Accessibility
Melbourne Fringe is committed to access and inclusion for all people. We believe in the Social Model of Disability, where disability is caused by a society and environment with physical, attitudinal, communication and social barriers. It’s our responsibility to make sure our venue, Fringe Common Rooms and our Festival reduces these barriers to enable full participation by all people.
Festival Hub: Trades Hall is located on the corner of Lygon Street and Victoria Street in Carlton. The main entrance is via Lygon Street where you will be greeted by friendly Melbourne Fringe volunteers during the festival.
The Festival Hub will host a dedicated Quiet Space for Neurodivergent attendees to take a break from the festival’s hustle and bustle. The Quiet Space will be available every night the Festival Hub is open, from 5:30-10:30pm each night (4:30-9:30pm on Sundays). It will be opened for additional Relaxed Performance dates held on Saturday matinees – specifics yet to be announced.
You can search and filter for all access information on our website to find the events and information that meet your access needs.
Wheelchair Accessible
Indicates access for people with mobility requirements, including wheelchair users. For example, the symbol is used to indicate an accessible entrance, bathroom and that there are no steps or obstacles.
Auslan Interpreting
The Sign Language Interpreting symbol tells d/Deaf Australian Sign Language (Auslan) users that Auslan interpreting is provided. Interpreting makes sure d/Deaf Auslan users can engage with the performance or event using their first language.
Where this symbol is displayed, one or more sessions will be Auslan interpreted. Check the ‘Accessibility’ section on each event page for dates of Auslan interpreted sessions.
If you would like more information, please email [email protected].
Audio Description
This service enhances the live event experience for people who are Blind or have Low Vision. An audio describer may use a small transmitter to describe what is happening or how something looks, be it in an event or at an exhibition. People using this service may use a personal listening device enabling them to experience the event from anywhere in the space. Audio Description might also be delivered in-situ aka next to the audience member requiring it, or aloud for the whole audience to hear. Check the ‘Accessibility’ section on each event page for dates of audio described performances.
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed Performances and Low Sensory Performances are designed to be inclusive of Neurodivergent audiences.
These performances are open to everyone but have been specifically designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for those who would benefit from a more relaxed environment – this could include people with Autism, sensory sensitivities and/or learning disabilities, as well as those living with anxiety or who have experienced trauma. They allow audience members to stim, hum and move around as they please, and changes are made to the lighting and sound to make them lower sensory.
Check the ‘Accessibility’ section on each event page for dates of these performances and Relaxed guides to support the inclusion of patrons on the day.
Low Sensory Performances
Low Sensory Performances and Relaxed Performances are designed to be inclusive of Neurodivergent audiences.
Low Sensory Performances are similar to Relaxed Performances. The key difference is that a Relaxed Performance has more specific requirements, meaning that there are further layers of access applied to make the production more inclusive for Neurodivergent audiences.
Captioned Performance
For these performances, captions are displayed on a screen enabling the audience to read what is being said. Open Captioning is always in view and cannot be turned off. Closed Captioning can be activated or deactivated by the viewer. Check the ‘Accessibility’ section on each event page for dates of captioned performances.
Language No Barrier
This symbol indicates that audiences can understand and engage with the event without a comprehensive understanding of the English language.
Mask Encouraged
Mask Encouraged performances are designed to be inclusive of Disabled and immunocompromised audiences. These performances are open to everyone, with audiences who attend encouraged to wear a mask. While we cannot mandate audiences wearing masks, we strongly recommend that they do so for the safety and comfort of audiences at Mask Encouraged events.
Spaced Seating
Spaced Seating performances are designed to provide more space between seated audience members, with performances at approximately 60% of typical capacity. These performances are open to everyone but have been specifically designed to create a more comfortable and less crowded environment for those who would benefit from extra space – this could include people who are Neurodivergent, immunocompromised and/or with bodies that would be more comfortable with extra space.
Blind or Low Vision Rating
If you are Blind or have Low Vision, this rating system will help you decide if an event or work is suitable for you.
Fully Accessible – event/work is entirely sound-based with no visual component.
Partially Accessible – primarily sound-based with visuals only incidental or sight isn’t essential for Blind and Low Vision audiences to engage properly with the event/work.
d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing Rating
If you are d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing, or if English isn’t your primary spoken language, this rating system will help you decide if an event or work is suitable for you.
Fully Accessible – contains no sound, music or dialogue so d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing audiences can engage fully with the event/work.
Partially Accessible – has minimal dialogue and some background music or sounds, or may be fully subtitled, so d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences can engage with the event/work.
You can book your tickets online via the event page or by calling Ticketing on 03 9660 9666. You can discuss any specific access needs by calling Ticketing on 03 9660 9666 or emailing [email protected].
If you need to, you can reach the Ticketing team through the National Relay Service at no additional charge.
TTY users: phone 13 36 77 then ask for 03 9660 9666
Speak and Listen users: phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9660 9666
Internet relay users: connect to the NRS (internet-relay.nrscall.gov.au) then type in 03 9660 9666
If you have a Companion Card, you qualify for a second ticket (free!) to bring along a companion. If you have a Carer Card, you qualify for a concession-priced ticket. To book, please call Ticketing on 03 9660 9666 or email [email protected].
For enquiries please contact our finance and administration support staff.
Phone: (03) 9654 2600
Mobile: 0498 023 959
Email: [email protected]
Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome at Fringe Common Rooms and at all our Festival venues – from public spaces to someone’s living room.
Some performances have strobe or flashing lights. This will be advertised on each event’s online listing and at the door at the venue. If you are sensitive to light, we encourage you to take precaution when seeing these shows.
Arts Access Victoria (AAV) is Melbourne Fringe’s accessibility partner. AAV is dedicated to an ambitious agenda of social and artistic transformation for all d/Deaf and Disabled people. For more information, visit artsaccess.com.au.
Travellers Aid
Melbourne Fringe is offering free accessible transport via Travellers Aid from North Melbourne Train Station to Melbourne Fringe Festival Hub at Trades Hall on the following days:
Saturday 4 October (departure from North Melbourne Station at 2.45pm for matinee shows starting at 3.45 pm and finishing at 5.00 pm)
Saturday 11 October (departure from North Melbourne Station at 2.30pm matinee shows start at 3.30 pm and finishing at 5.00 pm)
Saturday 18 October (departure from North Melbourne Station at 2.45pm for matinee shows starting at 3.45 pm and finishing at 5.00 pm)
You don't need to book. Travellers Aid transport departs North Melbourne Station 1 hour before show start time each Saturday. Please be at North Melbourne Station ahead of the departure time.
For enquiries please contact their operations staff.
Mobile: 0498 023 959
Email: [email protected]
Access Symbols
Assistive Listening
There is a hearing loop available at the venue for people who are d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Audio Description
This service enhances the live experience for people who are Blind or have Low Vision. They describe what is happening or how something looks, be it in an event or at an exhibition. An audio describer may deliver description in different ways. The most common audio describer is a small transmitter.
Auslan Interpreted
Australian Sign Language (Auslan) interpreting is provided. Interpreters translate between English and Auslan. Interpreting makes sure d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who use Auslan can engage with the performance or event using their first language.
Blind or Low Vision - Fully Accessible
The event or work is fully accessible for Blind or Low Vision audiences. It is entirely sound based with no visual components.
Closed Captions
Captions are displayed on a screen enabling the audience to read what is being said. This service can be activated or deactivated by the viewer.
Deaf or Hard of Hearing - Fully Accessible
The event or work is fully accessible for d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing audiences. It contains no sound, music or dialogue.
Language No Barrier
The audience can understand and engage with the event without a comprehensive understanding of the English language.
Low Sensory Performance
This service is open to everyone but has been specifically designed to create an inclusive environment for Neurodivergent audiences. Low Sensory Performances are similar to Relaxed Performances, as audience members are allowed to stim, hum and move around as they please, and changes are made to the lighting and sound to make them lower sensory.
Mask Encouraged
This service is designed to be inclusive of Disabled and immunocompromised audiences. These performances are open to everyone, with audiences who attend encouraged to wear a mask. While masks cannot be mandated, during these sessions they are strongly recommend for the safety and comfort of audiences.
Open Captions
Captions are always in view for everyone to experience.
Relaxed Performance
This service is open to everyone but has been designed with specific requirements to create a more inclusive and safer environment for Neurodivergent audiences. Audience members are allowed to stim, hum and move around as they please, and changes are made to the lighting and sound to make them lower sensory. Relaxed Performances will always have a nearby Quiet Space, a calming room with sensory and stimming objects, and low lighting for recovery from sensory overload.
Spaced Seating
This service is designed to provide more space between seated audience members, with performances at approximately 60% of typical capacity. These performances are open to everyone but have been specifically designed to create a less crowded environment for those who would benefit from extra space – this could include people who are Neurodivergent, immunocompromised and/or with bodies that would be more comfortable with extra space.
Tactile Tour
This service invites patrons who are Blind or have Low Vision to explore exhibitions, sets, props and costumes through touch prior to the performance. This service typically occurs prior to the event and is often offered in conjunction with Audio Description.
Wheelchair Accessible
Physical accessibility varies from event to event. If a show includes the symbol, this indicates the performance is fully wheelchair accessible. If there is no wheelchair symbol, access may be partial – please get in touch for more information.
Melbourne Fringe makes every effort to ensure that our accessibility information is correct. Please get in touch with us if you spot a mistake, or if you have any suggestions or feedback, call us on 03 9660 9600 or email [email protected].