Accessibility

Audio Description captures the visual elements of theatre performances by providing live verbal descriptions via a personal headset. 

Pre-show tactile tours allow blind or low vision patrons and their companions to explore the set, props and costumes. Tactile Tours are generally 1.5 hours prior to the start of performance but we will contact you to confirm timing closer to the event.

Tickets for audio described performances are available through the venue Ticketing Office on (08) 6212 9295 or SWAbox@ptt.wa.gov.au. It is essential patrons advise the booking agent that the audio described service will be required at time of booking. Tickets for the service can be purchased up to three working days prior to the performance, after which audio described seats which have not been sold will be released to the general public. Patrons are requested to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the performance in order to collect their equipment and be comfortably seated until the audio description commences.

We regularly email updates about the Audio Description service to our database of patrons who utilize the service, and we also keep in touch through a closed Facebook group.

For further information regarding the Audio Description Service, or to add your name to our database to receive show updates please contact the venue on (08) 6212 9295.

Black Swan provides an Auslan interpreter at selected shows for hard of hearing or deaf patrons. Our interpreter will stand to one side of the stage and live translate the text and dialogue into Auslan. Please view the calendar on the Event Page you wish to attend to see which performance is Auslan interpreted. 

Allows sound to be amplified for patrons who are hard of hearing. Sennheiser Infra Red Assisted Hearing System Receivers are available for use (free of charge) and can be collected from the venue. If patrons have a hearing aid with a telecoil switch this can be connected to the relevant signal.

For patrons who are hard of hearing or deaf, or are culturally and linguistically diverse, captioning provides an accurate text display of a performance. Open Captioning displays on a screen, either above or to one side of the stage.

Captioning is available for selected performances. Please ask your ticket seller or check the website to ensure you purchase tickets to a captioned performance if you wish to use this service. Closed Captioning is available for all Open Captioned shows. To access, please request a device from the venue (subject to availability) or via the Go Theatrical app, which allows captions to be viewed during the show, and can be downloaded onto your own Apple or android device.

Wheelchair seating is available at all our performances. For short-term, non-permanent wheelchair users please contact Black Swan via tickets@blackswantheatre.com.au for further information.

For patrons who require the assistance of a companion or carer, a second ticket is issued at no cost to the Companion Card holder.

• Venue: Bold Park Aquatic Centre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 24 February, 8pm (Tactile Tour begins 7pm)
• Auslan Interpreted Performances: Tuesday 20 February, 8pm

• Venue: Subiaco Arts Centre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 4 May, 2pm (Tactile Tour begins 12:30pm)
  
• Auslan Interpreted Performances: Tuesday 30 April, 6:30pm
• Captioning (Closed): Saturday 4 May, 2pm

• Venue: Heath Ledger Theatre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 22 June, 2pm (Tactile Tour begins 12:30pm)
  
• Auslan Interpreted Performances: Tuesday 18 June, 6:30pm
• Captioning (Open): Saturday 22 June, 2pm

• Venue: Heath Ledger Theatre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 13 July, 2pm (Tactile Tour begins 12:30pm)
  
• Auslan Interpreted Performances: Tuesday 16 July, 6:30pm
• Captioning (Open): Saturday 13 July, 2pm

• Venue: Heath Ledger Theatre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 7 September, 2pm (Tactile Tour begins 12:30pm)
  
• Auslan Interpreted Performances: Tuesday 10 September, 6:30pm
• Captioning (Open): Saturday 7 September, 2pm

• Venue: Subiaco Arts Centre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 9 November, 2pm (Tactile Tour begins 12:30pm)
  
• Auslan Interpreted Performances: Tuesday 12 November, 6:30pm
• Captioning (Closed): Saturday 9 November, 2pm

Lifts service the Main Foyer up to Heath Ledger Theatre foyer level 2. There is a separate lift that can then take patrons up to upper stalls and circle with mobility restrictions as per the below guidelines.

Patrons who experience difficulties with stairs should purchase tickets in the below areas:

No Stairs – Stalls Row E, Stalls Row O and Circle Row G. These rows include the designated wheelchair seats. All other rows require a step up or down. If patrons have severe mobility restrictions but are not using a wheelchair, they should contact the venue on (08) 6212 9292 to request appropriate seating. Alternatively, please purchase seats in Row E or O in Stalls, or Row G in circle.

Minimal Stairs (2 to 4 stairs up/down) – Stalls Rows C to G, N and M. Circle Row F.

Your ticket will note a Door for entry into the auditorium. These assigned doors are a guide only to improve general patron access to the theatre space, however, if you have mobility problems, please approach a State Theatre Centre staff member upon arrival at the venue for directions on the best access route to your seat.

Standard Wheelchairs – Stalls E1, E28, O13 and Circle GG1 and GG29

Large Electric and Scooter Wheelchairs - Stalls O13 and Circle GG1 and GG29

Carer Seats - Stalls, E2, E27, O12 and Circle G1 and G29

Full Layback Wheelchairs - Please contact the venue on (08) 6212 9292 for the best seating position.

The Venue has two wheelchairs available on site which can be requested for use by patrons for access around the venue if necessary. Please contact the venue directly if you would like a staff member to meet you at the entrance with a wheelchair on the night of your attendance. This can be booked by calling (08) 6212 9200.

Accessible toilets are available on the Main Foyer level (in the Courtyard), Heath Ledger Theatre foyer level (closest for Stalls Row E), as well as upper stalls (closest for Stalls Row O) and circle (closest for Circle Row G).

There are two, 5 minute drop off bays directly outside the State Theatre Centre. They are located:

• Roe Street
• William Street

There are three City of Perth parking locations near the venue. They are as follows:

• State Library at 15 Francis Street which has 7 ACROD bays (24 hours)
• The Cultural Centre at 2 Roe Street which has 4 ACROD bays (refer to operational hours of the car park)
• Roe Street at 68 Roe Street which has 5 ACROD bays (refer to operational hours of the car park)

Wheelchair access to The Studio and Main Auditorium via the ramp on the Bagot Road side of the building and via the lift from the ground floor.

If you use a walking frame, please contact our Ticketing Team on contacting tickets@blackswantheatre.com.au or (08) 6212 9300 to organise the most accessible seating, as entry to the auditorium is via stairs.

Any further venue accessibility questions can be directed to Subiaco Arts Centre via (08) 9265 0900.

There are two allocated Wheelchair Seats in the auditorium with allocated Carer Seats located in the row behind – B5 & C4, and B7 & C6.

Please book these seats through our Box Office by contacting tickets@blackswantheatre.com.au or by calling (08) 6212 9300.

Accessible toilets are available at the venue.

3 ACROD parking bays are available in the Theatre Gardens Carpark.