ACCESSIBILITY AT TAURANGA ARTS FESTIVAL
Download accessible festival programme Structured Word versionOur accessibility programme provides audio-described and relaxed performances to make our productions accessible to blind and low-vision patrons and audiences who prefer a relaxed environment when going to the theatre.
On this page you can also find information about provisions available at the theatre to accommodate accessibility needs.
We want to make your experience as comfortable as possible. To book accessibility tickets or if you have any questions, please contact us:
Email access@taurangafestival.co.nz
Phone 07 577 7188
SMS 021 345 784
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE & TOUCH TOUR
The Haka Party Incident
Baycourt Community and Arts Centre
Friday 20 October
Touch tour at 6pm
Audio-described performance at 7.30pm
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, incorporated in 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.
Also available:
Our production of Tea with Terrorists does not need audio description to be accessible for blind and low-vision audiences. A pre-show information package will be available shortly.
RELAXED PERFORMANCE
Tea with Terrorists
Baycourt Community and Arts Centre
Saturday 28 October at 4pm
Although all patrons are welcome to attend this dedicated relaxed performance, there will be some adjustments to the show and the seating configuration in order to prioritise the entertainment of our patrons who prefer a relaxed performance. A pre-show information package will be available shortly.
NO LACK OF FUN FOR LACK OF FUNDS TICKETS
Tea with Terrorists
Baycourt Community and Arts Centre
Friday 27 October at 6.30pm
Saturday 28 October at 4pm and 6.30pm
Tauranga Arts Festival and The Magnificent Weirdos are operating a No Lack of Fun for Lack of Funds policy for Tauranga performances of Tea with Terrorists. A few tickets are set aside for each show for those who would love to come, but cannot afford the ticket. You can request one of these free tickets for yourself, or for someone who is too shy to ask for themselves by emailing access@taurangafestival.co.nz with the subject line Fun Times.
COMPANION TICKETS
We have a number of complimentary companion tickets available at each event. If you require a companion ticket, please email the festival team.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS BOOKINGS
If you require wheelchair seating for any of the performances scheduled at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, please make your booking directly with them. You can contact them on 07 577 7188 or send an email to baycourtboxoffice@tauranga.govt.nz For wheelchair seating at all other venues please email the festival team.
HEARING LOOP
A hearing loop is available in the Addison Theatre at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, from rows F to S. To access this wireless audio signal, change your hearing aid setting to 'Telecoil' and it will connect.
SERVICE DOGS
Licensed hearing and guide dogs are welcome at all our venues - please let us know if you are bringing your service dog with you so we can arrange appropriate seating for you both.
SAFE SPACE
Tauranga Arts Festival is committed to providing a safe space for all. We have zero tolerance for discriminatory and bullying behaviours.
We are continually looking for ways to improve our understanding of accessibility needs, universal design and social inclusion. If you have any feedback in this regard, please reach out to us.