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Accessibility

Commitment to Accessibility

Factory’s mission is to develop new Canadian works that confront uncomfortable truths and nurture the next generation of intercultural theatre artists. With each Season, Factory brings new Canadian stories to the stage in addition to the re-imagining of Canadian classics that showcase the full spectrum of Canada. 

A key objective for Factory Theatre is to ensure that our productions, training enhancement programs, and employment/volunteer opportunities are accessible to all individuals, including people with disabilities. Building on a firm foundation of commitment to accessibility, we continue to identify, prevent, and remove barriers to participation on an ongoing basis. We work in partnership with staff, volunteers, visitors and the community at large to meet, and exceed where possible, the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and to demonstrate Factory’s commitment to access.

Access Factory’s Visual Story here.

At this time, Factory strives to identity and remove barriers to access in the following ways:

ASL Interpretation

American Sign Language Interpreted Performances are available at select performances for Deaf or hard-of-hearing audiences. For in-person performances reserved seats will be available for audience members who will be using the services of the interpreters.

Closed Captions

Closed captioning is available at all of Factory Theatre’s digital shows for Deaf or hard-of-hearing audiences. Captions are displayed in English and can be toggled on and off by audience members in the media player.

Relaxed Performances

Relaxed performances are designed to welcome patrons who may benefit from a less restricted audience environment. Patrons of all abilities are welcome, including those with sensory processing conditions, autism, social anxiety, Alzheimer’s, PTSD or dementia. There will be a relaxed attitude to noise and movement within the auditorium, and some minor production changes may be made to reduce the intensity of light and startling effects. During the performance, patrons may leave and re-enter the theatre as required, and quiet spaces are provided in our lobbies.

These shows are for anyone. Many other people may choose to attend a relaxed performance, either as an access requirement or because they like the inclusive environment.

Factory Tours

Factory Tours is for anyone who would benefit from an introduction to Factory Theatre, prior to attending a performance. It is particularly well-suited for those planning to attend one of our Relaxed Performances. 

For audience members who might be nervous about attending theatre (especially first-time theatre-goers), an advance visit to Factory can help make the performance experience more comfortable and engaging. Our Factory Tours are led by Factory Staff and include a behind-the-scenes tour to explore specific technical elements (sound, lights, costumes, set pieces and props).

Wheelchair Accessibility & Mobility

Factory Theatre’s Box Office is located on the ground level complete with an accessible door. Factory’s Mainspace Theatre is located on the second level of our theatre accessible via an elevator in our Box Office that takes patrons up to the Mainspace Theatre lobby. Our Mainspace Theatre accommodates up to four patrons with full-sized wheelchairs, and is accessed via the theatre lobby. The Studio Theatre is located on the ground floor and can accommodate up to six patrons with full-sized wheelchairs.

It is recommended that patrons using mobility devices call ahead to book tickets and make arrangements for their visit. Ideally, patrons using mobility devices should arrive at least 20-30 minutes before the performance. Upon check-in at the Box Office, patrons are escorted into the performance venue by a Front of House Manager. A theatre usher will direct patrons to a wheelchair-accessible washroom as necessary and escort them back out to the lobby at the end of the performance.

Factory Theatre encourages the use of personal assistive devices such as Patron-Owned Electrical Equipment and Mobility Devices whenever necessary or possible in order to improve access to Factory Theatre programs and services. Please call 416.504.9971 for more information or to make arrangements.

Service Animals

Factory Theatre acknowledges the vital relationship and dependency that exists between a person with disabilities and their service animal. Examples of service animals include dogs used by people who are blind, hearing-alert animals for people who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing, and animals trained to alert an individual to an oncoming seizure and lead them to safety. All service animals are welcome at Factory Theatre. Please inform the box office when booking show tickets, an activity, or a program to ensure suitable seating arrangements are made. 

Support Persons

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to our facilities. Support persons will receive a complimentary ticket to our performances.  

Communication

A visitor with a disability may need to use an alternate means of communication to ask for and understand information provided by Factory Theatre. We will identify and offer the most effective and courteous two-way communication with a visitor with a disability. 

Accessible Emergency Information

Factory Theatre is committed to providing visitors with publicly available emergency information in an accessible format or with communication supports, upon request. We also provide individualized emergency response information to employees who have a disability. 

Disruptions in Service

Factory Theatre will notify our patrons and community members in a timely manner of any planned service disruptions that affect access to our facilities or services (i.e. elevators, etc.). In the event of an unexpected disruption of service, Factory will provide notice as soon as possible. During the disruption, we will make every reasonable effort to provide alternative accommodations that take into consideration the needs of the individual.

Feedback

If you have comments or suggestions for us, please let us know. We welcome your feedback and your ideas about how to make Factory Theatre more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. 
 
You may reach us in any of the following ways: 

If you are providing feedback, we ask that you please give your name and contact information (phone, e-mail and/or address) so we may respond.