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: Heath Ledger Theatre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 15 March, 1:00pm (Tactile Tour begins 11:30pm)
• Auslan Interpreted Performance: Tuesday 11 March, 7:00pm
• Captioned Performance (Open & Closed): Saturday 15 March, 1:00pm

• Venue: Studio Underground
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Wednesday 4 June, 6:30pm (Tactile Tour begins 5:00pm)
• Auslan Interpreted Performance: Tuesday 3 June, 6:30pm
• Captioned Performance (Closed): Saturday 7 June, 2:00pm

• Venue: Heath Ledger Theatre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Sunday 29 June, 5:00pm (Tactile Tour begins 3:30pm)
• Auslan Interpreted Performance: Saturday 28 June, 2:00pm
• Captioned Performance (Open & Closed): Saturday 5 July, 2:00pm

• Venue: Heath Ledger Theatre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 2 August, 2:00pm (Tactile Tour begins 12:30pm)
• Auslan Interpreted Performance: Tuesday 29 July, 6:30pm
• Captioned Performance (Open & Closed): Saturday 2 August, 2:00pm

• Venue: Heath Ledger Theatre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 13 September, 2:00pm (Tactile Tour begins 12:30pm)
• Auslan Interpreted Performance: Saturday 6 September, 2:00pm
• Captioned Performance (Open & Closed): Saturday 13 September, 2:00pm

• Venue: Heath Ledger Theatre
• Audio Description & Tactile Tour: Saturday 13 December, 2:00pm (Tactile Tour begins 12:30pm)
• Auslan Interpreted Performance: Tuesday 9 December, 6:30pm
• Captioned Performance (Open & Closed): Saturday 13 December, 2:00pm

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)

Lifts service the Main Foyer down to the Studio Underground foyer level. There is a separate lift that can then take patrons down to the Studio Underground stage level if required, depending on the configuration of seating and staging for that particular performance.

The standard configuration is in a proscenium layout– Rows AA to H, seats 1-26.

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

No Stairs – Row H. All other rows require a step down. Row H includes the designated wheelchair seat. If patrons have severe mobility restrictions but are not using a wheelchair, they should contact the venue on 6212 9292 to request appropriate seating. Alternatively please purchase seats in other Row H seats.

Minimal Stairs (2 to 4 stairs down) – Rows F to G. Please note, Rows AA (nil stairs), A, and B (2 to 4 stairs up) can be used as an option for mobility restricted patrons but utilisation of these seats needs to be confirmed by through the venue on (08) 6212 9292 on a per show basis to confirm access is available due to staging, etc.

Access requirements for patrons who experience difficulties with stairs should be confirmed with the venue on (08) 6212 9292 for alternate seating configurations as the requirements will vary.

The Studio Underground has wheelchair seating locations available both on the flat floor and on the balcony.

Standard Configuration:

All Wheelchairs - Row H Seats 63/64

Alternate Configurations:

All Wheelchairs - 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 their attendance. This can be booked through stage door on (08) 6212 9200.

Accessible toilets are available on the Main Foyer level (in the Courtyard), and the Studio Underground foyer level. For alternate seating configurations, access toilets are also available on the Studio Underground stage level Basement 2. Please ask our friendly staff for directions to the bathroom.