Accessible Theatre
Our accessible theatre programme provides Audio Described and New Zealand Sign Language interpreted performances to make our productions accessible to blind/low-vision and Deaf/hard-of-hearing patrons. We are also debuting relaxed performances in 2025; all are welcome.
On this page you can also find information about provisions available at the theatre to accommodate accessibility needs.
ASB Waterfront Theatre has eight seats and three wheelchair spaces centrally located in the auditorium, reserved for customers with special access requirements. There is step-free, level access to all tiers of the building and to seating in the stalls. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are located on the ground floor; accessible parking is available on Madden Street and other accessible parking spaces are within 150 metres of the theatre.
The theatre has a T-Loop radio frequency system to amplify the sound of the performance. If you don’t use a hearing aid or your hearing aid does not have a T setting, there is a listener unit available on request from the box office.
Assistance dogs are welcome at the ASB Waterfront Theatre. We can find a seat that’s comfortable for you and your dog or arrange for the theatre staff to look after your dog during the show.
Every show in our 2025 Season has one audio-described performance. Look out for the AD icon on each show page.
Audio-described performances provide a live audio commentary by professionals from Audio Described Aotearoa who describe key visual elements of what is happening on stage, slipped seamlessly between portions of dialogue. This commentary is relayed to blind and low-vision patrons via an earpiece which is provided at no extra charge to those booking accessibility tickets.
Taking place 90 minutes before the audio-described performance, the touch tour is a free experience where patrons can walk through the set, touch props, feel costumes and familiarise themselves with visual and sensory materials in the performance. Touch tours are for visually impaired patrons and their companions only.
Every show in our 2025 Season has at least one NZSL interpreted performance. Look out for the NZSL icon on each show page.
NZSL interpreted performances feature a trained interpreter from Platform Interpreting New Zealand who appears on stage signing the show for Deaf and hard of hearing patrons in the audience. The trained interpreters carefully translate the play’s script prior to the performance and work closely with the cast and crew to incorporate the director's vision into the final interpretation.
As part of ATC's commitment to make theatre accessible to all, we are trialing relaxed performances to welcome neurodivergent and autistic audience members and those with sensory needs.
The relaxed performances are developed with guidance from autistic professionals and community members, and we welcome your feedback as we build this programme.
The story, characters, lights and sound of the relaxed show are unchanged from our standard performances.
ATC provide show specific resources, pre-show demonstrations and breakout spaces. Audience members are welcome to come and go from the auditorium during the performance. This relaxed performance is a comfortable and inclusive experience which may be especially welcomed by autistic and neurodivergent audience members.
Pre-show demonstration at 6:30pm, please meet at theatre box office.
Everyone is invited to come as you are and to choose what support and preparation is right for you.
Deaf/hard-of-hearing patrons, blind/low-vision patrons, and autistic and neurodivergent patrons can get $20 tickets to NZSL Interpreted, Audio Described, and Relaxed performances. One companion ticket per theatre-goer is also available for $20.
Please contact the box office to book:
Box office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 09 309 3395
Payment must be made at the time of booking.
Accessible Parking
Feel free to check out our handy document that details the accessible parking around the ASB Waterfront Theatre.
ASB Waterfront Theatre Visual Guide
Check out our handy document that uses pictures and descriptions to let you know what coming to the ASB Waterfront Theatre will be like, including building access and amenities.
