Note on our show program:

It is our intention to make sure that EVERY show we book is as accessible as possible to the D/deaf & Hard of Hearing community.

Our festival has two kinds of shows - those with ASL interpreters (noted with the ASL interpreter symbol), and those without ASL interpreters (no symbol). Shows without interpreters are largely non-verbal movement pieces.

ASL interpretation - We have done our diligence to check in with artists and shows in advance so that we can provide ASL interpretation. Shows with an interpreter are noted with ASL interpreter Symbol.

ASL seating areas - All of our shows are general seating. For shows with ASL interpretation, signage will be posted on chairs that note “ASL priority seat”. House managers will do their diligence to ensure that these seats remain available.

Signage at venues - We have done our best to provide written instructions at all venues where there may not be someone who signs.

Staff who sign - Individuals working at Hupstate Fest who sign will wear an “I sign” button to signify that they sign. These individuals may have a range of fluency, but have self assessed their comfort communicating within their roles in ASL.

Workshops
If you need an ASL Interpreter to participate in one of our workshops, please register for the workshop and email our accessibility coordinator to confirm your request by August 24th so that we can coordinate with our interpreter team.  

Note that prerequisites for each workshop, which may include physical requirements, can be found on the individual workshop's event page. 

Our "All Things Circus Zone" offers an opportunity to anyone of any age, experience, or ability to try a variety of circus disciplines.  It is free and no registration is required.  The Circus Zone is in an outdoor parking lot with access to accessible single occupancy bathrooms around the corner at Circus Culter.  Instruction is available in ASL through our signing circus teaching artist and we are happy to make accessibility modifications to meet participants needs. 

Email our accessibility coordinator polly@hupstatecircus.org with any questions or requests.

Seating Areas: Mobility device seating areas - All of our shows are general seating. For audiences with mobility devices or special seating needs,, signage will be posted on chairs that note “ADA Mobility device priority seat”. House managers will do their diligence to ensure that these seats become available to you when needed. We will always seat you with your mobility device so you have access to it during the show, and our house managers will ensure that we keep all exit rows clear of obstructions.

Workshop Accessibility:

The Trio Acrobatics - Building Blocks and Beyond, Aerial Silks (Dynamics and Creation) With People Watching Collective, and Acrobatics and Acro Dance Flow with People Watching Collective Workshops take place at Circus Culture, which is a wheelchair accessible venue with a ramped entrance and accessible single occupancy bathrooms.

The Contact Improv and Partnerwork with People Watching Collective Workshop takes place on the 3rd floor of Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA), which can be reached by elevator. 

Note that prerequisites for each workshop, which may include physical requirements, can be found on the individual workshop's event page. 

Our "All Things Circus Zone" offers an opportunity to anyone of any age, experience, or ability to try a variety of circus disciplines.  It is free and no registration is required.  The Circus Zone is in an outdoor parking lot with access to accessible single occupancy bathrooms around the corner at Circus Culter.

Our venue access document gives you more specifics about each location, including parking, surface levels, and other info about what to expect.