Working-Together-Accessibility-in-Aotearoa-Theatre

Written by Henrietta Bollinger and Nathan Mudge for Playmarket, the guide brings together lived experience, producing knowledge and contributions from Deaf and disabled artists across Aotearoa. It was developed to complement Ngā toi mō te katoa: Arts For All and take a deeper look at accessibility within theatre practice.

The guide covers areas including programming and planning, policies and budgets, contracts and access riders, rehearsal processes, casting, intimacy, costume and design, as well as audio description, NZSL interpreted performances and relaxed performances.

Accessibility as a way of working

A key idea behind Working Together is that accessibility is not something to add to a production once the creative work is finished. It is a way of thinking and working that can shape a project from the beginning.

In this Arts For All Network conversation, Henrietta and Nathan discuss accessibility as a cultural shift rather than a checklist. They talk about removing barriers so Deaf and disabled people can contribute as artists, practitioners, staff and leaders, as well as participate as audience members.

“When you conceive of access as this kind of small additive, it limits us. When you conceive of it as a whole way of thinking and working, then we can be included from the start.”

Henrietta Bollinger

What you'll hear about:

Why Deaf and disabled people need to be involved from the beginning of creative processes
The value of lived experience and collaborative ways of working
Why accessibility goes beyond NZSL interpreted, audio described and relaxed performances
Creating accessible rehearsal rooms, workplaces and production processes
Casting and representation of disabled characters
Access riders and sharing responsibility for access needs
Intimacy practice and accessibility
How theatre organisations can move from providing access services towards genuine inclusion.