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Resources on Theatre for Everyone
Summary of resources from Access/VSA International Center/Kennedy Center
All links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement or approval by the Kennedy Center or its Office of Accessibility and VSA of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual.
Resources on Theatre for Everyone
Tactile Tours
● Tactile tours are designed to provide inclusive, sensory-rich experiences for people with various needs—specifically children, people with dementia or Parkinson's, and neurodivergent or blind/low vision individuals
○ Tactile tours often include touchable items like costume fabrics and props, and can be accompanied by verbal descriptions
Providing Tactile Tours/ Experiences
● One participant shared their experience with autism-friendly theater at the Paper Mill Playhouse where Blind actors participated in tactile tours
● The audience touched props, the stage, and actors in costume (with consent)
● One participant noted that one audience member found it empowering—felt like an active participant
● Tactile exhibits should change based on the production being shown
● Include things like fabric swatches, light filters, set and prop pieces, and written descriptions, and QR codes for accessing audio clips related to the show
● Make the exhibit accessible for all audience members to interact with it freely
● Allow participants to meet actors, interact with the set, or view a scenic model of the set
● When managing larger tactile tour groups, it helps to split large groups into several smaller groups for better access
Promoting Tactile Tours
● Use a "Know Before You Go" email
● Include information about tactile tours in regular promotional emails
Autism-Friendly Performances
● Accommodations can include:
○ Partially dimmed house lights
○ A chill-out room with a live feed of the performance
● Performances can occur during Tech Week, opening week, and other times during the show's run
Captioning Tools
● CC Theater is a versatile, DIY closed captioning tool used by a broad range of organizations—from small to large theater groups, nomadic companies, schools, and universities
○ Unlike a concierge service, CC Theater requires users to manage the process themselves, including:
● Creating caption scripts from play scripts
● Providing their own operator
● Running the captioning during performances
● CCTheater has also been used by some organizations as a cueing tool by having backward facing displays so that deaf/HOH actors can more accurately follow the flow
Accessibility for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Audience
● Cast interpreters that match the background of the characters they interpret for
○ For example, the show Alma’s Way features a Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx as the main character, and they specifically cast a deaf actress to interpret who also shares that background
■ They also create bios for interpreters so kids can connect with and select interpreters they like
● Consider incorporating captioning into the show’s design, and providing ASL and voiceover for your shows
● A common challenge with ASL interpreted shows is that they struggle to develop audiences if the shows aren't culturally relevant to the deaf community
○ Shows often need to involve deaf directors, actors, and crew, and focus on deaf experiences in order to draw the deaf community in
● Partner with deaf organizations or interpreters to draw in more members of the community
● Hire a Director of ASL (DASL) for your ASL interpreted shows
○ The DASL will work with the director and the designers to ensure that the ASL interpretation is going to be synced with the show
■ Context such as themes and ideas of the show influence the ASL translations
● For example, a historical piece set in a specific time period would use different signs than a current piece in a different setting
Writing Accessibility into Contracts
● It is recommended to include accessibility requirements in contracts, particularly for organizations receiving grant funding.
○ This ensures that accessibility is treated as a core responsibility, not an optional add-on
● Many organizations, especially those without a permanent venue, are starting to build accessibility into contracts to ensure consistent accommodations
● The cost of accessible services can be a barrier, with financial concerns overshadowing long-term vision
○ Sharing resources and costs between organizations and venues can help make accessibility more feasible and sustainable
Making Theater Workshops and Games Accessible
● In your registration forms, ask what 504 or IEP accommodations the participant uses in schools.
○ The specific “504 and IEP” language helps parents understand what information is helpful.
○ This helps staff to know in advance what kind of accommodations to provide and gives them a chance to build plans around it instead of having to come up with last-minute solutions which may not be as accessible
● Teaching groups of people with mixed abilities
○ One participant noted that they divide their students into groups based on ability, age, and interests
○ The smaller group tends to be 10 to 15 kids, but in the morning, a larger group of 75 are all together
● Provide classes in rooms that are wheelchair-accessible
Other Relevant Resources
● Accessibility - Talespinner Children’s Theatre
● A Captioned Broadway Show Experience: Take Two – Meryl.net home
○ Talks about a production that had the English text and lyrics projected as supertitles onto the set throughout the show, so that at any point the text would be readily available when needed.
● Equal Accessibility for Deaf and Hearing Audiences? It’s Possible! - American Theatre
○ Free online resources created by Teaching Artists for Teaching Artists working in Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) Classrooms in New York City and beyond.
○ Hands On’s mission is to provide access to arts and cultural programs for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. We offer the information and services needed to ensure their active participation in New York’s vibrant cultural mainstream.
● How Sign Language Interpreters Convey the Raw Emotion of Dear Evan Hansen - The Washington Post
○ This production used integrated voice/text/ASL.
● The Sound Shirt - CuteCircuit
● Video: The Sound Shirt | Junge Symphoniker Hamburg - CuteCircuit
● Tactile Exhibits - 5th Avenue Theatre
