The Theatre Experience

Access
MTC is committed to making performances accessible to the widest possible audience, including those with physical or sensory impairment. At certain performances we offer captions, audio descriptions and pre-show tactile tours. There are spaces for wheelchairs at all MTC mainstage performances and an FM hearing system is also available in all seating areas of the Sumner, Playhouse and Fairfax Studio. Arts Access’s EASE ticketing service can also be used by those who are disadvantaged or have a disability. For more Access information including the schedule for captioned and audio described performances click here.

Adult themes, strong language and smoking in plays
Adult themes and strong language warnings have been noted on the individual play pages of the MTC website. Stage cigarettes do not contain tobacco. To confirm the use of strong language, adult themes or smoking on stage, please view the individual play pages or call MTC on 03 8688 0900 the week prior to the first preview. Additional information regarding sensitive content can also be found here. Warning signage will be evident in the theatre foyer.

Babies at performances
All patrons attending the theatre will be required to hold a valid ticket, including babes in arms.  Babes in arms are babies who remain in carers arms for the duration of the show.  Children who are not babes in arms and/or are over 2 years old are required to have their own seat and have a paid ticket (youth price). Prams and strollers will only be accommodated by prior arrangement with the venue.  Parents choosing to visit the theatre with babies may be asked to leave the auditorium if there is a disturbance or interruption to other patrons in the theatre.  If you need to do make arrangements to attend with your baby please call the Southbank Theatre Box Office on 03 8688 0800 or the Arts Centre Melbourne Box Office on 1300 182 183 in advance. 

Food in the theatre
Food and beverages other than water are not permitted in the theatre. Food and drinks can be consumed in the foyer areas prior to entering the auditorium and during interval.

Latecomer Policy
Performances will commence promptly at the advertised time. MTC reserves the right to admit latecomers only when there is a suitable break in the performance. MTC also reserves the right to relocate patrons if late access to their allocated seats could cause disruption to other audience members. Management reserves the right to refuse admission; this policy is to prevent disruption to other patrons and the performance. If you are going to be late to a show, you may wish to check with the Box Office for the specific details of the production’s latecomer policy; contact Southbank Theatre Box Office 03 8688 0800 or Arts Centre Melbourne Box Office 1300 182 183.

Lost tickets
Lost ticket vouchers can be arranged by contacting the Southbank Theatre Box Office on 03 8688 0800. Please note lost ticket vouchers cannot be exchanged.

Mobile phones
Please remember to turn your mobile phone OFF when you enter the theatres. Mobile phones ringing during a performance are distracting for both the performers and audience members. In Southbank Theatre and the Arts Centre Theatres it is a condition of entry to turn your mobile phone off.

Photography
All MTC shows are protected by copyright laws and taking unauthorised still photography, video and audio recordings is not permitted.

Responding to the performance
Theatre is a communication between audience and actor. Actors love to hear the audiences respond authentically. Laughing, crying, applauding and even cheering is all part of the experience. For those new to theatre, audiences applaud at the end of the act before the interval and also at the end of the show, when actors take their bows.

Smoking
Please observe all No Smoking notices. Both Southbank Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne are smoke-free venues. Smoking is only permitted outside the buildings.

Talking during a performance
The acoustics of our theatres are such, that talking or whispering during a performance is likely to be heard on stage. Please refrain from talking during the performance.