Abstract

This thesis explores the integration of accessibility into theatre design from a personal perspective, focusing on how I, as a designer, strive to incorporate inclusive practices into my work. My exploration is grounded in my experiences as a student at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), where I first encountered the importance of accessibility through Elena S.V. Flys, EMU's inaugural accessibility designer. This experience profoundly shifted my view of theatre design, helping me recognize that accessibility should not be an afterthought, but a foundational element of the creative process (Flys, 2020).

Upon entering the University of Minnesota’s MFA program, I encountered a theatre community that, while academically renowned, did not prioritize accessibility to the same extent. This contrast prompted me to investigate gaps in accessibility knowledge and practices through surveys and direct engagement with accessibility consultants. My work examines how these experiences, combined with survey data, informed my understanding of accessibility in theatre design.

The research highlights the challenges of implementing universal design principles, including budget constraints, resistance to change, and the limited presence of accessibility education in design curricula. Survey insights further underscore the need for increased awareness, education, and systemic change, with many theatre professionals agreeing that accessibility should be integrated into the core design process. Through this thesis, I aim to raise awareness of accessibility issues in the theatre community, expand my understanding of best practices, and contribute to ongoing efforts to create more inclusive spaces. Ultimately, this paper reflects my journey toward incorporating accessibility as an essential part of my design philosophy and offers recommendations for broader adoption of inclusive practices within the field.