NZ Sign Language Interpreted
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.
Intro notes provide a description of the characters, the set, and a summary of the show including visual moments. These may be helpful for blind and low vision viewers. Click here to download intro notes for The Santa Claus Show.
Audio Described
Audio description is a narration service provided that describes what the sighted person takes for granted – those images that a person who is blind or visually impaired formerly could only experience through the whispered asides from a sighted companion. Theatregoers are issued with headsets and 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. Patrons will be taken from the theatre foyer and guided on the stage for the tour, which lasts approximately 40 minutes. After the tour, headsets will be distributed and patrons will be shown to their seats.
Guide dogs are welcome at all the theatres.
Booking Headset
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.
Touch Tour and Audio Described Schedule
12:00pm Arrive at the theatre
12:05pm Touch Tour of the set and props on stage
12:30pm Meet the actors in costume
12:40pm Pick up headsets
12:50pm Audience take their seats
1:00pm Audio Described Performance of the show starts
2:05pm Show Ends
Sensory Relaxed
A sensory relaxed performance creates a less formal, supportive atmosphere in the theatre. The show softens some technical elements and offers support materials to enable neurodiverse children and their family with sensory, movement, communication, and learning needs to enjoy a comfortable and inclusive theatre experience. We have resources including our welcome video to help with your sensory relaxed visit to the theatre.
Tools to help with your Sensory Relaxed visit
Here are some tools to help with your Sensory Relaxed visit to the theatre.
A detailed Story Summary, complete with photos from our dress rehearsal, will give you an advanced inside look at what will happen on the stage during the show.
Meet the Team introduces the actors and crew. Photos of the performers and the characters they play, and the crew and the jobs they perform in the theatre, will introduce you to the team before you attend the show.
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 documents below from past shows to know what to expect.
To book a familiarisation visit to the theatre please email katie@timbray.org.nz or
phone 09 486 2261 during office hours.