What are flags?
Here at the Hollywood Fringe, producers have a flag system to let patrons know about either the content of their show or about how they can accommodate a patron into their production.
It's a system of informational icons to indicate the accessibility features of a theatrical production. These digital flags appear on the festival's website next to show listings, allowing audience members to easily find information about accommodations, such as wheelchair access or sensory-friendly performances.
Producers are responsible for selecting the correct flags for their show and for ensuring the accuracy of the information provided.
Below you'll find definitions for some of our flags used within the site and at our festival.
Relaxed Environment / Sensory Friendly Performance
Performance with slight adjustments including the reduction of any jarring sounds or intense lighting. Plus a separate quiet area and activity area, for those who need to leave their seats during the performance. Specify on the project page which date(s) these performances will take place on. Learn more about what to expect at a relaxed performance & why to offer sensory friendly performances If you select this option, list on your project page what adaptations you will make to give as much information as possible to those searching for this option.
Live ASL Interpreted Performance
Live American Sign Language interpretation will be present at the performance(s). List on the project page if interpreters will be present at all performances or only at certain ones.
Captioning Available
Captioning provides a way to follow what’s being said, sung, or used as sound cues during a performance. Specify on your project page the date(s) captioning will be provided, and if it will be open and/or closed captions. (The key difference between open captions and closed captions is the fact that open captions are always on for all to see, while closed captions can be turned on or off by the viewer. For example open captions might be projected above the stage, while closed captions might be read off an app audience members can run on their phones.)
Primarily Visual Performance
The production will be mainly visual, containing little to no dialogue, music, or sounds. Audiences can fully engage with and experience this show without any of the auditory elements.
Primarily Sound Performance
The elements utilized in this performance will be mainly auditory. Audiences can fully engage with and experience this show without any of the visual elements.
Audio Descriptions
The performance will be accompanied by a live or pre-recorded narration of what is happening on stage.
Masks Required During Performance
If you choose to utilize this performance flag it is the responsibility of the producer(s) to ensure these practices are being upheld at each performance.
Flashing Lights
This show utilizes flashing lights, images, and/or projections. Post this on your project page AND at the door of the venue for audience members to see as they enter.
Smoke/Haze
This show utilizes smoke and/or haze. Post this on your project page AND at the door of the venue for audience members to see as they enter.
Sensory Advisory
This show utilizes sudden sounds, loud music, and/or other elements that may be overwhelming to someone with sensory sensitivities. Post this on your project page AND at the door of the venue for audience members to see as they enter.
Content Warning
A warning audiences can view on your project page prior to purchasing tickets; stating if the production will contain potentially triggering content. Examples of some content that may be upsetting or triggering: violence, hateful language, eating disorders, self-harm, animal cruelty, blood, sexual situations, conversations around body image, etc. (What if my show is family friendly, do I still need to write a content warning?Yes. Even if there is nothing you believe is potentially harmful in the content of your show, stating that provides a level of comfort for many potential audience members who may be on the fence about seeing your production.) Learn more about why we provide them to audiences here.
Examples of topics that require content warnings:
rape and/or sexual assault
abuse (physical, mental, verbal, sexual)
self-harm
suicide
violence
death and/or dying
pregnancy and/or childbirth
miscarriages and/or abortion
blood
torture
jump scare
mental illness
eating disorders and diet culture
any kind of discrimination and/or bigotry (racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia)
drugs/alcohol/substance abuse
police brutality
(fake or mimed) gun or weapon use
Offering Tactile Preview Tours
A touch tour is usually held before an audio-described performance to provide context about the show and to allow members of the audience to physically familiarize themselves with the design of the space, set, costumes, and props ahead of the show itself. A producer, performer, or someone on the creative team will provide key descriptive/visual information prior to the show so those attending can fully experience and engage with the performance. List the performance dates and time when you’ll offer tactile preview tours on your project page. Learn more about why we do it here.
Priority Early Access Seating
An announcement will be made that any patron who needs more time getting to their seats will be given a chance to enter the venue early before general admission seating, that way they will be able to find specific seating based on their access needs.
Live Streaming Performances
Live streaming your performance provides a unique opportunity for your show to be accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to attend an in-person performance.
Size-Inclusive Seating
Seating options are available for all body shapes and sizes, without special requests, and preferably different styles as well (with moveable armrests and without armrests). Tip: Bench style seating is extremely accessible. Communicate with your venue to list the amount of legroom, distance between seats, width, depth, and height of the seats available on the project page so audience members can know before buying tickets and arriving at the theatre.
Onsite ADA Compliant Restroom
Inside the venue is an accessible restroom (with proper signage) that complies with California’s ADA guidelines, learn more about the requirements here.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
The venue has wheelchair accessible hallways, entrances, and seating. For venues with stairs, note if there is access to a working elevator or ramp.
Assistive Listening Devices Available
Hearing devices to amplify the sounds on stage. Many of our venues are equipped with assistive listening devices or a hearing loop system.