Accessibility & Frequently Asked Questions

When does SkirtsAfire take place?

Our 11th annual festival will happen March 2-12, 2023 at various venues in Old Strathcona!

Are there any COVID protocols?

SkirtsAfire will be monitoring the COVID-19 situation as we get closer to the festival, updating our patrons with any new recommendations or requirements. We will follow health and safety regulations set forth by Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta. Masks are currently recommended, but will not be mandatory.

How do I get tickets?

Good question! All our tickets are available through Fringe Theatre now. Even pay-what-you-will shows require a ticket. Each event on our website has the direct ticket link as well and don’t forget about our Festival Passes!

All our The Key of Me events at Block 1912 and Chianti Cafe are by donation at the door! Please reserve your spot in advance for Chianti dinners/performances by calling Chianti at 780.439.9829 whenever possible so we can prepare seating arrangements. 

What does Pay-What-You-Can mean?

Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC) is a great tool that organizations in the arts and beyond can use to make our performances available no matter what income. With help from our Accessibility Coordinator, we’ve created this handy guide to help folks understand what PWYC really means, and where you and your financial situation could fit in.

Pay What You Can Guidelines

We are pleased to offer 10 PWYC tickets available for each performance of every event at the festival. There is also a full PWYC performance of The Space Between Stars by Christine Lesiak on March 7.

What Accessibility Measures and Performances are available for the play, The Space Between Stars by Christine Lesiak?

We will have CART Captioning for select performances, and 2 Adapted Relaxed Performances. There will be Sensory Kits available at the Box Office, and T-Loop available as well. Please visit The Space Between Stars web page for all the details. Questions? Please email us at info@skirtsafire.com!

What is the venue accessibility for the Gateway Theatre?

Outside, there is a gravel parking lot and surface parking, and there is an uneven step with approximately 1 inch on one side. Once in the building, there is a relatively steep downward decline ramp that is dimly lit. The lobby is well lit, with a bar for drinks and quiet snacks at the east end, opposite of the of the entrance. There is a slight lipped incline into the theatre space with tiny ramps to cover the lip and hi-vis orange paint strips marking the lip. People with mobility aids wheel up to the first row and sit where they can. All chairs have cushioning, can move and do not have arms. They are wider than average.

In the bathrooms, there is a larger stall in each gender-neutral bathroom that is larger and has grab bars. One of the toilet doors opens into the space, the other opens outwards.

Find more info and photos of the space on Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre’s website here.

How do I pay?

At the festival, we accept credit, debit, and cash, though contactless is preferred. Due to limited seating, we highly recommend booking your tickets in advance as opposed to getting them at the door and if you have any issues, please email boxoffice@fringetheatre.ca. 

Where do I park?

Westbury Theatre, ATB Financial Arts Barns (ETS Bus Routes 4, 7, 52, 57, 94, and 327 stop along Whyte Avenue close to the ATB Financial Arts Barns.)

Year-round metered parking and lots are readily available throughout Old Strathcona. These are the three closest paid parking lots:

East of the ATB Financial Arts Barns [in the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market parking lot]

West of the Fringe site on 83 Avenue and 104 Street

Southwest on 81 Avenue and 105 Street

The Gateway Theatre (ETS Bus Routes 4, 7, 52, 57, 94, and 327 stop along Whyte Avenue close to the ATB Financial Arts Barns.)

Paid parking lot at the theatre (on west side of building with entrance off of Gateway Blvd) and metered and free parking on streets surrounding.

Chianti Cafe (ETS 4, 7, 54, 94, 318)

There is metered parking found all around the Cafe, and free 2 hour parking found on 81 Ave between 105 Street and 106 Street* (*Subject to change, please obey the parking signs).

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

There is a parking lot on the east side of the church and residential street parking found surrounding it as well. (*Subject to change, please obey the parking signs).

Do you allow latecomers?

Yes! However re-entry for The Space Between Stars will only be allowed during Adapted Relaxed performances.

Are there washrooms?

Yes. Every venue at the festival has accessible washrooms available for our patrons.

Are there gender neutral washrooms?

The Westbury Theatre, Gateway Theatre, Block 1912 and Holy Trinity Church will have gender-neutral washrooms. 

Are the venues accessible?

Our venues are wheelchair accessible, except for Block 1912 Cafe which has 1 step as you enter the building, or 1 lip through the patio doors. Once in Block 1912 Cafe, there are barrier-free bathrooms and a seating area, with additional seating up 1-2 steps. Holy Trinity Church has an elevator from the main entrance.

Do you give complimentary tickets for companions?

If you require an attendant, aide, or companion, they are still required to have a ticket. Please contact boxoffice@fringetheatre.ca or call 780-409-1910 and we’ll book a ticket for the accompanying person at no extra cost.

More questions? Keep them coming! Email info@skirtsafire.com anytime. We’d love to hear from you.