Accessibility

Jacqueline Redgewell, 13 July 2012

Jax called the session. Attendees were Vicky, Susan, David, Laura.

Accessibility covered many areas. Physical access, including, transport, finances.

Psychological access, including ‘It’s not for us.

Transport: Lack of public transport, ie I used to visit the Royal Exchange in Manchester but the last train now leaves at 9.30pm. I visit the New Vic in Newcastle under Lyme but the last bus leaves at 22-45 which leaves me with a half hour wait at Hanley for the last bus home. When public transport and theatres are subsidized by the council why can't there be co ordination between them to ensure I can get home!

Is it incumbent upon theatres to ensure their audience are out in time to catch the last bus?

Psychological barriers: People who think ‘It’s not for me or my sort'. How do we break down the barriers to bring people in.

Suggestions: Find who the ‘non user’ groups are find out what they perceive the barriers are. Get them while they are young, taking theatre to children in schools has led to some of those children bringing their parents to the theatre.

Financial barriers. Would theatre for free work or would people not value something they haven't paid for. Would a pay what you can night be successful?

Theatre workers can make assumptions about why people don't visit theatre. Test the assumptions. Avoid getting stuck in a pattern of thinking so you fail to see what is there. New ideas don't come from old ways of thinking.

Tags:

transport, access, Access, psychological barriers, widening participation, It's not for me., diversity