Rethinking Theatre Design: Overcoming Architectural Barriers to Accessibility

Auditorium, Backstage, Orchestra Pit, Dressing Rooms, Lobby, Box Office, Rehearsal Studios, Offices, Set/Costume/Props Workshop spaces, Storage rooms, Bathrooms, LX Control booth, Exits, Meeting Rooms, Bars…These are just some of the very, many spaces you might find in a theatre today. And it’s someone’s job to make sure that not only are each of these spaces, safe by undergoing countless risk assessments and considering how to mitigate those risks, but also to ensure they are accessible to all differently types of people, with different needs and from all walks of life.?

Accessibility in theatre refers to the ability of all individuals to attend and participate in theatrical performances, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. While accessibility encompasses many different aspects, the physical space of a theatre is a crucial component in ensuring that everyone can engage with the performance. Thus, architecture plays a key role in creating an inclusive environment that accommodates individuals with. But what do you do when a space is not already perfectly accessible? The more historic the builder the harder the constraints. With most theatrical buildings based in the West End being built in the late 19th?and 20th?Century most are grade II listed, meaning they have been deemed to have special architectural of historical interested and are therefore protected by law. These buildings include the Lyceum Theatre (1834), Theatre Royal Drury Lane (1812), Her Majesty's Theatre (1897, which next month will officially become His Majesty's Theatre in honour of King Charles III's Coronation), Savoy Theatre (1881), The Palace Theatre (1891), Prince of Wales Theatre (1937), Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre (1930), and Noel Coward Theatre (1903, originally known as the New Theatre).?

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Trying to make these buildings accessible presents several challenges. Listed buildings often have unique and intricate architectural features that cannot be easily modified without compromising the building's historic integrity. This can make it difficult to install modern accessibility features such as ramps or lifts. And planning permission is almost impossible to secure. It can be a lengthy and complex process and involves navigating a variety of legal and regulatory requirements. It can also be exceptionally expensive to make an older space accessible, as it often requires bespoke solutions that are tailored to the building's unique features. Furthermore, accessibility modifications often??require ongoing maintenance to ensure that they remain in good working order. This can be particularly challenging in a listed building, where maintenance work must be carried out in a way that does not damage the building's historic fabric.

Despite these challenges, it is important to theatre buildings and all historic buildings as accessible as possible, so that everyone can enjoy their historic and cultural significance. This may involve working closely with architects, heritage specialists, and accessibility experts to find creative solutions that balance the need for accessibility with the preservation of the building's unique character.

Physical barriers such as stairs, narrow doorways, and inaccessible seating can greatly impact the accessibility of a theatre space. These barriers can exclude individuals with disabilities from accessing the space, which can limit their ability to participate in theatrical performances. For example, individuals with mobility impairments may have difficulty navigating stairs, and those who use wheelchairs may not be able to access upper levels of a theatre space without an elevator or ramp. Similarly, narrow doorways can make it difficult for individuals with mobility aids such as walkers or canes to enter the space. Inaccessible seating, such as fixed seating without spaces for wheelchairs or seats with armrests that cannot be lifted, can also prevent individuals with disabilities from fully participating in the performance and particularly enjoy them seating with loved ones who they wish to share in the cultural experience.

In addition to physical barriers, individuals with hearing and visual impairments may face challenges in accessing theatrical performances. However, these barriers can be overcome through the implementation of audio and visual accommodations, such as audio descriptions, closed captioning, and sign language interpretation.

Audio descriptions are spoken descriptions of the visual elements of a performance, such as stage settings, costumes, and movements. Closed captioning provides a text version of the dialogue or lyrics of a performance, which can be read by individuals with hearing impairments. Sign language interpretation involves the use of a sign language interpreter who interprets the dialogue or lyrics of a performance for individuals who use sign language.

However, there are theatre spaces that have overcome these physical barriers through innovative architectural design. For example, the National Theatre in London has a system of lifts, ramps, and accessible seating that allows individuals with disabilities to access all areas of the theatre. The theatre also provides accessible toilets and induction loops for those with hearing impairments.

Another example The Royal Ballet and Opera which has a range of accessibility features, including wheelchair spaces, audio-described performances, and captioned performances. They also offer touch tours and have a dedicated access team to help patrons with specific needs.?

Also, The Unicorn Theatre in Southwark is a purpose-built theatre for children, with a range of accessibility features including wheelchair spaces, captioned performances, and relaxed performances. They also offer touch tours and have a sensory room for children with sensory processing needs.??

Finally, The Bush Theatre has also undergone a major renovation to make it fully accessible. The venue now has a lift to all floors, wheelchair spaces in the auditorium, and an infra-red hearing system. They also offer captioned performances and relaxed performances.

By considering physical barriers and implementing architectural solutions, theatre spaces can become more accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. This can create a more welcoming environment for all individuals to enjoy theatrical performances.

Architectural design can play a crucial role in implementing these accommodations. For example, the placement of interpreters can be strategically planned to ensure that they are visible to individuals who need their services. Digital display systems can be used to display closed captions or provide visual descriptions of the performance. The Globe Stage is an example of a theatre space that has successfully implemented these accommodations through architectural design. The theatre provides audio description for blind and visually impaired audience members, as well as British Sign Language interpretation for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The Globe also uses a digital display system to provide closed captioning during performances.

By implementing audio and visual accommodations through architectural design, theatre spaces can become more accessible and inclusive for individuals with hearing and visual impairments. This can allow more individuals to fully participate in the theatrical experience and enhance the overall enjoyment of the performance.

Seating arrangements can have a significant impact on the accessibility and inclusivity of theatre spaces. Obstructed views and inaccessible seating options can prevent individuals with disabilities from fully participating in the performance.

For example, fixed seating arrangements can make it difficult for individuals who use mobility aids to access the seating area or obstruct the view for those who use sign language interpreters. Inaccessible seating options, such as seats without armrests or spaces for wheelchairs, can also prevent individuals with disabilities from enjoying the performance.

By implementing flexible and accessible seating arrangements through architectural design, theatre spaces can become more inclusive and accommodating for individuals with disabilities.?

For those looking to increase the accessibility of their venues, there is a lot that can be done to get the ball rolling:

• An accessibility audit can help identify barriers to accessibility within a theatre building. This can include physical barriers such as stairs and narrow doorways, as well as barriers related to audio and visual accommodations. Once these barriers are identified, steps can be taken to address them through architectural design or other means.
• Working with disability advocacy groups can provide valuable insight and feedback on accessibility issues in theatre buildings. These groups can provide feedback on proposed renovations or suggest alternative solutions that may not have been considered.
• When planning new theatre buildings or renovating existing ones, accessibility should be a top priority. This includes considering accessibility in the initial design stages, including a detailed summary of the importance of accessibility and the spaces that require accessibility modifications as well as allocating funding for necessary renovations or accommodations.
• Theatre staff should be trained on how to interact with individuals with disabilities and how to provide appropriate accommodations. This includes training on audio and visual accommodations, as well as how to assist individuals with mobility needs.
• Raising awareness about accessibility in theatre can help combat some of the challenges of older buildings and limited funding. This can include educating the public about the importance of accessibility and advocating for increased funding for renovations and accommodations.
• Consider making a fixed term role specifically to address the accessibility needs to every space in your building.?

By taking these steps, theatre spaces can overcome some of the challenges of accessibility and provide a more inclusive and accommodating experience for all audience members. They’re not all free solutions, nor can they be achieved over night but it is something worth considering sooner rather than later. And keep your audiences engaged with updates. Be honest – you might not have a solution tomorrow but keep people up to date on the journey and let people know it’s a priority. When individuals with disabilities are unable to access a theatre space, it can create a sense of exclusion and isolation. This can lead to a feeling of being unwelcome or not valued as part of the theatre community.

Moreover, inaccessible theatre spaces can also perpetuate negative stereotypes and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. For example, if a theatre does not have accessible seating options, it may reinforce the idea that individuals with disabilities are not welcome or that their needs are not considered important.

There are some additional considerations one might want to keep in mind, such as the importance of intersectionality. It is important to recognize that individuals with disabilities may also face other forms of oppression or discrimination, such as racism, sexism, or homophobia. Theatre spaces should consider these intersecting identities and provide accommodations that are inclusive of all individuals. Providing language access is important for individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or non-native speakers. This can include providing captioning or interpretation services in multiple languages. And ongoing evaluation is of paramount importance. Theatre spaces should continually evaluate their accessibility efforts and seek feedback from individuals with disabilities to ensure that they are meeting the needs of all audience members.

Resources to kick start your journey towards accessibility:?

• The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre have an Access London Theatre website that provides information on accessible shows and theatres in London.
• The Accessible Theatre Project is a research project that aims to identify barriers to access in UK theatres and develop strategies for making theatres more inclusive.
• Attitude is Everything is a charity that works to improve access to live music and other events for deaf and disabled people. They provide resources and training for event organizers and venues to improve their accessibility.
• The DisabledGo website provides information on the accessibility of various venues, including theatres, across the UK.

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