Victoria Festival of Authors is committed to the accessibility of our in-person and virtual programming. To ensure we meet the needs of our authors, audience and community, we welcome all feedback and ideas.
If you have an access request, or would like to discuss the accessibility of Victoria Festival of Authors’ 2024 programming, please contact info@victoriafestivalofauthors.ca, with the subject line ACCESSIBILITY.
Langham Court Theatre
Mobility Considerations: Langham Court Theatre was built in 1880 as a carriage house and barn, and was converted to a theatre in 1940. Though the theatre has worked to increase their accessibility, there are limitations because of its age.
Entrance: The theatre has two entrances. In front, there is an entrance with stairs that include 13 steps, with handrails. There are no elevators but a flat ramp to the left of the building that leads to the lounge entrance with a very tiny bump. Attendees can use either entrance.
Wheelchairs/ Mobility Devices Seating: There is space for wheelchairs , and devices the width of a wheelchair such as rollators/walkers, at the back of the theatre, however this is accessed by a sloped aisle that is 28” wide. The front row is an option for a transfer from a chair to the theatre seating. There are two jump seats that would be ideal for pole/cane users.
Bathrooms: There are two gender-neutral bathrooms. One of these bathrooms has a large stall, with a doorway 30” wide. There are handrails in bathroom stalls.
Priority Seating: Seating for all events is first-come-first-served, however we are happy to provide early entry and/or assigned seating for those who self-identify a need. Please contact us in advance of the event to arrange a plan with VFA staff. You can see the seating chart HERE.
Those requiring a companion for access are encouraged to take advantage of the zero-fee ticket option for that person.
ASL Interpretation: Interpreters are available on request for all events. Please contact VFA by OCTOBER 3 to request interpreters for live and/ or livestreamed viewing.
Scents: While we encourage audience members to be scent-sensitive, please note that we are unable to enforce this policy.
Alternative Viewing Options: All events at Langham Court Theatre will be livestreamed. If you choose to attend in-person and are not comfortable with theatre seating, you can watch the event on the screen in the lounge.
Ticket Prices: All events at Langham Court Theatre have sliding-scale ticket pricing, with a zero-fee option. We encourage audience members to self-select a ticket price that reflects their financial capacity.
Parking: In front of the venue there are five accessible parking stalls that serve those with valid BC accessible parking permits. There is no general parking at the theatre. Free parking is available on side streets (Moss Street, Linden Avenue, and Fort Street), as well as the Central Middle School parking lot on Fort Street. Please abide by parking signs; do not park where it is posted Residential Only, as you may be ticketed. Please give yourself plenty of time to find parking before your event.
W̱MÍYEŦEN/ Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary
Mobility Considerations: Events at this outdoor venue include walking. When planning the route, we take into consideration audience members who require a slower pace, however the paths can be narrow and some uphill routes can be a bit steep. There are boardwalks that may be slippery when wet. You will likely be standing for the full event. Outdoor events run regardless of the weather. If you require any further details please don’t hesitate to ask.
ASL Interpretation: interpreters are available on request for the morning events at W̱MÍYEŦEN/ Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary. This will not be available for the afternoon events. Please contact VFA by OCTOBER 3 if you request ASL interpretation.
If you have further questions, or wish to relay an access need, please contact info@victoriafestivalofauthors.ca with the subject line: ACCESSIBILITY
Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA)
Mobility Considerations: CCPA is wheelchair accessible on both levels, however because it is a converted church gymnasium there is no elevator connecting the two floors. Both studios in use for the workshops have individual all-gender washrooms in them, although these are not wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair accessible washroom is located on the upper floor of the College.
Entrance: The workshop spaces are located on two separate floors – the lower level has two entrances; the main entrance which has 5 steps, and the wheelchair accessible entrance in the rear. The upper level has one entrance that is accessed through a short set of stairs with handrails or a ramp located in front of the neighbouring church (St. Mary’s Anglican Church).
Wheelchairs/ Mobility Devices Seating: The first two rows of seating in the Performance Hall are removable in pairs. If possible, please let VFA know if you require wheelchair seating before the event.
Bathrooms: There are two gender neutral single stall washrooms on the upper floor, one of which is wheelchair accessible, as well as a two-stall men’s washroom and three-stall women’s washroom. There is one stand-alone washroom on the lower-level in the workshop studio, as well as a two stall gender neutral washroom in the lounge.
Parking: There is two-hour on-street parking in front of the College, or several spots available on the far-side of the St. Mary’s Church parking lot located next door. For those with mobility devices, there are three drop-off spots available in front of the College although they aren’t close to the ramp so would not be ideal for those in wheelchairs.