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Issue 3 – June 2009
So far it has been a bumper start to the year with upgrade works happening in and around the building to improve access for all our customers. We would like to thank you for your patience with the temporary structures and hoardings that indicate work in progress and also any alternate routes of travel which may impact you. We are looking forward to the improvements these upgrades will bring to the site and for you as a visitor.
This quarter we see more accessible seating plus the operation of two stairclimbers in the Playhouse to provide mainstream access to patrons using wheelchairs. The completion of the final phase of the Accessibility & Western Foyers Project is on our doorstep with the installation of our first public lift and two escalators to the Opera Theatre and Concert Hall foyer areas. Internally, work continues on the Access Masterplan as we consult with key stakeholders to create plans that will drive and guide access improvements into the future. We also highlight upcoming access performances at Sydney Opera House!
IMPROVED ACCESS
More Work on the Accessibility and Western Foyers Project
Improved Access in the Playhouse - Coming Soon!
Two new stair climbers have just been installed in the Playhouse theatre. They have been specially designed to operate around the curved wall, and will take patrons using a wheelchair up to seating spaces with greatly improved sightlines. Modifications to the seating banks have allowed the wheelchair capacity for the theatre to be increased to four spaces for each performance. The stairclimbers can also provide assistance to patrons who have difficulty negotiating the stairs into the theatre.
The new stairclimbers will enable patrons in wheelchairs to enter the venue from the newly refurbished Western Foyers and move directly to their seat. This is a vast improvement - patrons have previously had to enter the building through back of house areas and were limited to seats in the front row.
The Playhouse wheelchair seating and new lift operations will be undergoing stakeholder trials in June and will be launched to the public soon after. Stay tuned!
To make a booking for accessible wheelchair seating call Sydney Opera House Box Office on 9250 7777 or e-mail bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com. Patrons who are deaf or have a hearing impairment can call, at no cost, through the National Relay Service:
• TTY users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 9250 7777
• Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 9250 7777
• Internet relay users connect to the NRS (www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7777
Opera Theatre and Concert Hall Escalators – Coming Soon!
The Opera Theatre escalator was successfully installed in March 2009 and is now being commissioned. In a delicate overnight operation, four cranes were used to lift and manoeuvre the escalator onto the podium. The frame was then craned through the doors of the Opera Theatre South Foyer and into its custom built bed on the Box Office stairs.
The Concert Hall escalator will be installed by a similar process in late June. Both escalators are expected to be operational late 2009.
Read more about the Accessibility and Western Foyers project
The Bennelong Lift - Coming Soon!
As part of the Accessibility & Western Foyers Project, the new passenger lift will provide independent access for patrons from the Lower Level to the Box Office Foyer, via the Western Foyer. Installation is complete and the lift is now undergoing testing and commissioning. It is expected to be opened to the public in the next few months.
Further Progress on the Access Masterplan
As part of the development of the Sydney Opera House Access Masterplan, Vision Australia Access Consulting Service conducted a wayfinding audit and reported its results to members of Sydney Opera House management in April 2009. The audit consisted of a technical assessment which considers the existing wayfinding features available and recommends additional systems that may be implemented. It also included a user experience where Vision Australia visited the site with patrons who were blind and had low vision including a cane-user and a patron with a guide dog, to assess the ease of wayfinding for people with a disability. Management found the results of this exercise particularly useful and informative.
The recommendations from the wayfinding audit will be incorporated into the Access Masterplan, and used to inform the development of designs to improve wayfinding elements around the site.
Companion Card Session
Sydney Opera House in partnership with Accessible Arts and National Disability Services is hosting an information session for the Arts Sector on the Companion Card in the Utzon Room on Thursday 28 May 2009. Many agencies have identified that a short information session relating to the implementation of the Card would be useful, and Sydney Opera House is please to host this session and encourage others in the Arts sector to join us in affiliating with this worthwhile Program.
Updating Access Resources
Access Guide brochure (short version)
We have recently updated our Access Guide brochure for customers. The quick, easy to read fold-out brochure includes key information on accessible facilities and services along with information on the Companion Card and how to contact Sydney Opera House via the National Relay Service (upgraded from TTY service early 2009). The brochure is available at key information points around the site and is also mailed with performance tickets purchased by customers with disabilities.
Access Guide booklet (long version)
In addition, our public Access Guide booklet is under review. The Access Guide booklet is a detailed publication that includes all information on access at Sydney Opera House. Since its launch in October 2006, significant changes have occurred around the building and work is underway to include these changes in the updated Access Guide.
As an environmental and cost-saving initiative, the updated Access Guide will no longer be available in printed booklet form. The new Access Guide will be readily accessible online and in large print format (upon request) at the end of 2009. Following that, we will also be releasing the new Access Guide in MP3 audio file format, so stay tuned!
For current access information check out the Access Guide brochure.
Thank you to all key stakeholders who commit their time and effort towards the many upgrade works to improve access for the people of Sydney, NSW and visitors from around the world.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Food Court – Back to Back Theatre, 9-10 June, 7:30pm, Opera Theatre
A hit of the 2008 Melbourne International Arts Festival, part theatre, part concert, Food Court is an intense roller-coaster ride of image, sound and emotion. Created by Back to Back Theatre, who produce new forms of contemporary theatre imagined from the minds of a unique ensemble of actors with disabilities, and giving voice to social and political issues that speak to all people. The performance is part of the Luminous program presented by Sydney Opera House and is set to a live, improvised score by The Necks. Caroline Baum will lead a Q&A Session at the conclusion of the performance on 10 June.
For more details about this performance contact Box Office on 9250 7777. Patrons who are deaf or have a hearing impairment can call, at no cost, through the National Relay Service:
• TTY users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 9250 7777
• Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 9250 7777
• Internet relay users connect to the NRS (www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7777
For more performances in the Luminous program
Vision
When the Rain Stops Falling – Sydney Theatre Company, Audio Described 13 June, 2pm, Drama Theatre
Sydney Theatre Company presents When The Rain Stops Falling in the Drama Theatre, Audio Described, 13 June 2009, 2pm. The first new play from Andrew Bovell in five years and acclaimed theatrical hit of the 2008 Adelaide Festival, this work is bewitching audiences with its intelligence and multi-layered brilliance!
For more details on this wonderful production or to see other audio described or captioned performances by Sydney Theatre Company in 2009 check out the Access Diary.
Hearing
FM Radio systems are available for performances in all venues. FM radio units may be borrowed free of charge from the cloakroom when attending a show. This service is also compatible with hearing aids via an induction loop. Please enquire from the cloakroom for this service when attending a show.
An Induction Loop system is available at Box Office counter windows on the Box Office level, offering customers using hearing aids clearer sound when booking tickets and works by amplifying Box Office staff and customers’ voices.
PLANNING A VISIT
Access Guide brochure
We are committed to providing you with the most current and relevant information to assist you in getting to and around the site. An updated Access Guide brochure is available to assist you in planning your visit to Sydney Opera House. The brochure outlines theatre access information as well as information on booking a performance or tour.
Download the Access Guide brochure
Complimentary Shuttle Bus
Our popular complimentary shuttle bus service operates to assist elderly and less mobile patrons. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. The bus runs between Circular Quay near Stand E (under the Cahill Expressway) and the Vehicle Concourse. Please note that there is no bus service for any theatres on Sunday evenings.
Complimentary Shuttle Bus running times
Vehicle Concourse Parking
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available under the covered Concourse near Stage Door, a fee of $15 applies. To check availability please contact 61 2 9250 7185 Monday to Saturday 9:00am till 8:30pm, Sunday 10:00am till 6:00pm (subject to alteration).
Please have your updated RTA details (current RTA permit number and expiry date) and credit card to hand before calling. Patrons who are deaf or have a hearing impairment can call, at no cost, through the National Relay Service:
• TTY users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 9250 7185
• Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 9250 7185
• Internet relay users connect to the NRS (www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7185
Please note that sometimes these parking spaces will be sold out for some performances.
More information on parking at Sydney Opera House
Accessible Drop-off Points
There are a number of accessible drop-off points for people with disabilities and older people unable to walk long distances. Patrons in taxis or private vehicles can be dropped off under the covered Vehicle Concourse near Stage Door. Staff at Stage Door can assist you via lift access to the Concert Hall, Opera Theatre, Utzon Room, Box Office, Information Desk, Theatre Bars and Guillaume at Bennelong (limited access).
To access the Western Theatres (Drama Theatre, Playhouse and The Studio) patrons may also be dropped off at the on-site roundabout on the western roadway.
As a security measure on entry to the site, all vehicles (including taxis and private vehicles) are required to stop at the Main Gate to confirm their access requirements with the Security Officer.
For more information feel free to contact the Sydney Opera House Information desk via email InfoDesk@sydneyoperahouse.com or call on 61 2 9250 7343. Patrons who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment can call (at no cost) through the National Relay Service:
• TTY users phone 13 36 77 then ask for 9250 7343
• Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 9250 7343
• Internet relay users connect to the NRS (www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7343
ACCESSIBLE FORMATS AND MORE INFORMATION
A large print version of this newsletter is available on request from infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com
If you would like further information on any of the topics in this newsletter feel free to contact Jenny Spinak, Program Manager Accessibility at jspinak@sydneyoperahouse.com