We're committed to making our performances accessible to the widest audience. We are proud to offer audio description, tactile tours, Auslan interpretation, captioning, relaxed performances, hearing assistance and wheelchair and mobility access.

You can learn more about these services below.

All our access services are available to book online, via phone or in person at our Southbank Theatre Box Office.

Please review our Production Content Guide for detailed information about each show’s content and an indication of acts, language or behaviour that may impact some audience members.

Audio description and tactile tours

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Vision Australia provides free audio description for people who are vision impaired, for specific performances. They are narrated by volunteer audio describers who describe actions, expressions and gestures during gaps between dialogue throughout the performance. The audio description service can be enjoyed from any positon in the theatre, via a small audio receiver provided by Vision Australia.

To view our Audio Described performance dates and to book tickets for these performances, please click through using the VIEW DATES AND BOOK button above.

Please note, if you book online via this link, your order will be flagged as an Audio Description booking and we will ensure a small audio receiver will be available for you at theatre. When booking tickets elsewhere on our website, or when booking via phone or in person, please notify our box office staff that you would like to use this service so we can ensure a receiver is available for you. You can then collect your Audio receiver upon arrival at the theatre.

Tactile tours of the stage commence one hour before the designated performance. Guests are given a tour of the stage and invited to touch the sets, costumes and props while the Stage Manager, and often cast members, describe them.

Assistance animals are welcome at all venues and water bowls can be provided upon request.

Audio Description  Tactile tours

Auslan interpreted performances

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Auslan is the Australian sign language for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. Melbourne Theatre Company partners with Arts Centre Melbourne and Auslan Stage Left to offer Auslan interpreted services to specific performances, where an interpreter stands to the side of the stage and interprets the performance to any patrons sitting in the auditorium who may be using the service.

To view our Auslan interpreted performance dates and to book tickets for these performances, please click through using the VIEW DATES AND BOOK button above. The seats available via this link, shown with an ‘A’ on the seat map, are positioned to offer a clear view of the interpreter. 

Auslan

Captioned Performances

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With the expertise of the Captioning Studio, we provide an open captioning service via an on-stage screen and a closed captioned service via the GoTheatrical App for specific performances at the Sumner (Southbank Theatre) and Arts Centre Melbourne (Playhouse and Fairfax Studio). During these performances, text is displayed on a screen to the side of the stage and on audience members’ personal devices, relaying actors’ dialogue, nuances, music and sound effects.

To view our Captioned performances and to book tickets to use the open captioning service, please click through using the VIEW DATES AND BOOK button above. The seats available via this link, shown with a ‘C’ on the seat map, are positioned to offer a clear view of the captioned screens.

The GoTheatrical App captioning service can be accessed from any seat, but requires the use of a personal device, i.e. a compatible smartphone or tablet. Download and check app requirements on the GoTheatrical App website.

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Relaxed performances

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Relaxed Performances focus on relaxing or adapting the theatre environment while ­­maintaining the creative integrity of the show.

During a relaxed performance:

  • We may make minor changes to sensory elements of a show such as reducing bright lighting or loud noises.
  • There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement.
  • You are welcome to bring in, and use, stimming devices.
  • The theatre doors remain open; and the house lights remain on, but dimmed, throughout the performance.
  • You can leave the venue at any time and a designated quiet area is available.
  • Pre-show resources, such as a Visual Story, are also available to help you prepare for your visit.

Relaxed Performances are for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. This can include, but is not limited to, people with autism, sensory sensitivities, Tourette's syndrome, learning disabilities or dementia, as well as people living with anxiety or people who have experienced trauma.

To view our scheduled Relaxed performances and to book tickets to use this service, please click through using the VIEW DATES AND BOOK button above.

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Hearing assistance

Hearing assistance can be provided for all productions in the form of a closed system Listen Pack at Southbank Theatre, and an FM Hearing Loop or Listen Pack at Arts Centre Melbourne. There is no extra charge for this service, simply ask theatre staff for assistance when you arrive.

For performances at Southbank Theatre, headsets will be available to loan from the cloakroom, located next to the box office. Headsets will be sanitised after each use and provided to you in a sealed packet.

Hearing loop

Wheelchair and mobility access

Melbourne Theatre Company productions are staged at Southbank Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne. Facilities for wheelchair access and seating that allows more room for the use of mobility aids are available in all theatres, for all performances (subject to availability).

Tickets for these seats can be booked online or via our Southbank Theatre box office. When booking online, please look out for the seats marked with ‘Wheelchair’ and ‘Level Access / Limited Steps’ icons. When booking these seats, you will have the opportunity to describe the type of access you require, so we can ensure your specific needs are accommodated.

At Southbank Theatre, wheelchair access is via the front entrance on Southbank Boulevard, and at Arts Centre Melbourne via the front entrance on St Kilda Road or via the carpark. Southbank Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne have lifts to all levels. The foyers within Southbank Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne offer tables and chairs at wheelchair height and Southbank Theatre also has a low bar service area.

Taxis can be flagged outside the venues or can be booked by theatre staff upon request.

Wheelchair

More information

Production Content Guide

Review our Production Content Guide for detailed information about each show and an indication of whether there are acts, language or behaviour that may have an impact on some audience members. 

Arts Access Victoria

Arts Access Victoria is the State’s leading arts and disability organisation. They are focused on building the capacity of the arts, disability, community and education sectors to increase the participation of people with a disability in arts and culture.

You can contact Arts Access directly on Voice: 9699 8299 or TTY: 9699 7636, or email info@artsaccess.com.au.

Companion Card

Companion Cards are issued to people with significant, permanent disability, who can demonstrate that they are unable to participate in all community activities, or attend venues and events without a carer in attendance, providing high level support. Melbourne Theatre Company offers Companion Card holders a free ticket for their companion to attend the performance and assist with their access needs. Learn more about Companion Card bookings.

Select access services are made possible with generous support from Arts Centre Melbourne and the Gailey Lazarus Foundation.

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Want to explore Southbank Theatre?

Prepare for your visit to Southbank Theatre with our virtual tour. Explore our two performance spaces – the Sumner and the Lawler – as well as bars, foyers, function spaces, the Melbourne Theatre Company Box Office and backstage areas like the dressing rooms. 

 

Virtual tour made possible by Virtual School Victoria and the Victorian Department of Education and Training.