In 2023, we were incredibly pleased to introduce the concept of the relaxed venue. We are continuing our work on this in 2024. Becoming relaxed means working at all levels of the theater's operation to create conditions and situations that are less disabling and more encouraging for people with various needs. In this way, we strive to create an accessible and inclusive place for everyone.

We hope that this approach can fundamentally change the way people experience our theater and make Rosendal more open and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of different abilities.

The beauty of this concept lies in the scope of the vision. We are talking about changes in six areas:

• The accessibility of buildings and rooms used
• The ongoing question of who and what is programmed, as well as who does the programming
• How organizations are structured, staffed, and developed
• How websites and social media are made accessible
• How relationships with the audience, staff, and volunteers are formed, expanded, and maintained
• How an organization engages with its local communities; how it listens; how it advocates for and amplifies; how it commits to and engages in social action.

Throughout 2024, we aim to continue working on and offering these initiatives:

• Sign language interpretation, touch tours, and audio descriptions at selected performances/events
• A relaxed venue at the theater
• Available noise cancelling headphones
• Fidgets available upon request
• Performances that are relaxed and/or sensory-friendly
• An accessible website and social media
• Accessibility riders for the artists we work with
• Content warnings for the audience on our website
• A working environment that includes people with various abilities and health conditions
• A series of online learning platforms for national arts and culture organizations, which can help facilitate approaches and initiatives to make their and our work more inviting and accessible.*

We are not doing this work alone. To realize many of these initiatives, we have worked closely with our partner DansiT. We are dedicated to learning as we go and welcome feedback along the way. All information about accessibility initiatives specific to each event can be found on our website. This initiative is guided and curated by Tonje Wik Olaussen and Alexander Roberts, in conversation with the entire brilliant team at Rosendal Theater and DansiT, plus key conversation partners such as Sjiraffen Kultursenter and Teater Eureka.

This learning platform is made possible thanks to a grant from Balansepotten.*