Accessibility expectations and norms vary from country to country, but making your work accessible is increasingly seen as an essential part of international touring. It benefits audiences, presenters, and your own long-term artistic reach. As with sustainability, good accessibility starts with planning.

Accessibility for audiences

Access for artists and crew

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Top Tip: Make your access packs

To make everyone’s life easier - yours, the venue’s, and the audience’s - prepare two clear access documents before you start touring. They serve totally different purposes, and presenters really appreciate having both.

Audience Access Sheet

This is to help the venue understand how they can present your show in the most accessible way and communicate accurately with audiences.

• Access tools available
• Practical notes
• Language info
• Trigger or content warnings, if relevant

Company Access Rider

This is an internal and professional document that outlines what members of your team need in order to work safely and comfortably. It should travel with your tech spec.

• Access needs of performers and touring crew
• Backstage requirements
• Travel and accommodation requirements
• Scheduling considerations
• Local support
• Emergency considerations

For more information on how to create your Access Rider, visit We Are Unlinted website for practical tips and templates.

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Deep DIVE: Accessibility

To go deeper, read the article “Extraordinary Bodies under the big top” by Geraldine Giddings in the Big Top Guide published by Circostrada.

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