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Fully Certified
The Court Theatre
General Information
Bernard Street Addington
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
Overview
"Hidden in Christchurch’s suburb of Addington is New Zealand’s largest theatre company. In its post-earthquake refuge - an old grain shed – is a magical world of happiness, laughter, drama and intrigue. Inside the walls of the old grain shed is a diverse and dynamic company of 60 permanent staff plus hundreds of artists and artisans who produce 19 productions each year. Over 150,000 ticket buyers enter The Court each year to feast on the varied offering of theatrical works, all created and produced on-site. The Court has matched the ever-diversifying Christchurch population and creates and supports work for everyone in our community including children and families, for the Tangata Whenua and for Christchurch’s growing Pasifika communities. A strong education programme at The Court fosters and nurtures the future of theatre in New Zealand through drama and improv classes, holiday programmes, workshops, theatre intensives, master classes and the Ambassadors, Youth Company and Youth Crew programmes. Those involved in the education programmes 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 diverse range of New Zealand playwrights. This work may be destined to be a theatrical event on the mainstage, or more intimate and edgier work for the adventurous Forge audience, or quite simply creating magic for the kids’ audiences. Recent commissions have involved playwrights Hone Kouka, Gary Henderson, Alison Quigan and Oscar Kightley. The Court Jesters need no introduction – they’ve been making Christchurch laugh since 1990. Available for private and corporate event entertainment as well as running TheatresportsTM competitions and New Zealand’s longest running late-night comedy show, Scared Scriptless, Christchurch’s hunger for comedy keeps The Jesters on their toes. The Court has something for everyone. It has something for those who want their entertainment king-sized and world class, for those who want to sit back and enjoy a good laugh, and for those who want theatre to challenge, to spark debate and to stay in their mind long after the show has finished. The Court creates, and helps create, work for all the people of Ōtautahi. The Court doesn’t belong to a government or council. It doesn’t belong to an individual. It doesn’t belong to the practitioners that work here. It belongs to you; the audience. The Court is reaching further, pushing out, trying harder to expand that audience so that all the people of this country can share and celebrate in the work the 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 receive excellent service. We realise that our disabled customers face some barriers that we can help them overcome. The staff at the theatre have specific training around those 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 provide dedicated assistance. So if your card has a +1 symbol we are pleased to provide that person a ticket for free. We are actively looking to improve our accessibility, which includes enjoying the productions and events that we put on. Our current premises mean that we have some limitations in that respect, but the planned new theatre in the City will be designed with disabled people very much in mind. 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 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 the studio, let the usher know and wait by the entrance to the studio. If you would like assistance to exit the auditorium or studio during 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 or front row seating.
Essential Companions
Essential Companion Entry 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 works best 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 come to the theatre 30 minutes before prior to the performance. After the performance is over, please return the headset to bar staff.
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.
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