Accessibility

On this page

Our commitment to accessibility

We believe everyone should have access to extraordinary arts, and we are committed to improving the accessibility of our festival.

Most of our venues have hearing loops, are wheelchair accessible and have accessible toilets and carparks. Each year we work with representatives from Deaf and disabled communities and with the support of Arts Access Aotearoa, to make the festival more accessible. This includes providing audio description, NZSL interpretation and relaxed performances.

Our award-winning¹Access & Inclusion initiative provides reduced-cost tickets to members of our Deaf and disabled communities with FREE companion tickets available.

Accessible booking forms will be available on this page soon. If you need support with your accessible tickets, please contact Hannah:

Email: access@aaf.co.nz
Phone or Text: 022 1239 759

Accessible showlist

Explore our accessible shows and events:

Very Visual performances

A guide to accessibility icons

You will find these accessibility symbols on each event page on the website, to indicate the accessibility of our events:

Icons	—	What they represent
		New Zealand Sign Language interpreted performances We work with representatives from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, to identify which performances would be suitable for NZSL interpretation. For these performances, trained interpreters, situated on the left or right-hand side of the stage will interpret the performance using NZSL. There are seats reserved for Deaf audience members to provide a clear view of the stage and the interpreters.
		Audio described performances (English and te reo Māori) Audio description is a narration service to describe the visual components of a performance. Patrons are issued with headsets with the headphone in one ear, to deliver the description alongside the show audio.
		Touch tours A touch tour allows blind or low vision patrons the opportunity to get up close with elements of the production prior to a show. The content of touch tours varies according to the event, but most include an introduction to the set, props and costume to provide context. Some tours include the opportunity to meet some of the cast, to provide an insight into the characters, and their voices.
		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. We will send out what to expect information in advance, and for most of these shows there will be a pre-show demonstration of light, sound and any surprises.. There will be a relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the performance and there will also be a chill-out area available in the venue for to go to during the show if you wish. (Please note that these shows are presented in their original form with the same lighting, sound, effects, plot, characters and story.)
		Wheelchair access These events have step-free access. Seated venues have specific areas that are accessible for wheelchair users, and provide companion seats.
		Hearing Loop events Hearing aid loops are available at specific venues. To use the loop, switch hearing aids to 'tele'. Venues have specific areas that are covered by the hearing aid loop. To use it, we will need to reserve tickets for you in the right section of the theatre. Please book through the relevant event form, email access@aaf.co.nz or call 022 1239 759 to specifically request these seats.
		Very Visual performances These shows do not have a significant audio component. We provide an NZSL video about the storyline of the show, and in some cases we can provide pre-show notes to give context.
		Suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences Shows with a strong audio component, like talks or music.
		Content available in accessible formats We can work with you to make resources available in formats that are accessible for you (including in braille, large print and accessible word documents). Email Hannah at access@aaf.co.nz or call 022 1239 759 with any requests.