Here at The Court Theatre, we want everyone to be able to enjoy the magic of theatre. Therefore, we are well prepared to help those requiring special access.
Accessibility at The Court
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Where is The Court Theatre?
The Court Theatre is located at 129 Gloucester Street, Central Christchurch, opposite Tūranga and Te Pae.
The are two entrances, one on Gloucester Street at the east end of the building, and the other on the corner of Gloucester and Colombo Streets. You may enter from either door.
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NZSL Interpreted Performances
We are proud to partner with Platform Interpreting NZ to provide accessibility to the Arts for the New Zealand Deaf community.
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Audio Described Performances
During the performance, blind and visually impaired audience members listen to live audio descriptions on headsets, which complement the dialogue with details of visual storytelling to ensure these people are able to fully engage in the production.
Contact our Box Office after booking to opt in to the Audio Described elements of these performances.
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Relaxed Performances
A Relaxed Performance is a special performance of a show designed to welcome those who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders or a learning difficulty.
For more information on Relaxed Performances, click here.
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Communication Friendly Performances
Communication Friendly Performances are designed for those with communication difficulties.
To find out more, click here.
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Booking Tickets
You may book tickets online via telephone on (03) 963 0870 or by booking in person at our Box Office at The Court. If you are deaf or find hearing difficult you may book by emailing communications@courttheatre.org.nz.
If you have access requirements or questions, please call Box Office or come into the theatre so we can do our best to tailor our services to your needs. For example, if you let us know there is a large group of people with access requirements, we may arrange for an extra usher that night.
For those with Hāpai Access Cards, we offer a discounted rate for the cardholder and their companion. You will need to present your Hāpai Access Card at time of booking or when you collect your tickets.
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Parking
There are a wide range of public parking options close to The Court Theatre including Council and commercial spaces.
There are also two mobility parks available on Gloucester Street (120 minutes), and a number of 10 minute drop-off parks on both Gloucester and Colombo Streets.
For more parking options, please see here.
You may wish to be dropped off and collected after a performance. Our Box Office staff can inform you of the duration of the performance. If you are arranging for a taxi to pick you up after the show, we recommend you pre-order for a shorter wait-time. Our Box Office or bar staff can call for a taxi for you.
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Accessibility and Shared Experience
MAKING THEATRE ACCESSIBLE
We are committed to guaranteeing that the magic of theatre remains accessible to a wider audience. We will now be offering a wider range of ticket prices for most shows, including a range of accessibly priced tickets.DISCOUNTED TICKETS
Children, Students with ID, Hāpai, CSC cardholders, Seniors (65+) and Friends of the Court Theatre are eligible for discount prices. Hāpai Access Card holders can book a free seat for their essential companion, including guide dogs.ASSISTED LISTENING (formerly known as hearing-loop)
A Wi-Fi-based audio streamer is used for assistive listening via Wi-Fi receivers or mobile devices. Device receivers can be collected from the Box Office, or you can download the app. This technology is available in the Stewart Family Theatre, the Wakefield Family Front Room, and The Rātā Foundation Studio.RELAXED PERFORMANCES
For our children’s plays, we offer a performance where lighting and sound effects are reduced, and audiences can move freely throughout the theatre. Perfect for those with sensory needs.WHEELCHAIR AND MOBILITY SEATING
We have seven wheelchair spaces available in the Stewart Family Theatre and multiple spaces in the Wakefield Family Front Room. Our friendly ushers are here to help, and you can book seats through the Box Office.AUDIO DESCRIPTION
For specific performances, we offer pre-show touch tours and audio descriptions provided live via headphones by a trained audio describer.NEW ZEALAND SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION
Specific performances have a trained NZSL interpreter based on stage providing real-time interpretation. -
Assisted Listening (Hearing Loop)
A Wi-Fi-based audio streamer is used for assistive listening via Wi-Fi receivers or mobile devices. Device receivers can be collected from the Box Office, or you can download the app. This technology is available in the Stewart Family Theatre, the Wakefield Family Front Room, and The Rātā Foundation Studio.
To set up the hearing loop on your phone:
Download Wavecast App
When in the building choose The Court Hearing Assist Wi-Fi using boxoffice as the password.
Connect hearing aids or headphones to phone using Bluetooth
Choose the space you are requiring the audio for -
Children and Babies
During the year we have productions suitable for children and young people. Please note that prams and baby capsules can not be taken into the auditorium.
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Guide Dogs
We welcome guide dogs at The Court Theatre – please inform Box Office at the time of booking. We will aim to offer aisle or front row seating.
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Effects in Productions
Please note that strobe lighting, smoke effects and gunshots are sometimes used in productions. Details are available from our Box Office staff.
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Suggestions
We are always looking to ensure that we are providing good accessibility to our patrons – if you have any suggestions for us on how we can improve our services please let us know.