Accessibility
The Arts Club seeks to create an environment with reduced barriers for all. We want to provide a place where all people feel welcome and can maintain their independence and their dignity. Learn about our Accessible Performances here.
A stronghold of our belief and organizational culture is that all people have equal access to employment, our productions, our programs, and any other opportunities at the Arts Club. The Arts Club also desires to see a reflection of the diverse disability community in everything that we do.
Our ultimate goal is to have a completely barrier-free environment, and we continue to strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.
Accessibility is a continuum and an ongoing process here at the Arts Club, and we continue to make changes to our physical design, internal systems, and staff/volunteer training to increase our level of accessibility and inclusivity. We sincerely hope that you will be patient with us and support our efforts by providing feedback about your experience.
Our Accessibility Coordinator, Amy Amantea, will be happy to have a conversation with you about your access needs, and how they may be addressed in both the Arts Club's short-term and long-term strategic goals. Amy can be reached at aamantea@artsclub.com.
Accessible Seating
Accessible seating is available at each of our theatres. Please contact our Box Office for availability and to book seats that meet your access needs.
Access 2 and CNIB Card Holders
The Access 2 card is for individuals with a permanent disability who require the support of a companion/Personal Support Worker (PSW) when attending a show. The Arts Club recognizes the Access 2 card and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) card, meaning that we grant the holder any seat that best meets their accessibility requirements, along with a free admission for their companion/PSW, for any of our productions.
To become an Access 2 card holder, visit their website. If you are current Access 2 or CNIB card holder and would like to gain access to this program at the Arts Club, please email a photocopy of your card to boxoffice@artsclub.com. Once you are signed up with us, you can book tickets for any Arts Club show online, by email, or by phone at 604.687.1644. Click here for our call centre hours.
Body Positive Seating
The Arts Club recognizes that the traditional fold-down theatre seats lack stability and have armrests that can cause a barrier for some patrons who identify as body positive/plus-sized. We are exploring how to best accommodate this access need so that all patrons feel comfortable in our venues. We can offer a more sturdy seating option (a single chair with no armrests) in the section that is identified as wheelchair accessible. Please contact the Arts Club Box Office.
Newmont Stage seat dimensions: 18” W x 18 ½” D x 33 ½” H”
Hearing-Assistance Devices
The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, Granville Island Stage, and Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre are equipped with infrared listening systems provided free of charge for our guests who are hard of hearing. We have a limited supply of headsets; please reserve in advance by calling 604.687.1644. The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage is also equipped with a T-Loop Coil system for patrons using compatible hearing aids. You can access it by adjusting your hearing aids to "T."
Vocal Eye Described Performances
The Arts Club is proud to offer VocalEye Described Performances on all three of our stages. VocalEye provides live description to our audience members who are blind or partially sighted through the use of a single earpiece.
Relaxed Performances
An inclusive experience designed to welcome patrons of all ages and sensitivities, a relaxed performance contains modifications to the conventions of traditional theatre to maximize comfort.
The Arts Club is also exploring tactile interpretation and close-range ASL that would be made available during our relaxed performance for audience members who are Deafblind. At this time, select shows only.
ASL Interpreted Performances
The Arts Club offers ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation at select shows for our patrons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
What Is a DI?
A Deaf Interpreter (DI) is an individual who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing and possesses exceptional communication skills in both ASL (American Sign Language) and English. The DI has been trained in the role and ethics of an interpreter. A DI may use strategies such as: the use of gestures, mime, props, drawings, and home signs. These strategies may be used to match the language development of the Deaf person they are working with. In addition, the DI has an extensive knowledge and understanding of deafness, the Deaf community, and/or Deaf culture. They bring this expertise with them when working as a team with a hearing Registered Sign Language Interpreter.
The Arts Club is also exploring tactile interpretation and close-range ASL that would be made available during our relaxed performance for audience members who are Deafblind.
The Arts Club is exploring ways of working with DIs as well as consultants in the Deaf community to advise of ASL- interpreted programming.
ACCESSIBILITY SPONSORS
SUPPORTED BY
Arts Club Council of Governors
Alan & Gwendoline Pyatt Foundation