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Issue 2 – March 2009
Welcome! This quarter we highlight the launch of the NSW Companion card. Also in this issue, a snapshot of recent access upgrades in our Western Theatres area to keep you informed plus an update on the Access Masterplan. Our regular Assisted Performance section will keep you in the loop on assisted performances at Sydney Opera House and much more!
IMPROVED ACCESS
NSW Companion Card
Sydney Opera House strives to provide accessible services to customers with a disability and their carers. Commencing this month, Sydney Opera House recognises the NSW Companion Card program for performances and events hosted by Sydney Opera House Presents and The Essential Tour (including the Access Tour). Holders of the Card will not be required to pay for the cost of tickets for their carer for these activities.
More information on performances and events hosted by Sydney Opera House Presents click here
To make a booking for Access Tours please call Tourism on 9250 7250 or tourism@sydneyoperahouse.com
Patrons who are deaf or have a hearing impairment can call, at no cost, through the National Relay Service:
- TTY users phone 133677 then ask for 9250 7250
- Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 9250 7250
- Internet relay users connect NRS (see www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7250.
Places on Access Tours are limited so please book in advance.
Accessibility and Western Foyers Project
Significant work has occurred to date as we enter the final stage of this project. Once completed customers will be able to move between the beautiful harbour and into the Western Theatres through an elegant public gathering space.
Whilst the Drama Theatre itself has re-opened, work will continue over the coming months in the foyer space of the theatre. Entry to the Drama Theatre auditorium will continue to be via a tunnel with a temporary marquee erected alongside the Western Colonnade as foyer space. Please be aware that there are currently no toilets within the Drama Theatre space and patrons are asked to use the Playhouse amenities. A temporary bar in the marquee will provide refreshments and the existing cloaking and Box Office amenities near The Studio and Playhouse are shared by all three Western Theatres.
The first of two new accessible unisex toilet facilities in the Western Foyers has been completed. The new southern toilets located near the Playhouse also include improved ambulatory features.
Accessible Seating in Theatres
A great deal of progress has occurred within our theatres and we are pleased to offer more wheelchair spaces in The Studio and Drama Theatre, with plans underway for the Playhouse.
Some seating in The Studio gallery has been re-framed for quick release of seats to accommodate more seating for wheelchairs.
In the Drama Theatre the back row of seating has been re-modelled to include up to four new wheelchair positions which are integrated into the main body of seats.
Plans are also underway to allow increased wheelchair seating for up to four positions in the Playhouse. Two stair climbers are being installed to assist customers using a wheelchair or who are unable to use the stairs in the Playhouse. We look forward to these initiatives being available over the coming months.
Please ensure you notify the Box Office upon booking of your accessible seating requirements in all theatres.
To make a booking for accessible wheelchair seating call Sydney Opera House Box Office 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 133677 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 NRS (see www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7777.
New Public Lift
The new public lift once completed will provide customers with complete undercover access from Wilson Car Park to theatres in wet weather. This will be the first public lift at Sydney Opera House making it significantly easier for less mobile visitors, families with prams and people with a disability to move around the building. Stopping at three levels, the lift will hold approximately 50 visitors allowing access to the Lower Concourse, the Western Foyers and the Box Office Foyer. The lift will be roofless allowing visitors to see the detail of the underside of Utzon’s famous folded beams in the Box Office Foyer. The lift is expected to open late 2009.
Opera Theatre and Concert Hall Escalators
To further improve movement around the building for customers, two escalators will be installed. These escalators will save customers negotiating 72 steps to and from the Opera Theatre and Concert Hall. Escalator One will take patrons from the Box Office Foyer to the Opera Theatre South Foyer. Escalator Two will travel between the Box Office Foyer and the Concert Hall South Foyer. The Opera Theatre escalator is targeted for installation mid 2009 with the Concert Hall escalator to follow in subsequent months.
Read more about the Accessibility and Western Foyers project click here
Parapet and Handrail Project
A project to fix the bronze handrails located opposite the entrance to the covered Concourse has begun, and will continue until the end of 2009. During the demolition phase, hoardings have been erected to safeguard customers whilst work is underway. Please be aware that alternate access during this project for customers who are blind or with limited vision is either via the Lower Concourse ramp to the escalators or customers can be dropped off under the Concourse near Stage Door.
Box Office Induction Loop
You may have noticed the new Induction Loop system installed at Box Office counter windows on the Box Office level. The system offers customers using hearing aids clearer sound when booking tickets and works by amplifying Box Office staff and customers’ voices.
Lower Concourse Accessible Toilet Refurbishment
The design stage for upgrading the Lower Concourse accessible toilet, located at the northern end of the Lower Concourse has begun. Amongst the many features, the new toilet facility will include an automated door opener, increased circulation space and improved fixtures and fittings to improve overall accessibility. The facility is due for completion middle of 2009.
Access Masterplan Progress
In the upcoming months access consultants (including Vision Australia consultants) will undertake extensive audits to both the public and back of house areas of Sydney Opera House, as part of the development of the Sydney Opera House Access Masterplan. The access consultants will liaise with Sydney Opera House architects to develop the design solutions to guide future access upgrades at Sydney Opera House. Watch this space for further updates!
Access Diary
The Access Diary provides current information on assisted performances (captioned or audio-described) and links to all other access information for customers.
Sydney Opera House would like to thank all stakeholders involved in the projects mentioned, from internal staff committing themselves to improving access from the inside to our broader access community’s collaboration on key initiatives to deliver improved access to the people of Sydney, NSW and to the many visitors from overseas.
PLANNING A VISIT
Access Guide Brochure
An 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
Shuttle Bus Service
Our complimentary shuttle bus service operates to assist elderly and less mobile patrons.
Read more about our Shuttle Bus Service
Concourse Parking for 2009
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available under the covered Concourse near Stage Door. To check availability please contact 61 2 9250 7185 Monday to Saturday 9:00am till 8:30pm.
Please have your updated RTA details including your current RTA permit number and expiry date to hand before calling.
Users who are deaf or have a hearing impairment can call, at no cost, through the National Relay Service:
- TTY users phone 133677 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 NRS (see www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for 9250 7185
Please note that sometimes these parking spaces will be sold out for some performances.
ASSISTED PERFORMANCES
Vision
A list of 2009 audio described and captioned performances by Sydney Theatre Company is available in our Access Diary.
Hearing
FM Radio systems are available for performances in all venues. Collect a free FM radio unit 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.
ALTERNATE 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, Accessibility Program Manager at jspinak@sydneyoperahouse.com