JUMP TO: About | ASL Interpretation | Microgrants | Cohorts | Consulting Access A.R.T./New YorkA.R.T./New York offers programs and services to create a more inclusive nonprofit theatre sector that is better equipped to serve artists, audiences, and staff with disabilities. Cost and education are major barriers for small nonprofit theatres to become fully inclusive spaces and to provide accessible spaces and programs to their patrons and artists. New York City is already such an inhospitable environment for people with disabilities, and those daily challenges are replicated in theatre spaces that are inaccessible or do not have staff who are adequately attuned to their needs. Access A.R.T./New York is our new initiative to offer support to member theatres that are beginning or expanding accessibility programs within their own companies. Through new and expanded programs, including a partnership with Hands On and microgrants to support ASL theatrical interpretation, workshops and educational programming on accessibility, cohort learning opportunities, and accessibility consulting, we hope to shift New York towards a more welcoming and accessible place for all artists, staff, and audiences. Partnership with Hands OnAn ASL interpreted performance of The Winslow Boy by Roundabout Theatre. A.R.T./New York is excited to work with Beth Prevor and Hands On to expand ASL Interpretation in New York’s non-profit theatres. In January 2019, A.R.T./New York and Hands On will partner to offer an intensive three-day workshop on theatrical interpretation to support ASL interpreters in learning and refining this specific skill. A.R.T./New York will also be offering a number of workshops and educational opportunities for our member theatres to learn more about what is involved in putting on an ASL interpreted performance. Theatres interested in presenting a sign-interpreted performance should reach out directly to Beth Prevor at Hands On. About Hands On
MicrograntsA.R.T./New York offers microgrants to all A.R.T./New York members (except Business Affiliates) who would like to hire professionals to increase the accessibility of a production or online performance/event, including but not limited to ASL interpreters, audio describers, consultants, and digital accessibility tools. These microgrants are intended to make it more financially feasible for companies to offer more accessible performances and to build the audiences for those performances. Applicants should already have begun conversations with the professional(s) they are planning to hire. Microgrant amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis to meet the needs of each applicant, but, typically, grants are given at a maximum of $1500 and at a one-to-one match with the applicant.For further information about the microgrant or questions about eligibility, please email [email protected].
Cohort Learning![]() Since 2017, A.R.T./New York has convened two cohorts of member theaters to work on issues around accessibility in a safe and judgment-free environment. Usually comprised of 6-8 theaters within similar local geographies, these cohorts have investigated and queried their own practices in order to develop plans to increase accessibility for artists, arts workers, and patrons with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. Through monthly workshops and one-on-one consultations with Accessibility Consultant Beth Prevor, A.R.T./New York has provided a new learning opportunity for members interested in going beyond theory and working to create theater that is one day accessible for all. Participants who attend all Access Cohort meetings receive a microgrant of $500 to seed an access initiative in their theaters. If your theatre company is interested in participating in a future Access Cohort, please reach out to Kirsten Sweeney at [email protected]. Additionally, A.R.T./New York launched a second cohort-based learning program in October 2018 on the topic of Relaxed Performances—a model of sensory-friendly performances. With training provided by Kirsty Hoyle of Include Arts over the course of two two-day intensive workshops, A.R.T./New York started a community of 12 theater companies committed to increasing their organizations' programming for audiences with sensory sensitivity or developmental disabilities. Members of these two cohorts meet regularly to discuss the challenges of doing this work, share resources, and collaborate on moving this work forward within New York City.
ConsultingTo support our members as they strive to make the spaces and performances more accessible for all, Beth Prevor of Hands On will be joining our team of Theatre Leadership Program consultants and will be available to A.R.T./New York members to provide short term consulting. Beth and Hands On's guidance and expertise can be a significant tool in understanding how your theatre company can better serve audiences, artists, and administrators with disabilities. As always with the Theatre Leadership Program, the first step is to reach out to Membership Coordinator Jeannely Lopez at [email protected].
Header: Tectonic Theater Project's production of Carmen. Photo by Stan Borough. Photo credit for The Winslow Boy is unknown. If you took the photo, please contact Bo Suh, Communications Manager, at [email protected] |