Guide dogs are welcome in the auditorium or can be left in the care of the front of house staff.
Facilities for the visually impaired
The RSC offers audio described performances for visually impaired patrons as well as cast lists and synopsis of the plays in Braille. There are also a series of touch tours available.
Improving visibility
If you would like to sit at the front of the theatre, please ask the Box Office when booking your ticket.
Audio described performances
We offer two audio described performances for our productions in Stratford-upon-Avon, usually one midweek evening and one Saturday matinee.
Audio description is a live commentary giving details of all the visual aspects of a production. The commentary is interspersed with the actors' dialogue. Before the play begins you can hear an introduction to the production which gives details of the set, costumes and characters. The commentary is delivered via radio headsets in The Courtyard Theatre, which are available from the desk in the outer foyer.
You can also get the introductory notes on tape sent to your home to listen to before you come to the theatre. Please ask for this service when you book your tickets. These tapes are also available to listen to if you come to a performance. Please note that they will not be available for the first four weeks of the production.
Braille
We supply Braille cast lists and synopses of the current plays. They are available from The Courtyard Theatre Box Office.
Guide dogs
Guide dogs can be taken into the auditorium, but please tell the Box Office when booking your seat that you are bringing your dog. Alternatively you can leave your dog with a member of staff in the foyer but again please let us know.
Touch Tours
The RSC offers Touch Tours at The Courtyard Theatre for our visually impaired patrons attending audio described performances. These tours will take you on to the stage to get close to the set, costumes and props used in the play you are coming to see.
Currently we are planning touch tours before the audio description for the following:
The Merchant of Venice
7 June at 11.30am
18 June at 5.30pm
A Midsummer Night's Dream
12 July at 11.30am
16 July at 5.30pm
The Taming of the Shrew
11 June at 5.30pm
5 July at 11.30am
Hamlet
6 September at 11.30am
24 October at 5.30pm
Love's Labour's Lost
31 October at 5.30pm
15 November at 11.30am
These tours are free - to book a place please telephone 01789 403436 or email access@rsc.org.uk
