The approach we take at Dubbo Regional Theatre is that we strive to make our venue and services more suitable for people with disability, the aged and those that identify as non-neurotypical.

Did you know our accessibility features include a ramp to the front entrance as well as a ramp at the rear of the Theatre directly to Stage Door? We have a total of five accessible car spaces close to the entrance, a number of accessible seats in the Theatre auditorium as well as a hearing loop in the auditorium and foyer. We have tactile floor indicators, accessible toilet facilities (even an accessible dressing room backstage) and hand rails on all stairs. Did anyone notice the additional third centre handrail installed at the front stairs leading to the building – complete with skate board deterrent steel clasps!

You probably have worked out that our passenger lift has been out of operation since May of this year following a power outage in the CBD. After the two-hour outage ended everything returned to normal operations but sadly not our beloved passenger lift. It has been an excruciatingly long process to have the issue inspected, assessed and quoted on. We thank you for your patience and understanding. Long story short, we are hoping to have the lift fully operational prior to the two sell out performances of the Russian Ballet at the end of October. Mind you, it didn’t stop the 90 year old man with a walking stick climbing the stairs to the mezzanine level the other night explaining, ‘I can do it – I can climb Mount Everest’!

We have special needs friendly performances on selected shows to ensure everyone experiences the magic of live performance. We do this by having the house lights up a little higher, theatre doors open for easy egress, loud noises minimised and on some occasions, the option to view the performance on a monitor in the foyer.

Key staff attended Disability Awareness Training and we’re pleased that Dubbo Regional Theatre rated high in the Disability Action Plan – the only thing we hadn’t planned for was to ensure we had a bowl of water for Guide and Companion Dogs. This was easily rectified and just as well as we had the pleasure of the company of Guide Dog ‘King’ at the Moorambilla Gala Concert last week.

Two years ago we introduced the acceptance of Companion Cards. Patrons who hold a Government issued Companion Card are eligible for one complimentary theatre ticket for their companion when purchasing tickets for themselves. Our friendly Box Office staff can assist you with your booking. If you feel there is something else we can do to enhance your experience, feel free to drop a note in the Suggestion Box at the Box Office or let us know through info@drtcc.com.au phone or pop in. We look forward to seeing you at the Theatre!