Access Guide to the State Theatre Centre
Black Swan State Theatre Company actively engages with our community and is committed to developing our programs and services to help increase our accessibility to everyone in the community.
Vision
Audio Description Service and Tactile Tours
An Audio Description Service for blind or vision impaired patrons is also offered for certain performances. Patrons are required to arrive at the venue at least 20 to 30 minutes prior to the performance in order to collect their equipment and be comfortably seated. The AD service starts 10 minutes prior to performance commencement so that the set and other elements can be described or sections of the programme can be read to patrons.
Tactile tours may also be provided as part of the Audio Description service and the purpose of the tour is to give patrons an understanding of the costumes and stage set. Patrons will be escorted onto the set so they get an idea of the dimensions and will be able to touch the props being used on stage. Patrons will also be able to handle the costumes being worn by the actors. While the tour is taking place the audio describers will describe where the different props are located on stage and what colour, shape and material has been used for the costumes.
All Black Swan mainstage productions have Audio Described performances on particular dates. They are:
- Cloudstreet, Sunday 8 March 12noon
- The Cherry Orchard, Saturday 23 May 2.00pm
- York, Saturday 29 August 2.00pm
- Oklahoma, Saturday 12 December 2.00pm
Assistance Animals
Guide dogs or any animals trained to assist people with disabilities are welcome inside all areas of the State Theatre Centre. To ensure appropriate seating is allocated, please inform the venue at the time of booking.
Hearing
Auslan Interpretation
Patrons with hearing impairment can attend a performance where an Auslan Interpreter is available. This year Black Swan is pleased to present Auslan Interpretation on the following shows: Cloudstreet, The Cherry Orchard, Oklahoma!
There are twenty seasts available per performance selected for their view of the interpreter/s.
Please visit the event page/s for details on how to book your tickets or contact Amy at amy@bsst.com.au
Assisted Hearing System
The State Theatre Centre has been equipped with a Sennheiser Infra Red Assisted Hearing System to assist those who are hard of hearing or who have hearing aids. The hearing system is installed in the Heath Ledger Theatre as well as the Studio Underground. The audio for this system comes from two infrared transmitter boxes located at the top of the proscenium arch on each side of the stage.
This system can be used by anyone who would like the sound on stage amplified. The system has two types of receivers: an in ear headset for people without hearing aids, and an induction necklace for people with hearing aids. (The hearing aid must be set to the T position.)
Receivers for this service must be collected from the Front of House Manager prior to the performance start and must be returned to the Front of House Manager at the end of the performance. Please inform the venue at the time of booking if you require an assisted hearing system.
Captioned Performances
Patrons with hearing impairments can attend a performance where captions of the script of the play will be displayed on a screen. Captioning at the State Theatre Centre is done by Go Theatrical by The Captioning Studio; more information can be found here. All Black Swan mainstage productions have captioned performances on particular dates. They are:
- Cloudstreet, Sunday 8 March 12noon
- The Cherry Orchard, Saturday 23 May 2.00pm
- York, Saturday 29 August 2.00pm
- Oklahoma, Saturday 12 December 2.00pm
If you wish to use this service, at the time of your booking or prior to the performance, please contact the venue to secure your captioning device.
Mobility
The State Theatre Centre is accessible to patrons with impaired mobility. It is recommended that patrons with special requirements state their needs when booking their tickets.
Box Office
The Box Office for ticket collection is located on the lower floor and is wheelchair accessible from The Courtyard and via a ramp from the entrance at the corner of William Street and Roe Street.
Theatre Access & Accessible Seating
Wheelchair seating is available and easily accessible in the Heath Ledger Theatre and the Studio Underground, with lifts serving the Main Foyer and Studio levels.
The Lower Stalls, Upper Stalls and Dress Circle seating of the Heath Ledger Theatre are all accessible via lifts. The Heath Ledger Theatre has 22 removable seats in the stalls and three in the circle for wheelchair seating.
The Studio has wheelchair seating locations available both on the flat floor and in the gallery.
Please check at the time of booking to find out what wheelchair seating is available as this may change with each production.
Accessible Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilets are located on Basement 1 & 2, Level 2, and Level 4 and in The Courtyard. The Heath Ledger Theatre toilets also contain automated doors for easy entry and exit.
Companion Card
Black Swan State Theatre Company recognises the Companion Card for all performances. Companion cardholders will not be required to pay for the cost of tickets for their carer. Please let Black Swan know you possess a companion card at the time of booking your tickets.
Occupational Health & Safety Policy
The State Theatre Centre has a cloak room in which jackets and bags can be stored. Small sized bags can be taken into the theatre and place either on your lap or stowed away underneath your chair. Large bags will not be allowed in the theatre as these pose risks to the safety of all patrons when entering and exiting the theatre.
For parking and transport information click here.
