5.0 Performance and Rehearsal Spaces: All the World’s a Stage
This section looks at performance and rehearsal spaces to make sure they are accessible and safe for everyone. It covers how performers, including those with mobility challenges, can get on and off the stage, how easy it is to adjust microphones and monitors, and whether stage and audience lighting can be controlled for comfort and safety.
| Feature | What It Needs | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
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Ramps or Lifts
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Ramps should be no steeper than a 1:20 slope (1 inch of rise for every 20 inches of length) and at least 47 inches wide.
Lifts need to be large enough to fit a wheelchair and any equipment.
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This makes sure that people who use wheelchairs or have difficulty with stairs can get onto the stage safely and easily.
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| Pathways |
Pathways on stage should be at least 47 inches wide and free of obstacles like cables or equipment.
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This provides enough room for people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids to move around comfortably. It also makes it easier for everyone to carry equipment without tripping or bumping into things.
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Stage Surface
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The stage surface should be stable and slip-resistant.
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This helps prevent slips and falls, especially during performances.
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Edges & Stairs
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Edges of the stage, stairs, and ramps should be clearly marked with high-contrast paint, tape, or tactile indicators. Use LED strip lights or glow-in-the-dark tape for low-light conditions.
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This makes it easier for people with low vision to see or feel where the stage ends and where stairs begin.
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| Handrails |
Stairs leading to the stage should have handrails on both sides, at a height of 34-38 inches.
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Handrails provide support for people who have difficulty with balance or walking up and down stairs.
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| Feature | What It Needs | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
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Mic Stand Adjustability
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Easy to adjust for height and angle. Clutch handles and knobs should be large, ergonomic, and easy to grip. Smooth adjustment points.
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Performers with limited hand strength or mobility need to be able to adjust the mic stand without difficulty. It should also accommodate both seated and standing performers.
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Mic Stand Stability
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Lightweight but sturdy materials. Stable base to prevent tipping.
Counterweight to prevent tipping when the boom arm is extended.
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A stable mic stand makes sure that the microphone stays in place and doesn't fall over, even if a performer bumps into it. This is especially important for performers who move around a lot on stage.
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| Mic Options |
Offer both standard boom mics and clip-on or headset microphones.
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Clip-on or headset mics allow for hands-free use, which can be helpful for performers who find it difficult to sing in a static position.
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Monitor Placement
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Position floor wedges so they don't block pathways but are still visible and heard by performers, without blocking their view of the crowd.
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Performers need to be able to see and hear their monitor mix without tripping over floor wedges. For audience facing speakers, consider using suspended monitors to keep clear sightlines and avoid obstructing pathways.
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Feedback Control
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Minimize feedback, especially for performers using hearing aids or cochlear implants.
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Feedback can be extremely distracting and even painful for some performers. Carefully position monitors to reduce feedback and work with the sound engineer to ensure a clear monitor mix.
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| Feature | What It Needs | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
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Lighting Control
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A lighting console that can adjust stage lighting for brightness and color.
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Allows for adjustments to the lighting levels and colors to suit the needs of different performers. This can help performers with low vision see better or help performers with sensory sensitivities avoid harsh lighting.
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Fixture Flexibility
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Lighting fixtures that can be adjusted for direction and focus to avoid unwanted shadows.
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So that the stage is well-lit and that all performers are clearly visible to the audience. This is especially important for performers who use sign language.
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| Spotlights |
Spotlights that can be aimed at specific areas of the stage, like spaces for ASL interpreters.
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Makes sure that interpreters are clearly visible to the audience.
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Edge Lighting
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Lights that illuminate the edges of the stage, ramps, and stairs, like aisle lighting or built-in step lights.
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Makes it easier for performers to see where the stage ends and where stairs begin, reducing the risk of falls. This is especially helpful in low-light conditions like a music venue.
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| Light Type |
Use LED stage lights instead of fluorescent lights.
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LED lights don't flicker like fluorescent lights, which can be distracting and cause sensory issues for some performers.
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Glare Reduction
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Use adjustable lights, diffusers, or strategic placement to soften the light and reduce glare.
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Helps prevent eye strain and makes it easier for performers to see comfortably.
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| Feature | What It Needs | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
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Independent Control
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House lights should have a separate control panel that artists or staff can use without needing the lighting technician.
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This lets performers to turn on the house lights during the daytime for rehearsals, setting up equipment, or loading in gear without having to rely on a lighting technician. This gives them more independence and flexibility.
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| Adjustability |
House lights should be dimmable (adjustable) for brightness and color tones.
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Dimmable house lights allow performers to adjust the lighting levels to suit their needs. This can help performers with low vision see better or help performers with sensory sensitivities avoid harsh lighting.
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Control Panel Access
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Control panels for house lights should be clearly labeled and placed at a height that's reachable for everyone, including wheelchair users.
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This makes it easier for everyone to control the house lights. Panels should be between 15.7 inches and 47.2 inches from the floor.
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Task Lighting
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Provide task lighting, like clip-on lamps, on stage for musicians to set up their gear or read sheet music.
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Task lighting provides extra light in specific areas where performers need it. Make sure controls for task lighting are easy to reach and operate in the same way as other venue controls.
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