NZ Sign Language Interpreted
Discount price access tickets are available to Deaf audience members for NZSL interpreted shows.
What We Offer
For NZSL interpreted performances a trained interpreter, situated on the side or centre of the stage, interprets the dialogue during the performance using New Zealand Sign Language. The actors perform in spoken English while the interpreter performs a translation of the songs and dialogue.
NZSL interpretation allows the whole audience, both Deaf and hearing, to enjoy the show in their preferred language. The Tim Bray Theatre Company was the first theatre company in New Zealand to offer NZSL interpreted performance, and we have welcomed Deaf children and their families to enjoy the magic of theatre since 2004.
We also offer an NZSL interpreted Deaf Stage Experience at no additional cost for some shows and usually for Deaf school groups. Before, or after the show, Deaf children and their teachers and caregivers are invited to meet the actors, ask questions, or join us on stage to explore the props, set, costumes, instruments, and more.
2024 NZSL Shows
To book the Deaf Stage Experience, please email info@timbray.org.nz or call 09 486 2261 using NZ Relay
Book your Tickets
The Great Piratical Rumbustification
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau:
Five Go on an Adventure
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
Mrs Wishy-Washy
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau:
The Santa Claus Show ’24
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
* + Deaf Stage Experience after show
Audio Described
Discounted price access tickets are available to blind and low vision patrons for our AD shows. Guide dogs are welcome at all the theatres.
What We Offer
Audio description is a narration service where theatregoers are issued with headsets and can sit in the auditorium with the headphone in one ear, listening to the description alongside the show.
We also offer Touch Tours before our shows. These allow blind or low vision patrons the opportunity to get up close with elements of the production. The theatregoer is guided around and invited to touch the set and props and meet the cast before the show.
Touch Tours begin one hour before the performance and patrons are taken from the theatre foyer and guided on the stage for the tour. The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes and at the end headsets are distributed and patrons shown to their seats.
2024 Audio Described Shows
Book your Tickets
The Great Piratical Rumbustification
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
Māngere Arts Centre – Nga Tohu o Uenuku:
Five Go on an Adventure
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
Mrs Wishy-Washy
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
- Tuesday 24th September at 1pm + Touch Tour at 12 noon
- Saturday 28th September at 1pm + Touch Tour at 12 noon
Māngere Arts Centre – Nga Tohu o Uenuku
The Santa Claus Show ’24
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
To reserve headsets for a performance or request descriptive notes or an accessible programme, please email gail@timbray.org.nz or phone 09 486 2261 during office hours
Descriptive Notes
Descriptive notes provide a description of the characters, the set, and a summary of the show including visual moments. Also available is an accessible programme, compatible with screen readers or portable Braille devices. These may be helpful for blind and low vision viewers for shows when audio description is not available.
These resources will be available here for download two days before the first performance of the season, or can be requested via phone or email.
Sensory Relaxed
Discount price access tickets are available for autistic and neurodivergent patrons for our sensory relaxed shows.
What We Offer
A sensory relaxed performance creates a less formal, supportive atmosphere in the theatre.
The plot, characters, and story are unchanged from our standard performances however we soften some technical elements and offer support resources. These enable neurodivergent children and their family with sensory, movement, communication, and learning needs to enjoy a comfortable and inclusive theatre experience.
Check out our resources tab for help with your sensory relaxed visit to the theatre including FAQs, show-specific resources, and our welcome video.
The pre-show introduction begins 15 minutes before the show. It’s a chance to meet the characters, learn about the story, check out technical elements like lighting and sound, and hear about surprises in the show. Along with our online resources, the pre-show introduction helps audiences know what to expect so they can customise their experience.
2024 Sensory Relaxed Shows
Book your Tickets
The Great Piratical Rumbustification
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
- Monday 15th April at 10:30am. Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau:
- Wednesday 1st May at 10:30am (Schools Only). Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
Māngere Arts Centre – Nga Tohu o Uenuku
- Thursday 9th May at 10:30am (Schools Only). Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
Five Go on an Adventure
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
- Wednesday 3rd July at 10:30am (Schools Only). Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
- Monday 8th July at 10:30am. Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
Mrs Wishy-Washy
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
- Wednesday 25th September at 10:30am (Schools only). Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
- Monday 30th September at 10:30am. Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau:
- Wednesday 16th October at 10:30am (Schools only). Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
Māngere Arts Centre – Nga Tohu o Uenuku
- Thursday 24th October at 10:30am (Schools only). Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
The Santa Claus Show ’24
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
- Wednesday 4th December at 10:30am (Schools Only). Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
- Tuesday 17th December at 10:30am. Pre-show introduction at 10:15am
Help with your Sensory Relaxed visit
We have the following tools to help with your Sensory Relaxed visit:
- A detailed Story Summary document complete with photos from our dress rehearsal. It will give you an advanced inside look at what will happen on the stage during the show.
- Meet the Team document which introduces the actors and crew. It has photos of the performers and the characters they play, and the crew and the jobs they perform in the theatre.
- We will introduce you to the team before you attend the show.
- You can also book a familiarisation visit to the theatre. If you’d like to find out more please email info@timbray.org.nz or phone 09 486 2261 during office hours.
The Story Summary and Meet the Team documents for your show will be available about one week before the sensory relaxed performance. In the meantime, check out these tools below from past shows, along with our FAQs and the rest of our resources, to know what to expect.
Help with developing your own Sensory Relaxed performances
Our mission is to provide accessible theatre to children of all backgrounds and abilities.
We’re delighted to freely share this Sensory Relaxed Performance Handbook resource with companies, schools, theatres and creatives who share this mission.