Accessibility

Information about how Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre is removing barriers to attend performances for those with disability or sensory sensitivities.

Wheelchairs, walkers and prams

Northcote Town Hall Art Centre is accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and prams. A permanent accessibility ramp is located at the front of the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre for easy access into the building, and there is also a lift that provides access to the other floors.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are available on the Ground Floor of Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre (opposite Main Reception through the glass doors and Studio 1 located in the West Wing).

Baby Change Room

Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre provides a baby change room, located on the Ground Floor through the glass doors, (past the Main Reception and next to the lift).

Parking

There are two sets of accessible car spaces around the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre: one on James Street near the corner of High Street, and one on Westbourne Grove, near the corner of High Street.

Speakeasy accessibility

The Speakeasy program is a year-round independent arts presentation program presenting creative and challenging contemporary performances by emerging and established artists.

Speakeasy offers the following access services for the majority of our shows. Please see specific show information for services available.

Access tickets

Access ticket prices are available for all shows for those who identify as living with a disability, are deaf or of low hearing.

These tickets are available at a discounted rate of $20 with the promotional code "ACCESS". There are a limited amount of tickets per season. This promotional code is applicable to any accessible performance as part of the Speakeasy season.

Darebin City Council will honour Companion Cards for any performance, subject to availability.

Auslan Interpreted Performance

Auslan is an official language generally used by people who have low hearing or are deaf. Interpreters will be available to translate performances in Speakeasy seasons.

Audio description

An audio-described performance is for those who are blind or have low vision, and who wear headphones throughout the performance to hear description of the physical detail of what is happening on stage. The describer will usually be situated outside of the theatre and will view what’s happening on stage via a live camera setup or one-way glass wall.

Relaxed performance

A relaxed performance is designed to welcome visitors with disability or sensory sensitivities to the theatre.

The aim of these performances is to remove barriers that can prohibit some people from engaging with live presentations.

These barriers can include loud noises, bright lights, blackouts, haze and smoke as well as potentially triggering content (such as violence or themes of abuse). They are also suited for attendees bringing young children.

Relaxed performances make it easy for audience members to leave and return to the auditorium as required without worry of disturbing the performers or other audience members.

We also make provision for audience members to walk around the auditorium during the shows if sitting still is uncomfortable.

For many of these shows a breakaway room is also provided where people can move away from crowds and be quiet.