News Story
To give greater clarity on our access provisions, we have commissioned a series of five short animated videos.
So whether you are an Edinburgh resident regular, or a first-time attendee, these videos give details on how our access initiatives and activities work for our context.
The Five Videos Cover:
- The Access Pass: this video explains how to apply for the International Festival Access Pass when booking tickets. The Access Pass is a free membership for people with access requirements.
- The Access Guide: this video explains how our free Access Guide provides access information about all of the Festival venues as well as listings of all audio described, BSL interpreted, captioned, surtitled, non-verbal and relaxed performances.
- Audio Described performances: this video explains how our audio described performances remove barriers to performances by providing a live commentary of what’s happening visually on stage.
- BSL interpreted and Captioned performances: this video explains how British Sign Language (BSL) and captioned performances remove barriers to performances.
- Relaxed Performances: this video describes what a relaxed performance entails and how this relaxed attitude applies to the more formal aspects of traditional performance.
The Origin Story
The videos were originally the idea our Access Panel; a group of disabled people who give strategic advice regarding our access work.
While our access information is available as written text on the Festival website, the Access Panel shared that some people find it difficult to find, and retain, information contained in long sections of text.
They felt that putting the key details in bite-sized animations would be a much more accessible way for people to digest and understand it.
Creating the Videos
We were keen to centre disabled people in the making process as much as possible. We collaborated with 2D Workshop, an Edinburgh based studio led by neurodivergent animators. The voice-over was done by Glasgow based neurodivergent actor Hannah Hassan. Sound design was done by Louis McHugh.
Image gallery
A gallery carousel of 5 items
The Final Product
Drafts of the videos were also shared with Access Panel for comments and edits, to ensure the product was working for its intended audience.
We hope you find them useful and if you have any questions or comments about them please do get in touch at [email protected].
I thoroughly enjoyed lending my voice to these animations and it was such a joy to be asked. The team were very accommodating and formatted my script for me in way that was clear and as easy to read as possible. All around it was a supportive and relaxed process that I was proud to be a part of.Voice over artist, Hannah Hassan
Frequently Asked Questions
What access support does the Edinburgh International Festival offer for disabled audiences?
The International Festival offers a range of support for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audiences, including the Access Pass (a free membership that stores your access requirements and holds accessible seats exclusively for members), the Access Guide (a publication listing all accessible performances and venue accessibility information), and a programme of audio described, BSL interpreted, captioned and relaxed performances across music, theatre, dance and opera.
What is the Edinburgh International Festival Access Pass?
The Access Pass is a free membership for anyone with access requirements. It stores your needs securely so you don't have to repeat them each time you book, and gives you access to seats held exclusively for members. These seats include those with good sightlines of BSL or captions, extra legroom, and aisle seats. No evidence is required to apply.
Are there audio described performances at the Edinburgh International Festival?
Yes, across theatre, dance, opera and music. Audio described performances provide additional visual information of a performance for people experiencing sight loss, provided by personal headsets available to collect from the venues. These headsets are operated by the venues and vary in design, please check with venue staff about where to collect a headset from. Some AD performances are preceded by a touch tour, which can only be booked by Access Pass members. Find out more about audio described performances.
Are there BSL-interpreted or captioned performances at the Edinburgh International Festival?
Yes, across theatre, dance, opera and music. BSL interpreted performances are offered in two formats - integrated (the interpreter performs on stage) or side-of-stage. Captioned performances display spoken or sung text as written words in real time. The Access Guide also lists surtitled and non-verbal performances that may interest Deaf and hard of hearing audiences. BSL listings, Captioned listings
Does the Edinburgh International Festival have relaxed performances?
Yes. Edinburgh International Festival programmes relaxed performances for neurodivergent people and for people living with dementia. Each relaxed performance is different, but common features include low house lighting, freedom to speak or move during the show, and reduced or flagged moments of loud sound or bright lighting. Check individual event listings for the specific relaxed features of each performance.
Find out more about Access at the Edinburgh International Festival.
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