughout California and around the Globe. Headquartered in Los Angeles, The Sign Language Company has established an enviable reputation in a wide array of settings. We have unique expertise in the Entertainment Industry serving as the preferred agency for Theatre, Television (including commercials, music videos, and Public Service Announcements) and Film. https://signlanguageco.com
Student Volunteer Communication Services through California State University Northridge.
Free student volunteer interpreters--note that recruiting process can take up to 7 days to complete: https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/deaf-studies/requesting-student-volunteer-communication-services
Pro Bono ASL Professional deaf and hearing BIPOC ASL interpreters with negotiable rates: https://www.probonoasl.com/professional-requests
LIFESIGNS, Inc Certified sign language interpreters: https://lifesignsinc.org/sign-language-interpreting/28
AUDIO DESCRIPTION SERVICES
Audio Description, also known as Descriptive Audio or Video Description, narrates the relevant visual information contained in a video and is an accommodation for blind and low-vision viewers. These descriptions fit into natural pauses in the video’s audio track to provide context, to clarify speakers, and to articulate visual elements that are critical to gain a comprehensive understanding of the video.
Deluxe Media Services’ in-house audio description department has described more than 130 feature films. Certified by the American Council for the Blind, they have a database of more than 200 professional voice talents. They can provide audio description in foreign languages.
Phone: (818)565-3600
Website: bydeluxemedia.com
Descriptive Video Works specializes in descriptive video for broadcast programming and feature films. They have completed audio description for more than 20,000 television shows and feature films. Their audio description for U.S. networks and film studios give 22 million American viewers access to a wide variety of broadcast programming.
Phone: (866) 818-3897
Website: descriptivevideoworks.com
WGBH’s Media Access Group has pioneered and delivered captioned and described media for more than30 years to people in their homes, classrooms at work and in the community. WGBH serves 35 million people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision. For feature films, DVS® Theatrical® allows moviegoers who are blind to hear descriptions of the film’s key visual elements without distracting other patrons.
Phone: (617) 300-3600
Email: [email protected]
Website: access.wgbh.org
Woman of Her Word provides the specialized voiceover style required for audio description. Michele Spitz has produced and narrated AD for 50 films, as well as voiced AD for museum tours, educational videos and audio newsletters that provide access to information for the low vision and blind communities. Michele is a disability advocate, public speaker and philanthropist supporting arts and accessibility.
Website: womanofherword.com
Email: [email protected]
