Arts

Captioning in theatres
Audio description in theatres

Captions allow a wider range of people to enjoy the theatre experience. It enables approximately 4 million people with a hearing loss and many more people for whom English is a second language to better access the theatre experience. 

Captions are prepared from the script of the play by highly trained staff. During the performance, the captions are displayed on a screen, enabling the audience to read what is being said without obstructing the actors.

Theatre captioning is an example of 'inclusive design' because everyone can see it, whether they have a hearing loss or not.

The captions can also benefit hearing theatre patrons, especially when the performance involves dialects or strong accents, when words are being sung or when actors are speaking and singing off-stage.

A number of major Australian theatre companies regularly caption performances each season.  This service is an important one, so please help Media Access Australia's efforts to achieve theatre captioning on a permanent basis by supporting these productions. If you attend one of the captioned performances please let the box office know you value the service!

If your favourite theatre doesn't currently offer captioning, ask at the box office when they will begin to offer the service.

Victorian ticket service

Bookings for Melbourne theare services can often be made through the Arts Centre Box Office either in person or via mail bookings sent to PO Box 1753 Melbourne 8004.

Ease members in Victoria, and the discounted price is available to cardholders. Seating arrangements should be discussed at the time of booking, so the box office can arrange for the best possible view of the screen.

Captioned theatre sessions

View the Captioned Theatre schedules.