THEATRE FOR ALL
Malthouse is committed to ensuring that more people have an opportunity to enjoy the performances and programs we offer. On this page you will find up-to-date information about our access services.
Our services are available to book online, via phone or in person at our Box Office:
Email: boxoffice@malthousetheatre.com.au
Phone: (03) 9685 5111
Visit us*: Ground Floor, The Malthouse
113 Sturt Street, Southbank VIC 3006
*Please check current opening hours via the telephone number above.
Captioning offers an accurate text display of a performance, making it accessible for patrons who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, or culturally and linguistically diverse.
In partnership with The Captioning Studio we provide open and closed captioning services for specific performances.
OPEN CAPTIONING
Open captioning is captioning displayed on large TV screens positioned either on or to the side of the stage. Generally, performances in our Merlyn Theatre will have two screens, and those in the Beckett Theatre will have one.
For open captioned performances, you do not need to bring any technology of your own.
CLOSED CAPTIONING
Closed captioning is provided for specific performances and can be accessed from any seat in the Theatre using the GoTheatrical App on a personal device (i.e. a compatible smartphone or tablet). You can download and check the app requirements on the GoTheatrical website.
Open and closed captioning will be provided for the following performances:
Black Light by Jada Alberts
Saturday, 21 February at 2pm
Break of Day by Steve Rodgers
Saturday, 15 August at 2pm
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.
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. As soon as these ratings are available, they will be displayed on the production’s page under ‘Access Information’.
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.
AURAL RATINGS
These ratings evaluate the sound elements of a production, and assess how dialogue, music, and sound effects contribute to the storytelling.
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.
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 houses two indoor theatres, an outdoor courtyard, rehearsal studios, meeting rooms, a bar, and a resturant. 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 following amenities are all located on the ground floor of the foyer:
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Merlyn Theatre
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Beckett Theatre
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Box Office
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Vivi Bar & Restaurant
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Accessible toilets
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Outdoor courtyard
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Workshop building
LEVEL 1
Level 1 amenities accessible via lift – a key for which can be obtained from our Front of House team:
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Bagging Room
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Tower
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Tower/Bagging dressing room
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Playbox Room
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Hoopla Room*
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Administration office*
*Not accessible via wheelchair, there are 6 stairs between the lift and this space.
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.
For information on our approach to affordable tickets, please click here.