Accessibility
Access
We work with our community to identify, prevent, and remove as many barriers as we can. If you have questions about accessibility at the Fringe, please get in touch with us by emailing administration@vancouverfringe.com.
Venue Guides
We have detailed descriptions of all our venues to help you prepare for your visit to the Fringe. Please review the pages for individual venues for detailed access information.
VocalEye - Curated Fringe Weekend – by and for the Blind Community!
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026
Once again, VocalEye is partnering with the Vancouver Fringe to offer curated Fringe adventures hosted by members of the Blind and Low Vision community.
Enjoy free admission to all Curated Fringe Weekend shows (schedule below). Seating is limited and available while tickets last. We encourage patrons to attend all shows on their chosen day. VocalEye members will have priority seating. To book tickets and learn more, check out: vocaleye.ca/events/access-vancouver-fringe-2026/.
Saturday, September 19
Curated and hosted by Linda Weber
12:00 PM That SHOWtime of the Month
1:55 PM Unfinished Business: The Cold Case Files
3:40 PM The Truth and Darers
5:15 PM Dinner Social: Join VocalEye for a community dinner at Tap & Barrel
Sunday, September 20
Curated and hosted by Kristy Kassie
12:00 PM Coming of Rage
1:45 PM Soul Maker
3:35 PM The Guys I F*cked
Time TBA Dinner Social: Join VocalEye for a community dinner. Location TBA.
Can’t make it to the curated weekend? Vocal Eye will also be at the Fringe describing 1984:AGAIN at the Picnic Pavillion on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 6:45 PM! To book tickets, check out vocaleye.ca/events/1984-again/.
Live Audio Description with VocalEye
Live audio description makes the visual elements of a performance accessible for patrons who are blind and low vision. Before the show, VocalEye patrons hear a brief introduction describing the set, characters, props and costumes. During the performance, a trained VocalEye Describer conveys important visual details and physical action between the performers’ lines, heard privately through a personal receiver and earpiece.
Listening equipment is available at no additional cost from the VocalEye table in the venue lobby and is compatible with most personal earbuds and headphones.
VocalEye Theatre Buddies are also available, trained in Sighted Guiding, to help patrons navigate the venue and assist setting up your receiver and earpiece. Buddies can also be requested to meet patrons at a predetermined nearby transit stop. To request a Theatre Buddy or learn more, email buddies@vocaleye.ca
ASL Interpreted Performances
ASL interpreted performances provide access for audience members who are d/Deaf and/or hard of hearing. These performances feature ASL interpreters and/or Deaf interpreters/performers who interpret all dialogue into American Sign Language (ASL) in real time, either on stage or to the side of the stage.
Relaxed Shows
Shows that are marked as “relaxed” offer a more informed, gentler experience for audience members, particularly folks that are neurodivergent or experience sensory sensitivities. All relaxed shows at the Vancouver Fringe meet the following criteria:
- Offer a visual story/access guide on their show page that you can review
- Allow ins and outs for audience members during performances
- Are comfortable with fidget toys being used during the performance (the Fringe will also have a small number of stim toys to lend at the venue)
- Do NOT include any of the following elements:
- Full blackout
- Sudden loud noise
- Haze
- Strobe/flashing lights
- Audience participation
This relaxed show designation is a new initiative at the Fringe. Please share your feedback with us at administration@vancouverfringe.com.
Support Person
If you have a disability and need a support person to accompany you, the support person’s admission will be free to all Fringe performances and events. Please notify the box office at 604-336-1736 all year round, or in-person during the festival period to secure a free ticket.
Babes in Arms
Infants (2 and under) can attend Fringe shows free of charge, as long as they are carried and do not require their own seat. Infants are welcome at all shows, but parents may find that shows in our outdoor venues or shows that are marked as “relaxed” may be best, as these events allow ins and outs throughout the performance. If you would benefit from a seat near the exit, please review our priority seating guidelines below.
Please note that Little Mountain Gallery doesn’t permit infants and young children. Minors are permitted at this venue with an accompanying legal aged guardian.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in all areas of our venues that are open to the public. Please advise the box office that you will be accompanied by a service animal when you purchase your tickets so we can let the venue staff know to expect you.
Priority Seating
During our festival, patrons with access needs are requested to identify themselves at the venue at least 25 minutes prior to performance start times. Priority seating cannot be guaranteed after general admission begins 15 minutes before the show.
If you need priority seating for a Fringe Presents event, please give us a call at 604-336-1736 and our staff will make arrangements.
Access Seating
Access seating for mobility devices is available at most of our venues. It may be reserved when purchasing tickets or by checking in with the front of house team at least 25 minutes before the performance starts. Mobility device users may also transfer to standard seating (assistance is not available).
Improving Our Services
We are always seeking to improve the experience of attending the Fringe. If you have any feedback, questions, or concerns, we encourage you to contact administration@vancouverfringe.com.
