Access at Fierce Festival
At Fierce we try to make sure the festival is as accessible as possible to as many people as we can, we do this whilst also understanding access barriers can look very different to different people: that really nothing can be accessible to everyone.
We believe that clear information is key for all audiences: information allows us all to make independent decisions about what is and isn’t accessible to us. Here we have laid out some key information about events across the programme. Additionally further specific information about each event is on the event pages. We do not expect this to be exhaustive, so if you have specific questions or requirements we have not covered, please contact us on contact@wearefierce.org and let us know how we can help you.
We operate a relaxed performance approach across our events. Relaxed Performances were originally devised to make performance more accessible to people disabled by the usual rules of theatre / arts event etiquette. Whilst we do not adjust the sound and light levels of our shows, we do encourage audiences who may need to tic / stem, or make other noises and/or movements during the shows to do so. We also understand that sometimes people need to come and go from the space. We want to create a community where everyone is welcome.
We offer free companion tickets for those who need this support – to book companion tickets please email contact@wearefierce.org with your ticket booking reference number and we will duplicate these tickets with your free companion tickets and email them to you.
Venue accessibility and mobility information
All our venue partners offer non-stepped access and accessible toilets. Assistance animals are welcome across the festival. So we can provide the best experience for you and your assistance animal, please let us know when booking by emailing contact@wearefierce.org.
Partner venue access pages and information:
Black Box: There is a small ramp entrance into the building with gender neutral toilets and a hired portable accessible toilet on the ground floor. Due to the building being listed, additional floors are stepped access only. The majority of activity at this venue will take place on the ground floor with the exception of some of the performances during How Does it Feel? Which may be on other floors.
Legacy Centre of Excellence: Legacy Centre of Excellence has a ramp entrance, or there are 5 steps up to the main building. There are lifts inside to the upper floors and accessible toilets available.
The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome
Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, B:Music
Birmingham Conservatoire, Bradshaw Hall
Iron House
Fierce Access Backpacks
Across the festival, at various events, you will see undecorated bright pink backpacks worn by volunteers (who will have a Fierce logo t-shirt on). The backpacks contain:
- Water bottles
- PPE standard masks
- Hand sanitiser
- Pack of tissues
- Ear defender headphones
- Fidget toys
The backpack contents will be available to all those who may require a few extra items for the duration of the performance. Audiences just need to ask the volunteer, who will happily provide whatever is needed.
Non traditional performance and event information
For information on sound, lights and further details, please check content information and access information on individual show webpages.
Below we have noted shows and events that do not take place in traditional performance settings.
MANUAL – Adam and Christopher
This is a one-to-one performance. You will be required to move around the Library of Birmingham. You will have some control over the speed of this. You will be invited at points to read out loud, and lie down; you can say no to any of these invitations. This work involves binaural recordings listened to via headphones.
Softly/Tenderly – Sheila Ghelani
This work will involve an invitation to make an item out of metal. This will be managed in a way that is safe for people. Audiences may attend and not make the item, and still enjoy the piece.
MIKE – Dana Michel
This durational performance invites audiences to move around the space, and come and go as they need to. Soft seating and blankets will be available for people to ensure they can sit comfortably. There is one small step or a ramp into the space, and a wheelchair accessible toilet is available.
How Does it Feel? – Mixed Bill
This is a mixed bill event with performances taking place throughout the day in different spaces around the venue. Some of these performances will be on the first floor or basement which are only accessible via stairs. There are various seating options available on the ground floor. All activity will take place in one large room so noise levels will likely be consistent throughout the space; we will mark out a quieter space where we will provide comfy seating and some ear defenders (this is where our access backpacks will be available – see below).
Food will be provided as part of this event with options for different dietary requirements including vegans and vegetarians.
Club Fierce
This is a club event happening at night time. There will be loud music and a busy dance floor throughout. There will be accessible toilets and some seating will be available. The venue is accessible via a ramp.
Non-Verbal Shows
Many of the shows at Fierce do not involve spoken language which can widen their accessibility to a range of audiences. These shows include:
- Batty Bwoy – Harald Beharie
- Entepfuhl – Alina Arshi
- Untitled (Nostalgia, Act 3) – Tiran Willemse
- MIKE – Dana Michel
Minimal Text
These are shows we think can still be enjoyed by those who cannot access the spoken text. We can also provide written text in advance – please email us to request this: contact@wearefierce.org
- From Rock to Rock – Jeremy Nedd
- Put Your Heart Under Your Feet and Walk – Steven Cohen
- PEARLS – Joshua Serafin
Other Access Provisions
Silenzio!
There is a set design model available for touch tours. To book one please email contact@wearefierce.org. This show also has audio description.
Zer-brech-lich
This show has integrated audio description and subtitles in English.
Festival Hub
The Festival Hub is at Birmingham Black Box. This space is wheelchair accessible, most activity will take place on the ground floor and there is a hired wheelchair accessible toilet in addition to the existing cubicle toilets.
There is a range of seating including soft chairs and some couches.
The space is one large room so noise levels will likely be consistent throughout the space; there is a marked out space where we provide comfy seating and some ear defenders.
Financial Access
Acknowledging that many people face financial barriers, we remain committed to keeping our ticket prices as low as we can, and always offer concession rates for over 65s, students, unwaged people, disabled people and creative freelancers.
The following events are free:
- Listening to D’Angelo. Hearing Voodoo – Part 2
- Entepfuhl – Alina Arshi
- Disco Manifest
- Industry Happy Hour
- Live Arts Writers Network Public Gathering
There are skint lists for:
- Club Fierce
- How Does It Feel
To sign up to these lists, please email contact@wearefierce.org