Marcus, Clare et al
As a graduate who has attended the Lowry graduation, (Marcus' Access and Inclusive Design (Plug Plug)) I feel that I am in a position to comment on this one.
I was provided access to the stage from the wings. I agree Marcus this was quite a long way around. For me that was not a problem especially as I was escorted (I would have got lost otherwise ;-) However, for a person with mobility difficulties it could have been an arduous task. Lighting back stage was also very low. Therefore if the graduate had multiple impairments ie mobility and visual impairments things might have been different.
All this said, I felt that the provision made by the Lowry was adequate and don't think any other solution would have been better other than to have an inclusive approach (not practical though).
Regards
Rick Townson
Vectra Group Ltd
________________________________
From: Accessibuilt list on behalf of Marcus Ormerod
Sent: Fri 15/04/2005 12:21
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [ACCESSIBUILT] Access to Theatre stages[Scanned]
Hi Clare
from my experience there seems to be several approaches to access to stages:
1. Provide access from the wings, which means that the person who does not use the steps at the front up to the stage has a time delay whilst they are taken on a tour of the backstage area. This can be quite long in terms of route and time. For our graduation awards at the Lowry in Salford this is what happens. The person is told in advance and shown the route. It is also not an identical path for the graduation ceremony since those using the steps go up one set shake hands with the Vice Chancellor and exit off the other set. For a wheelchair user they end up having to do a spin and exit back from where they came.
2. Install a permanent, or temporary platform lift by the side of the steps. Again this involves a time delay as platform lifts are not quick. Also reduces the size of the orchestra area. This has been done for some awards where the access to the stage was only by steps.
3. Ignore the lack of access and make up an excuse. I suppose if it is a stage show and all the cast can manage the steps then if they come down to everyone in the audience if there is interaction and for instance use the area in front of the stage then this technically would not be discriminatory.
So there are my experiences
Marcus
-----Original Message-----
From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of clare
Sent: 15 April 2005 11:59
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ACCESSIBUILT] Access to Theatre stages
Hello all,
Does anyone have any specific experience relating to access to the stages of theatres for wheelchair users/others unable to use stairs? This question ahs come about due to a recent youth award ceremony at which winners who were wheelchair users had to be presented with their awards in front of the stage rather than on the stage as their peers. I assume that the same issues would apply for pantomimes and any other performances with audience participation? Any comments would be gratefully received.
Regards
Clare Armstrong
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Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
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Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
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Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html
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Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
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