Accessibility & engagement

​Robert ad Ted , wearing beanie hats and orange high vis jackets are sitting on either side of a table. Robert has a dark beard and glasses, he has his arm crooked, fingers resting on his lip. Ted is slightly bent towards the table with his arms crossed. They are both looking forward to the director who is sat on a chair facing them. She has a red bob, glasses and is wearing jeans and t-shirt. The director is focusing on her notes which she is adding to.

What is access?

1. approach or enter (a place).
"single rooms have private facilities accessed via the balcony"
2. obtain or retrieve (computer data or a file).
"information can be accessed from several files and displayed at the same time"

The main focus of access in theatre is the audience being able to enter and sit down in the space then providing information about movements onstage. It is the mark of a good writer and director if the audience can understand what is happening during that performance when only able to process audio.

Lucy with plaited blonde hair, is wearing a turquoise roll-neck jumper, leggings and bright blue DR Marten boots. She is crouching and pouring an imaginary urn like Sabrina towards the ground. She is crouched on a low plinth on a Roman excavation site where a dedication to Sabrina would have stood.

Why is it important?

Taking account of each person's access needs means that your theatre production will be worked on by a team who are comfortable, engaged and enthusiastic. The quality of your work will improve and the team will be eager to work with you again.

Designing a performance which builds access throughout the creation process means that more audiences will be able to access your work and they will share with other people who may find accessing the arts challenging.

Access should be considered for the team involved in the creation and rehearsal process as well as the audience during performances.

Lucy Hayward and director, Katnerine Wooton are sitting at a table. Lucy with shoulder length hair and a spotty shirt is focused on Katherine, who with long red hair snd a long sleeved t shirt has her arms raised as she excitedly describes the next steps.

Access within my work

My productions are designed and rehearsed with access as a central focus. My rehearsal process has been described as innovative, supportive and inclusive. Designing each session around the needs of those involved means that the plays we produce are high quality, inclusive and as accessible as possible using the expertise we have.