THEATRE FOR ALL

Auslan interpreting involves interpreters standing to one side of the stage or speaker and live translating the text and dialogue into Auslan. Malthouse Theatre provides Auslan interpretation for select performances and events across the year. 

We reserve seats that offer a clear view of the interpreter for those who require. You can book these seats online by clicking the link below and entering the code AUSLAN, or by contacting boxoffice@malthousetheatre.com.au.  

Audio description (AD) offers people who are blind or have low vision an understanding of what is happening visually on stage. Before entering the theatre, you collect a small radio receiver and single earpiece. An experienced audio describer will transmit the AD live from a sound booth within the theatre. The signal has wide coverage within the theatre so regardless of where you sit you can still receive the AD. The receiver has a volume control you can adjust to suit your comfort level. 

For more information about this service please contact boxoffice@malthousetheatre.com.au.  

Aural and visual ratings refer to measures or evaluations of how well sound (aural) and sight (visual) elements are perceived by the audience during a performance. These ratings can help assess the sensory experience you might have at a production. 

Aural Ratings 

These ratings evaluate the sound elements of a production, and assess how dialogue, music, and sound effects contribute to the storytelling.  

Most of our works are new and while we make every effort to be accurate with assessing these ratings, it is possible they will change as the production is developed. If you would like to speak to us about a particular production, please contact the box office (03) 9685 5111 or boxoffice@malthousetheatre.com.au.  

Below is the description for each Aural rating: 

• Aural Rating 100% – entirely sound-based with no visual elements and can be fully experienced by blind or low vision audiences. 
  
  

• Aural Rating 75% – mainly sound-based with visuals only incidental to the work, so blind or low vision audiences can have close to the full experience of the event. 
  
  

• Aural Rating 50% – contains both sound and visual components, but sight is not essential to be able to engage with the event. 

Visual Ratings 

These ratings evaluate the visibility and overall visual experience. They assess how visual elements like set design, costume, and lighting contribute to the storytelling.  

Most of our works are new and while we make every effort to be accurate with assessing these ratings, it is possible they will change as the production is developed. If you would like to speak to us about a particular production, please contact the box office (03) 9685 5111 or boxoffice@malthousetheatre.com.au.  

Below is the description for each Visual rating: 

• Visual Rating 100% – contains no sound, music or dialogue so Deaf or hard of hearing audiences can engage fully with the event.
  
  

• Visual Rating 75% – has minimal dialogue and some background music or sounds, or may be fully subtitled, so Deaf and hard of hearing audiences can have close to the full experience of the event. 
  
  

• Visual Rating 50% – includes dialogue and background music or sounds, so Deaf and hard of hearing audiences can have some engagement with the event. 

We publish Access Packs for all of our mainstage productions. These pre-show materials are primarily designed for individuals who may experience anxiety or sensory sensitivities when attending a live performance. These packs help prepare audiences for what they can expect and make the experience more accessible and enjoyable.  

Malthouse Access Packs include a visual guide, descriptions of the venue, detailed content information about the production, and explanations of how sensory effects like lights and sound will be handled during the performance. Please note, these documents may contain spoilers about the production. 

Access Packs will be available for download from the individual production webpage, generally one week before the season commences. 

The Malthouse – home of Malthouse Theatre – houses two indoor theatres, an outdoor stage, rehearsal studios, meeting rooms, a bar, and a cafe. Wherever possible, we aim to make our spaces wheelchair accessible. Below you will find information about the wheelchair access for each of the spaces.

We have permanent spaces in our Merlyn, Beckett and Tower Theatres dedicated to patrons using a wheelchair. Please contact the Box Office or fill out this online form here to let us know your requirements when booking.

GROUND FLOOR

Ground floor of The Malthouse is accessible by wheelchair. The Merlyn and Beckett Theatres, Cafe, Box Office, Bar and accessible bathrooms are all located on the ground floor.

LEVEL 1

The Bagging Room and Tower can be accessed by lift. Our Front of House staff can provide access to the lift if you require.

The administration area, Playbox Room, and Hoopla Room are not accessible by wheelchair.

Malthouse offers a Hearing Assistance System which allows patrons using a hearing aid to tune into the frequency of that venue. For patrons without a hearing aid, we offer a similar system and provide the patron with headphones. These systems are available for all mainstage performances in the Merlyn and Beckett theatres. 

The Companion Card has been developed by the Victorian Network on Recreation and Disability (VICNORD). It admits support workers to shows as complimentary guests. To make an enquiry, please contact our Box Office team via email at boxoffice@malthousetheatre.com.au or call (03) 9685 511.