Accessibility
We are committed to making the festival as inclusive and accessible as possible for audiences with disabilities — especially those with hearing, visual, or mobility impairments. Our accessibility measures now include temporary ramps, induction hearing loops, performances interpreted in German Sign Language (DGS), and shows with audio description and tactile tours. We recognise that we are still at the beginning of this journey and welcome your suggestions as well as the communication of a specific additional need. Please get in touch at barrierefrei@figurentheaterfestival.de. You can use the filter function in the festival schedule to display only events that meet your access requirements, take place in a specific city, or fall on certain dates. Below, you’ll find more information on accessible events in all festival cities.
Information for Audiences with Limited Mobility
Most of the venues of the 24th international figuren.theater.festival are accessible at ground level or with lifts. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available at a number of locations. For detailed accessibility information, please refer to the individual event pages. To ensure a smooth entry, we kindly ask wheelchair users to arrive at least 15 minutes before the performance begins. At certain venues, advance notice or earlier arrival may be requested so that staff can make appropriate arrangements.
Information for Blind and Visually Impaired Audiences
Visual storytelling is at the heart of puppet and object theatre, which can pose unique challenges for blind and visually impaired audiences. This year, we are offering six performances with audio description, making onstage action more accessible. Some of these events also feature pre-show tactile tours and introductory talks, providing an opportunity to explore stage sets, puppets, and other theatrical elements through touch and description. For details, see individual event pages. The performance “Lake life” in Erlangen is also suitable for visually impaired audiences – please make sure to contact the Erlangen festival team in advance via mail or phone.
Performances in Nuremberg
Please contact the box office to obtain your receiving unit and further information.
Performances in Erlangen
Special receiving units for the transmission of the live audio description are available on loan for a deposit. A limited number of seats are reserved for blind and visually impaired visitors; these cannot be booked online. Please email your ticket requests to barrierefrei@figurentheaterfestival.de, fax us at +49 91 31 / 86-14 11, or call us at +49 91 31 / 86-14 14. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you already have tickets and would like to join a pre-show tour or use the audio description service, just let us know.
Performances in Fürth
Special receiving units for the transmission of the live audio description are available on loan for a deposit at the box office. Reserved seating for blind and visually impaired audience members is available. Tickets can be purchased online or at authorised ticket outlets. Upon request, a pick-up service is available from the U-Bahn station Stadthalle Fürth for visually impaired visitors. Please contact kultur@fuerth.de or call +49 911 / 97 41 688 to arrange this in advance.
Information for d/Deaf Audiences
Two performances in Erlangen and Fürth will be interpreted in German Sign Language (DGS). The performance “Scored in Silence” by Deaf artist Chisato Minamimura will be presented in British Sign Language (BSL) with German surtitles in both Nuremberg and Erlangen. In Erlangen, seats are reserved for d/Deaf visitors; these cannot be booked online. Please send your ticket requests to barrierefrei@figurentheaterfestival.de or fax +49 91 31 / 86-1411. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. For “Mitizs Mensch” in Fürth, tickets can be purchased online or at authorised ticket outlets; reserved seating is available.
Additionally, many productions this year use little or no spoken language, making them accessible for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. A number of shows also feature German and/or English surtitles.
Information for Audiences with Hearing Impairment
Permanent induction loops for hearing impaired audiences can be found in the Erlangen Markgrafentheater (stalls, rows 4 – 12) as well as in the Stadttheater Fürth (stalls). Audiences with hearing impairment can use their own hearing aid (if suitable for audio induction) to take advantage of this offer.
In Erlangen, temporary induction systems will also be set up during the festival at the Markgrafentheater Rangfoyer, Glocken-Lichtspiele, Redoutensaal, and Theater in der Garage. In Fürth, this service will be available at the Kulturforum. The Tafelhalle in Nuremberg also offers audio induction on a permanent basis. Visitors may use their own hearing aids or borrow FM receivers with neck loop induction at the box office for a refundable deposit. If your device does not support induction, we kindly ask you to bring your own headphones if possible.
Language Accessibility
Many productions at the festival are performed without spoken language or feature minimal dialogue. Several performances also include German and/or English surtitles, making them more accessible to an international audience and to audiences that have difficulties understanding and following (spoken) language.