Circa’s Accessibility Programme
Circa’s annual access programme is made possible with funding from Wellington City Council. The Accessibility Manager works with incoming shows to schedule Accessible Performances. We developed our accessibility programme with Arts Access Aotearoa over a number of years. We regularly collaborate with Te Papa, too. We aid each other with access projects to grow our audiences.
In 2021, we won the Arts Access Creative New Zealand Arts For All Award, for our long-term commitment to becoming more accessible.
Accessible Performances can include:
Audio Descried Performances
New Zealand Sign Language Interpreted Performances
Relaxed Performances
In 2020, Circa was awarded the Silver rating by Be. Lab.
Accessibility Information
Where is Circa Theatre?
Circa Theatre is located at 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington, 6011. We are next to Te Papa on the waterfront.
You will find a map below.
Is there Accessible parking?
There are five Accessible Parks at the Te Papa carpark: two are on the left as you enter the car park and three are on the left as you continue into the covered area.
To get to Circa from the Te Papa car park head towards the front entrance of Te Papa and then cross the paved area to the Circa entrance, approximately 82 steps away.
Daytime, 8am – 5pm, $4 per hour, up to a maximum of $30
Evening and overnight, 5pm – 8am, $2 per hour (up to $8 when exiting before 2am)
You can pay with cash, EFTPOS, or credit card (Amex, Mastercard, or Visa).
Please visit the Te Papa website for more information about parking at Te Papa.
The cost for parking on Jervois Quay starts at $5/hour Weekdays and $3/hour at Weekends.
The parking is metered 8am-8pm.
What Bus can I catch?
You can catch several buses to the Courtenay Place bus stops. Check Metlink for a full bus timetable.
Is there accessible seating in the theatres? Where can I sit if I use a wheelchair?
In Circa One, the seats in the front row can be removed so a wheelchair can be placed there instead. This means wheelchair users can now sit next to their family and friends in utmost comfort during the show.
Wheelchair users who would like seats to be removed are recommended to advise Box Office when booking tickets so we are able to get the seats out in time for the performance.
Circa Two does not have this seating structure however the front row of seats provides the most accessible seating, as it is a flat surface from the foyer to these seats, with no inclines or stairs.
If you have any questions about seating, please contact the Box Office on 04 801 7992.
Where are the accessible toilets?
There is one accessible, unisex toilet in Circa. When you come through the Circa Front doors the bathroom is located directly to the left, through the nook.
Do you have a hearing loop or infra-red system?
Unfortunately, Circa does not have either of these systems.
Does anyone speak New Zealand Sign language?
Unfortunately, none of our permanent staff speak sign language fluently but they have some basic training.
Where is the lift?
There is no lift in Circa – all patrons areas are on ground level.
Can I borrow a wheelchair?
Unfortunately, Circa does not have wheelchairs for loan.
How much notice must I give for access services?
For any access requirements, please advise when booking your ticket. The earlier the booking is made, the more likely it is that we will be able to accommodate all requirements.
If you have any questions about accessibility at Circa, please contact the Box Office at 04 801 7992.
Can I have access to a script of the play before a performance?
Yes, this can be arranged. To request a copy of the script, please contact the Box Office at 04 801 7992 or circa@circa.co.nz at least a week before the show.
