Bite #14: Families, Caregivers, Service Animals, and Prayer Spaces
Work-life balance as a creative can become complicated by intensive, unconventional work schedules, religious observances and caregiving duties. Local performers may also be primary caregivers for a family member. A touring musician may have to bring their nursing infant on the road. Some people may require a dignified space for ostomy care, or assistance with toileting and personal care.
Islam requires prayers called Salat (صالة) be performed five times a day. This inevitably means Salat can occur at times during an artist’s busy working schedule and can take 5-10 minutes. Multi-Faith rooms can accommodate diverse religious observances.
Each Muslim requires approximately 1.2m × 0.6m (4’ x 2’) of clean, personal floor space to perform Salat. This allows them to place their forehead on the floor while kneeling facing Qibla. The qibla is the direction towards the Kaaba, a sacred shrine in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that Muslims face when praying. The Arabic word Qibla ( قبلة )means “direction”.
Gaps in these provisions can limit participation and impact the experience of performers and their crew. With some foresight into proactive measures, you can create a space where artists who juggle multiple responsibilities can have the support they need to take on work opportunities with fewer barriers.
Islam requires prayers called Salat (صالة) be performed five times a day. This inevitably means Salat can occur at times during an artist’s busy working schedule and can take 5-10 minutes. Multi-Faith rooms can accommodate diverse religious observances.
Each Muslim requires approximately 1.2m × 0.6m (4’ x 2’) of clean, personal floor space to perform Salat. This allows them to place their forehead on the floor while kneeling facing Qibla. The qibla is the direction towards the Kaaba, a sacred shrine in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that Muslims face when praying. The Arabic word Qibla ( قبلة )means “direction”.
Gaps in these provisions can limit participation and impact the experience of performers and their crew. With some foresight into proactive measures, you can create a space where artists who juggle multiple responsibilities can have the support they need to take on work opportunities with fewer barriers.
A tasbih is a set of prayer beads used by Muslims for counting the 99 names of Allah SWT, recite prayers, and meditate. The beads help with concentration and focus, and the repetitive motion can be calming.
Setting The Stage
An actor in a local theatre production, who is also a caregiver, faces a challenging situation during intermission. One of their parents requires assistance with personal care, but the family bathroom lacks an adult changing table and does not have adequate space for safe toilet transfers. With no private or dignified options available, they are forced to leave the theater and assist their parent in the car.
Reflection
What steps does your venue take to support families, caregivers, service animals, and people requiring prayer spaces?
Horton is a Beautiful Golden Retriever full of life. He is being trained as a Psychiatric Service Dog for his handler
Actions
Family-Friendly Spaces
Adult Changing Tables
Support for Service Animals
Multi-Faith Prayer Spaces
Informed Care
Flexible Scheduling
Communication
- Have quick energy snacks Create safe, sensory-friendly play areas for kids.
- Provide furniture for nursing and diaper changes.
- Power stations at accessible heights for charging breast pumps, and refrigeration options for breast milk.
- Share a list of trusted local childcare services
Adult Changing Tables
- Install tables in universally accessible or all-gender washrooms that meet the space requirements.
- Work with certified professionals to meet safety and accessibility standards.
- Stock hygiene supplies: disposable covers, gloves, and disinfectant wipes.
Support for Service Animals
- Create easy-to-find rest areas with water, cleaning supplies, and waste bags.
- Train staff on respectful interactions with service animals.
- Include service animals in emergency evacuation plans.
Multi-Faith Prayer Spaces
- Have quick energy snacks Provide an accessible, private, quiet room with clean floor areas, prayer mats, and seating.
- Add foot-washing stations and directional signage for Qibla.
Informed Care
- Help staff to recognize diverse needs without assumptions.
- Include caregiving, service animal, and prayer accommodations in staff training.
Flexible Scheduling
- Offer breaks for childcare, prayer, and family responsibilities.
- Communicate openly to address scheduling conflicts early.
Communication
- Publish a pre-event accessibility guide outlining: Family-friendly spaces, service animal relief areas, prayer room availability.
- Use clear, visible signage to guide performers and their teams.
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