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Accessibility

Attending a performance at Tarragon

As Canada’s neighbourhood theatre, Tarragon is dedicated to fostering a space of creativity, care, and meaningful inclusion for all.

We believe in offering an environment where artists can create and develop their work with support and freedom, while encouraging all theatregoers from all realities to experience the dynamism of storytelling. Tarragon continually investigates how we can foster access to our work so that everyone is enriched by theatre and its invaluable impact on community. We are committed to the ongoing learning required to offer Creative Access to our current and future artists, as well as our patrons, and look forward to offering our theatre as a home to play, live and grow for all.

“No barriers, no shame, only access”
– Mike Payette, Artistic Director

ALD Information

Tarragon Theatre strives to be an inclusive and inspirational place for all.

Tarragon Theatre is proud to provide assistive listening device (ALD) systems in our theatres.

We use two types of assistive listening device (ALD) systems:

  • Stethoset – works independently from hearing aids
  • Personal Induction Loop – connects wirelessly with your personal hearing device

If you’re interested in using our hearing assistance technology, please speak to an usher when you arrive at the venue.

ALS Performances

Tarragon Theatre is proud to offer ASL translated performances at some of our shows.

There is little to no changes to the production on stage. The interpreters will stand on seating level to audience side of the stage and the interpreter will be lit throughout the performance so that our patrons who require support can see them.

Our interpreters work very hard to give the most accurate interpretation of the language on stage, so we ask that patrons kindly refrain from speaking to them during performance and/or at intermission. Thank you.

Relaxed Performances

Relaxed Performances are designed to welcome audience members who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, including those with sensory concerns, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, dementia, parents with small babies and anyone for whom the regular theatre experience can be challenging.

Small modifications are made to the production and patron experience to help reduce anxiety. Modifications may vary from show to show depending on production values, and may include: reducing the volume of loud noises and effects, reducing or eliminating strobe effects and keeping the lights in the audience slightly brighter in case a patron needs to leave the theatre.

It’s extremely important to us that everyone feels welcome in our theatre, and to have the best experience enjoying our plays. If you need to make some noise, move around a bit or take a break, you’re more than welcome to do so.

Audiences

Tarragon Theatre is committed to extending a high level of customer service to all of its patrons.

We are dedicated to demonstrating leadership by working constructively with our patrons, staff, volunteers, and community to meet and exceed the requirements which will identify, prevent, and remove barriers so a fulfilling theatrical experience can be enjoyed by patrons with disabilities in our building.

To this end, we will work to ensure that we meet and surpass our patrons’ needs to the best of our ability. If you feel that there is a way that we can better accommodate your needs, please do not hesitate to email Natasha Parsons, Director of Patron Services for further assistance.

We look forward to the opportunity to serve you. We are also happy to offer a free companion ticket to those living with a disability who require assistance to use our space. We’ve formalized this policy by becoming an Access2 Venue participating theatre partner. To book one of these tickets please call our box office at 416.531.1827.

The Theatre Spaces

Tarragon Theatre and it’s performing and work spaces are accessible to all.

Tarragon’s Mainspace, Extraspace and Studios are wheelchair accessible, and we have an accessible washroom located on the second floor of the building with elevator access.

We offer assistive listening devices for all performances in the Mainspace and the Extraspace.

Mainspace

The Mainspace is the larger of our two theatres. It can seat 200 people. There is one row of accessible seating in the middle of the seating area. If you need accessible seating please let the box office staff know.

Extraspace

The Extraspace is the smaller of our two theatres. It can seat 100 people. There is one row of accessible seating at the front of the seating area. If you need accessible seating please let the box office staff know.