Accessibility to the arts for audiences living with disabilities will take center stage at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center during the second annual Accessibility Services Open House on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event and sample services that can make the performing arts more enjoyable and accessible. Volunteers will be on hand to assist visitors in exploring a variety of services including assisted listening devices, open captioning, American Sign Language interpretation, Braille and large print materials and accessible seating.
This year's Accessibility Services Open House is again paired with Celebrating Abilities Week October 10-16, 2010 and Celebrating Abilities' annual awards night. Starting at 3:30 p.m. in the Kimberly-Clark Theater speakers, artists and activities coordinated with Celebrating Abilities will increase awareness of the incredible abilities of individuals in our community, regardless of any apparent disability. For a complete listing of activities and speakers, please visit foxcitiespac.com.
In Thrivent FinanciAl Hall, visitors can explore accessible seating options, open captioning services, American Sign Language interpretation and more while watching Appleton North High School's improv troupe from 3:00 - 5:45 p.m. and the VSA Wisconsin Choir from 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. onstage. Tammy Ebben, director of event management and accessibility services at the Center, planned the event with the belief that, "It's easier for someone to grasp what his or her trip to the Center will be like when we can open up the theater to the community and invite people to see a performance onstage and experience our services firsthand."
The Center's accessibility committee has been charged with meeting and exceeding accessibility standards to make the Center as welcoming as possible to people of all abilities. Ebben has brought together a local team of experts to explore the theater experience starting with their ticket purchase. "Some of the improvements we've made this year include installing push and go doors in our orchestra level restrooms and a main bar renovation that includes a wheel-chair friendly service station."
Over the summer, the Center has also installed hearing loops in the Kimberly-Clark Theater and ticket office lobby. Ebben says, "It means a lot to our ticket holders who have limited hearing that they can purchase tickets with confidence thanks to the new hearing loop in the ticket office. It just makes for better service, and that creates a better arts experience."
Information about accessibility services at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center can also be found online at foxcitiespac.com/events/accessibility. Individuals with questions regarding accessibility services can also contact the Center's ticket office for more information in person, by phone at (920) 730-3760 or by e-mail at tickets@foxcitiespac.com.
ABOUT THE FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in downtown Appleton, provides a premier venue for live performing arts. The Center proudly serves as a gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities while enhancing a greater understanding and appreciation of the live performing arts. For more information on upcoming events, education programs and community involvement go to foxcitiespac.com. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Where the Art s Come Alive!
