Universal design in the Performing Arts Centre
Fredericton Playhouse Inc. – the non-profit that manages the Playhouse – has long championed the rights of people of all abilities and backgrounds to engage in and learn through performing arts. We strive to offer programs and performances that bring everyone across our community together for cultural experiences, and we are committed to creating innovative and inclusive educational programs and opportunities.
Now, in the new Performing Arts Centre, we’ll be able to double down on that mission, as the spaces within this modern venue will go well above and beyond what’s required in order to eliminate barriers that many people in our community may face.
The Performing Arts Centre, which will be situated on the corner of King and Regent Streets in Fredericton, will implement innovative universal design standards not seen before in our region. The new building will make performing arts accessible and universally enjoyable for all - including people with disabilities and accessibility challenges, whether they are patrons, artists, volunteers, or staff.
With many people with disabilities living across our region, accessibility is an important consideration for strengthening our community, which is, in fact, the vision of Fredericton Playhouse Inc. In addition to expected universal design elements such as accessible entrances and exits, restrooms and unobstructed and flexible seating options, the Performing Arts Centre has committed to two design elements that go well above the expected in order to serve diverse and vulnerable populations in our community.
1. We will be incorporating an Assisted Listening System (ALS) designed to enhance the listening experience for individuals with hearing impairments.
This will consist of several components that work together to transmit audio directly to the listener, reducing background noise and improving sound clarity. It can be used in conjunction with hearing aids, personal receivers and cochlear implants, reducing the background noise that becomes a barrier for many with hearing loss.
In our Maritime region, seniors represent a large portion of our community and have much to offer in helping make our communities stronger and more vibrant. Yet, many face barriers in accessing cultural events because of hearing impairments. Hearing aids are a wonderful tool, but when used in a loud and crowded environment, the background noise can make it very difficult for the person to hear and enjoy speaking, music and conversation. Unfortunately, this can lead to seniors retreating from activities in the community and living more and more in isolation.
An Assisted Listening System will eliminate that barrier for vulnerable seniors and others with hearing challenges, making the Performing Arts Centre a hub where they can once again sit side-by-side with their peers. This is important for their own health and wellbeing and for the community’s ability to thrive by being fully inclusive.
2. We will ensure that every area – whether theatre seating for patrons, onstage and backstage areas for artists, and technical areas for staff and crew – will be barrier-free and accessible.
The orchestra pit, for example, will include a small elevator so that musicians of all abilities will be able to seamlessly and gracefully participate alongside their peers. This is not a building code requirement, but an element we feel is very important so that we can be fully accessible to all artists.
The sound booths in both theatres will also be accessible for wheelchairs or other mobility devices by including lifts for wheelchair access, so that technical and production spaces will be barrier-free. The green room, dressing rooms, washrooms, showers and other backstage amenities will also incorporate barrier-free design.
Fredericton Playhouse Inc. has always been committed to strengthening the community through the magic of the performing arts. Our current access programs at the Playhouse were developed to ensure that everyone in our community – no matter their circumstance, is able to come together in the community to learn and be inspired. We’ve done this through various programs, from free and subsidized school fields trips to free access for multicultural and social organizations to an artist residency program to propel emerging talent.
We’re extremely excited about designing the new Performing Arts Centre with modern, high-tech and universal design elements so that we can expand access for diverse individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, so that we can all come together to participate in artistic, cultural and educational experiences.
It makes for a stronger and more vibrant community. It leads to a better future for us all.
