Accessibility

Our accessibility 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 Sensory Relaxed performances which welcome autistic and neurodivergent audience members and those with sensory sensitivities

On this page you can also find information about provisions available at the theatre to accommodate accessibility needs.

Find out more about:


Touch tour group and a guide dog on the set of The Life of Galileo, 2021.


Theatregoer at touch tour for Scenes from a Yellow Peril holding one of the costumes from the production.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

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.

HEARING ASSISTANCE

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

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.

AUDIO-DESCRIBED & TOUCH TOUR

Every show in our 2024 Season has one audio-described performance. See upcoming performances here or 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.

NEW ZEALAND SIGN LANGUAGE (NZSL) INTERPRETED

Every show in our 2024 Season has at least one NZSL-interpreted performance. See upcoming performances here or 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.

ACCESS TICKETS

Deaf/hard-of-hearing patrons, blind/low-vision patrons, and autistic and neurodivergent patrons can get $20 tickets to NZSL-Interpreted, Audio-Described, and Sensory 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: 0800 282 849

Sensory Relaxed & Pre-show Demonstration

As part of ATC's commitment to make theatre accessible to all, we are launching a trial sensory relaxed performance programme to welcome neurodivergent and autistic audience members and those with sensory needs.

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Mobility Car Park

Find public mobility car parks near ASB Waterfront Theatre.

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Getting to ASB Waterfront Theatre

Public transport options for getting to the theatre.

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