The Court Theatre

General Information

Bernard Street Addington

https://courttheatre.org.nz/visit/accessibility/

Overview

"Hidden in Christchurch’s suburb of Addington is New Zealand’s largest theatrecompany. In its post-earthquake refuge - an old grain shed – is a magical world ofhappiness, laughter, drama and intrigue.Inside the walls of the old grain shed is a diverse and dynamic company of 60permanent staff plus hundreds of artists and artisans who produce 19 productionseach year. Over 150,000 ticket buyers enter The Court each year to feast on thevaried offering of theatrical works, all created and produced on-site.The Court has matched the ever-diversifying Christchurch population and createsand supports work for everyone in our community including children and families, forthe Tangata Whenua and for Christchurch’s growing Pasifika communities.A strong education programme at The Court fosters and nurtures the future oftheatre in New Zealand through drama and improv classes, holiday programmes,workshops, theatre intensives, master classes and the Ambassadors, YouthCompany and Youth Crew programmes. Those involved in the educationprogrammes find a safe space to play and explore in a place free of judgement,where everyone’s individuality is celebrated.The Court supports new writing for theatre and commissions plays from a diverserange of New Zealand playwrights. This work may be destined to be a theatricalevent on the mainstage, or more intimate and edgier work for the adventurousForge audience, or quite simply creating magic for the kids’ audiences. Recentcommissions have involved playwrights Hone Kouka, Gary Henderson, AlisonQuigan and Oscar Kightley.The Court Jesters need no introduction – they’ve been making Christchurch laughsince 1990. Available for private and corporate event entertainment as well asrunning TheatresportsTM competitions and New Zealand’s longest running late-nightcomedy show, Scared Scriptless, Christchurch’s hunger for comedy keeps TheJesters on their toes.The Court has something for everyone. It has something for those who want theirentertainment king-sized and world class, for those who want to sit back and enjoy agood laugh, and for those who want theatre to challenge, to spark debate and tostay in their mind long after the show has finished. The Court creates, and helpscreate, work for all the people of Ōtautahi.The Court doesn’t belong to a government or council. It doesn’t belong to anindividual. It doesn’t belong to the practitioners that work here. It belongs to you; theaudience. The Court is reaching further, pushing out, trying harder to expand thataudience so that all the people of this country can share and celebrate in the workthe theatre produces.The Court Theatre is your theatre. Whoever you are."

Notes for Cardholders

At the Court Theatre we want all our customers to feel welcome and receiveexcellent service. We realise that our disabled customers face some barriers thatwe can help them overcome. The staff at the theatre have specific training aroundthose barriers and what they can proactively do to make a difference.We also realise that for some there is the need to have a companion to providededicated assistance. So if your card has a +1 symbol we are pleased to providethat person a ticket for free.We are actively looking to improve our accessibility, which includes enjoying theproductions and events that we put on. Our current premises mean that we havesome limitations in that respect, but the planned new theatre in the City will bedesigned with the disabled very much in mind. We are always looking to ensure thatwe are providing good accessibility to our patrons – if you have any suggestions forus on how we can improve our services please let us know email:accessibility@courttheatre.org.nz

Standing and Queuing

If you are going into the auditorium, please wait in the foyer by the access door beyond the toilets. If you are going into thestudio, let the usher know and wait by the entrance to the studio. If you would like assistance to exit the auditorium or studioduring the interval, please let the usher know.

Level Access

All facilities are at ground level. The entry to the foyer from the car park is at ground level through two sets of glass doors.As you come in, the box office is to your left and accessible toilets are to your right.The auditorium is equipped with five wheelchair spaces in the front row. Please advise our box office staff at the time of booking if you or one of your party uses a wheelchair. Also let our box office staff know whether the wheelchair user wishes to stay in their wheelchair or transfer to a seat. The Court does not provide wheelchairs.

Distances

There are three car-parking spaces for Accessibility Pass holders at the front of our car-parking area on a first-come first-serve basis. There is plenty of car-parking for other patrons. Patrons do not have to pay for parking during performances. If you are coming in to book tickets, there are fifteen-minute bays close to the theatre entrance.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.We also provide access assistance for patrons with mobility or vision impairments where an usher will help you to your seat. Please advise our box office staff at the time of booking if you require access assistance. If you let us know when you book that you or one of your party has difficulty with stairs, we can aim to seat you closer to the stage.

Urgent Toilet Access

There are women’s and men’s toilets with two steps into each. There are also two accessible toilets at ground level. Please note there is no hoist system in the toilets. There is a baby change facility in one of the accessible toilets.

Disability Assist Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs at The Court – please inform the box office at the time of booking. We will aim to offer aisle orfront row seating.

Essential Companions

Essential Companions Available for Access Card Holders with +1 Symbol.

Difficulty Accessing Visual Information

Our front of house staff are available to assist in understanding the various signs and written information that is in the theatre.We also provide access assistance for patrons with vision impairments where an usher will help you to your seat. Please advise our box office staff at the time of booking if you require access assistance. If you let us know when you book that you or one of your party has difficulty with stairs, we can aim to seat you closer to the stage.

Difficulty Accessing Audible Information

For patrons with a hearing aid, a hearing loop is available.We recommend booking early because the hearing loop worksbest for patrons seating in the centre block (rows B, C, E, F and G). Please inform our box office staff of your requirements.There are also headsets for the hearing loop available from the box office. If you would like to use a headset, please cometo the theatre 30 minutes before prior to the performance. After the performance is over, please return the headset to barstaff.

Hidden Disabilities

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.Communication Friendly Performances are designed for those with communication difficulties.