ACCESSIBILITY
The Freewill Shakespeare Festival strives to improve accessibility and create a welcoming and safe environment for all artists, audiences, volunteers, and staff.
Read below for more information about specific accessibility measures available for this year. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email dev@freewillshakespeare.com.
GENERAL INFORMATION
There are no stairs to access the site, and there is a ramp up to access the Spiegeltent, and wheelchair seating will be available. Please purchase a general admission ticket and indicate your seating preference in the Special Requirements section at checkout, or email us at info@freewillshakespeare.com.
AUDIENCE ACCESS PERFORMANCES
Freewill has added an ASL Interpreted Performance, Relaxed Performances, and Masked Performance to our 2023 season. More details are available below.
If you have any questions about this project, or you have suggestions, please email dev@freewillshakespeare.com to connect with our staff.
SERVICE
ANIMALS
Service Animals are welcome at Freewill Shakespeare Festival. If you plan to arrive with a service animal, please reach out to our team at info@freewillshakespeare.com so that appropriate seating may be arranged.
HEARING ASSISTANCE
Our venue will be equipped with a hearing loop system (T-Coil Loop) for patrons with hearing loss. These loops transmit directly to a hearing aid or cochlear implant electromagnetically, with no extra equipment. To use the system:
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Ask your hearing aid provider to activate your t-coil function.
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When you arrive at the Spiegeltent, locate the t-coil accessible seating area. Our ushers can assist you!
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Switch your hearing aid to your t-coil function and adjust the volume as needed.
ASL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE
On August 16, there will be a ASL interpreted performance of Twelfth Night at the Cristal Palace Spiegeltent, located beside the Edmonton Expo Centre at 7515 118 Avenue. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Seating is general admission; tickets start at $35 (tax included) and there are discounts for seniors and students. Tickets are available at www.freewillshakespeare.com.
Learn more about the show and how to navigate the festival with our videos below!
TWELFTH NIGHT AUGUST 16
NAVIGATING THE FESTIVAL
MASKED PERFORMANCE
Enjoy Romeo & Juliet on August 20 at 2 pm and Twelfth Night on August 30 at 8 pm with masked performances. Our onsite staff and volunteers will be wearing masks and performers will be unmasked.
All audience members will be required to wear a mask for the duration of these performances. We can provide you with a disposable mask should you forget your own.
INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY PERFORMANCE
PARKING
PUBLIC TRANSIT
Explore Edmonton will be charging festival patrons $15 for parking. Parking is available near the Spiegeltent and is a flat entrance into the main grounds. There is a ramp leading to access the Spiegeltent.
We at Freewill are encouraging people to take transit to the festival this year or to walk, roll, or cycle to the Expo grounds. There will be secure bike parking available on site.
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
The Edmonton EXPO Centre is connected by outdoor pedway to the Coliseum LRT Station. There is an elevator to and from the LRT concourse. Please visit the ETS website for further information and schedules.
Bus Transit
Guests can access the Coliseum Transit Centre by passing through the Coliseum LRT Station. Elevator access is available in the LRT station to access the walkway and to the transit station. Please see Edmonton Transit System for further information and schedules.
DATS Drop-Off
Drop off location for DATS is at Entrance 5 of the Expo Centre. When you arrive, follow inside the centre or outside along the cement pathway toward the Coliseum.
For more information, visit the Edmonton Expo Centre website.