Accessibility
At Bard on the Beach we believe that everyone should have equal access to our productions, programs, and employment opportunities. We strive to be accessible and inclusive to all, and we’re committed to identifying and removing barriers to the best of our abilities.
We recognize that increasing accessibility is an ongoing process. As we continue to make changes and expand services, we welcome your requests, suggestions, and feedback. Please email us at boxoffice@bardonthebeach.org.
Performances and Events
Our Festival takes place in temporary structures at Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park. Each year as we rebuild our site, we ask ourselves: how can we improve accessibility for all our patrons? What services and support can we offer that will make each person’s visit to Bard as comfortable and enjoyable as possible?
ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES
VocalEye
We’ve partnered with VocalEye, a Vancouver non-profit that provides live-audio description of the visual elements of the performance to patrons who are blind or have low vision. VocalEye described services will be offered for select matinees and evening performances on the BMO Mainstage, for those who are blind, partially sighted and visually impaired.
2023 Season VocalEye Schedule
AS YOU LIKE IT
Friday, August 11 at 7:30pm
August 27 at 2pm
GOBLIN:MACBETH
Sunday, September 10 at 2pm
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed Performances are for everyone – as we welcome people into our theatre who may benefit from a more casual environment. During these performances, we have an open and encouraging attitude towards audience members moving, making noise, and exiting/entering the auditorium freely. Relaxed Performances also offer a good introductory experience if you’re attending Bard for the first time.
2023 Season Relaxed Performance Schedule
AS YOU LIKE IT
Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 2pm
Community Access Tickets
Our Community Access program partners with organizations in order to provide complimentary tickets to groups whose members face barriers to attending our Festival. To learn more about the program and to submit a request, please visit our Community Access Tickets page.
Know an organization that you think would benefit from receiving Community Access tickets? Please email Max Mehran at mmehran@bardonthebeach.org
ACCESS SEATING
Our Mainstage Theatre Tent and Douglas Campbell Theatre Tent are both accessible by wheelchair. If you or anyone in your group have mobility issues or concerns, require accessible seating, or have a certified service dog, please contact the Box Office at 604-739-0559 to reserve seats.
HEARING ASSISTANCE
For those attending one of our performances on either the BMO Mainstage or the Howard Family Stage, we have a limited number of assistive listening systems. The hearing assists are an FM frequency system that will enhance the actors’ speech on stage. Any regular (low impedance mono) earphones, headphones, neckloops and telecoil loops can be plugged into the receiver. All hearing assists include a single wired ear bud.
Please ask the Audience Services desk for assistance, starting one hour prior to the start of the performance. Hearing assists are loaned out on a first-come; first-served basis.
Education Programs
We welcome participants of all ages, cultural backgrounds, genders, abilities, and personalities to be creative, collaborative, and courageous as they express themselves through Shakespeare. When registering for programs, you will have the chance to let the Bard Education team know how we can support your access needs.
If you have questions, please email our Education Manager Katie Johnstone at kjohnstone@bardonthebeach.org. Katie will be happy to assist!
Bursary Fund
THE BARD EDUCATION BURSARY FUND
Established by the Bard Volunteers in 2009, the Bursary Fund is dedicated to covering the costs of our education programming for those who need support. During our Festival and throughout the year patrons make a difference by donating to the Fund. Bursaries are available for individuals and families, while subsidies are available for schools and community organizations.
Working or Volunteering
Bard is committed to promoting an accessible, safe, inclusive and diverse environment. We respect, value and celebrate the diverse experiences of each person and actively encourage everyone to consider joining our team.
If you have access needs in the application process, please email accessibility@bardonthebeach.org and let us know how we can accommodate them.