21 January – 15 February

Accessibility at FRINGE WORLD

FRINGE WORLD is committed to making every visitor feel comfortable, supported, and included. We recognise that everyone experiences events differently, so we work closely with our presenters and venues to ensure a wide range of access needs are considered. Whether you are planning ahead or need assistance on the day, we want your festival experience to be smooth, enjoyable, and stress free.

The information on this page is provided for customers with accessibility requirements. General ticket purchasing information can be found here

Venue Accessibility

As an open-access Festival, venues include traditional theatre and performance spaces, alongside non-traditional spaces that are activated for the month of Fringe festivities.  
 
To learn more about a specific venue's accessibility, please visit the individual venue page or venue space page on the FRINGE WORLD website or app. Information provided by the venue is listed under the 'Detailed venue and space accessibility' section.  
 
If you require further information, please get in touch.  
 
In The Pleasure Garden, we will have small stools, firm cushions and chairs available for use upon request. If you foresee yourself requiring one of these, please just pop in an access note during the checkout process.

Using Filters to Find Events in Accessible Venues

Filters on the 'What's On' page of the FRINGE WORLD website and app can help you find performances that meet your needs. Select Filter Shows By 'Where', and accessible options can be found under the 'Physical Accessibility' heading. 

Filtering Options

  • Step-free mobility aid access
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Companions seated with the patron
  • Accessible parking (venue has a designated ACROD space)
  • Drop-off zone

Wheelchair Accessibility 

The below accessibility icons will display on session listings.
Fully Accessible
Alternate Entrance Accessible
Stair Accessible
Not Accessible

Accessible Performances

Many events offer features such as Auslan interpretation, audio description, or relaxed environments. As each event is independently produced, the availability of these services can vary, so we encourage you to explore the program filters and individual event pages for the most up-to-date details.

There are several ways you can navigate and filter the FRINGE WORLD program to find an event that suits your needs.

Note: FRINGE WORLD is an open-access Festival. Accessible performance offerings are at the discretion of the presenters, venues, and artists. 

Using the Accessibility Provisions Filter

You can use accessibility provision filters on the 'What's On' page of the FRINGE WORLD website and app to help you find performances that meet your needs.

Select Filter Shows By 'What', and accessible options can be found under the 'Accessibility Provisions' heading. 

Filtering Options

Audio Description 

This service enhances the live event experience for people who are blind or have low vision. An audio describer uses a small transmitter to describe what is happening in an event. People using this service use a personal listening device provided pre-show, enabling them to experience the event from anywhere in the space. 

Auslan Interpretation 

Auslan is the majority sign language used by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Australia. In these sessions, an interpreter stands at the side of the stage, translating dialogue live into Auslan. 

Relaxed Performance 

Open to everyone, but adapted to create a more welcoming environment for anyone that may benefit (this may include people with anxiety, sensory sensitivities or autism). Relaxed Performances often have slight modifications to light and sound, an open door policy, and a quiet area available.

Tactile Tours 

Occuring before the performance, tactile tours allow patrons who are blind or experience low vision to experience the performance via touch.

e.g. patrons may be given access to costumes, props, and stage set in order to capture the atmosphere of the work. 
 
Open Captioning 

Subtitles with additional sound descriptives.

Hearing Loop 

A sound system accessible to patrons with hearing aids that transmits enhanced audio directly to the patron's hearing aid via a wireless signal. (sometimes called an audio induction loop).

High Visual Accessibility

Within the Special Programs filter, select High Visual Accessibility to view shows with a High Visual Rating. This rating is given by the show presenter and means the performance is mostly visual. At least 75% of the show can be understood by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who do not rely on spoken English.

Knowing Event Content Warnings

To help you choose shows that are right for you and your group, each event in the FRINGE WORLD program includes content information. These ratings give an indication of the themes, language, or material you might expect. 

Using the Content Rating Filter

You can filter the program to find shows that meet your preferred content level. Select Filter Shows By 'What' and look for the options listed under the 'Content rating' heading. This allows you to narrow down events quickly and choose experiences that suit your comfort level and audience. 

The following are the content options: 
  • G = Suitable for all ages. These events contain minimal or no material that parents or guardians might find concerning. 
  • PG = Parental guidance recommended for those under 15 years. Some content may not be ideal for younger audiences without an adult present. 
  • M = Recommended for audiences aged 15 years or older. These events may include stronger themes or content that is better suited to older teens and adults. 
  • MA15+ = Material in this category is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years. Entry for anyone under 15 is not recommended. 
  • 18+ = Restricted to adults only. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to attend these events.

Viewing Information on Event Pages

Each event page includes details that help you understand the content and suitability of the show before you attend.

To view this information, select More details and look for the Suitability and Warnings heading. Here you will find notes about elements that may affect your comfort or access needs, such as loud noises, mental health themes, smoke effects, strobe lighting, or other content considerations.

These warnings are provided by presenters to give audiences greater clarity and to support informed decision making when choosing events.

Companion Cards

Companion Card holders are eligible to receive a second, complimentary ticket to the same session for a carer or companion (subject to availability) upon purchase of their own ticket.   

For more information regarding the Companion Card program please visit wacompanioncard.org.au.

How to register your Companion Card with FRINGE WORLD

To register your Companion Card, verify it in your FRINGE WORLD account. Click here to go directly to the correct page on the website.
  • Click the 'Verify Companion Card Details' link and enter your information.
  • Once you see the message “Companion Card applied to your account”, the Companion Card scheme will be active, and you can start booking tickets straight away. 
  • You can book one Companion Card ticket per performance on this website. If you’re booking for a group that includes multiple Companion Card holders, please contact us. 
To check if your Companion Card has already been added to your account, select ‘MyFringe’ from the top menu on the home screen.

How to book a Companion Card ticket

To book a Companion Card ticket on the FRINGE WORLD website or app, first log in to your account
 
If your Companion Card is registered to your FRINGE WORLD account, you can add one (1) Companion Card ticket per performance when purchasing a paid ticket online. This option will appear in the ticket type drop-down menu. 
 
Please note: the Companion Card holder must be able to present their card to Front of House staff on the night if requested. 

Notifying FRINGE WORLD of Your Access Requirements

On the website or app, select 'I have Accessibility Requirements' at Checkout to share access requirements of your group with venue staff for a seamless event experience. For example, “I use a powered wheelchair and require a wheelchair space”.

Alternatively, you can contact the FRINGE WORLD team using the contact details above. We advise getting in touch at least 48 hours before your performance. 

If you require assistance at the performance venue, we recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to your event start time and notifying Front of House staff who will be happy to help. 

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More Information

The FRINGE WORLD Audience Support team is here to help with access enquiries and ticket bookings, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the FRINGE WORLD Festival. They can assist with: 
  • Ticketing information 
  • Booking tickets 
  • Venue-specific accessibility details 
  • Securing complimentary Companion Card tickets 
  • Notifying FRINGE WORLD venues of any access requirements 
To get in touch, please use the contact form and select the 'Accessibility' category.

Accessibility Support for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Customers

If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or have communication access requirements and need assistance, FRINGE WORLD encourages customers to contact us through the National Relay Service on 133 677 then dial 08 8100 2089 or via relayservice.com.au. Please request an accessible call to 'FRINGE WORLD on (08) 9227 6288' when prompted.