Best seats in the house for all patrons

Press Release: Regent Theatre

21 September 2015
In ongoing efforts to ensure all patrons have the most enjoyable experience possible, the Regent Theatre in Dunedin is pleased to announce the creation of two more wheelchair seating spaces, along with companion seats.

While there are already seven wheelchair seats and eight companion seats in the Stalls (lower auditorium), a recent suggestion from New Zealand International Film Festival attendee Keith Jarvie prompted a quick review and the decision to make the extra spaces available in the centre section of Row G, directly in front of the stage and with immediate access to the cross aisle.

Mr Jarvie says, “It will be great having wheelchair spaces available for shows and concerts in a prime seating area. It gives the wheelcair users pretty much the same options as the general public.”

Regent Theatre Director Sarah Andersons says, “Once we’d thought through the logistics of moving this section of seating out regularly, it seemed like a very simple way to make sure our mobility impaired patrons have easy access to some of the best seats in the house.”

These prime seats will be available for wheelchair bookings until two weeks’ prior to the show, after which time they will revert to regular seating if not booked. The permanent wheelchair seating is available for booking at any time. All wheelchair spaces have companion seating alongside.

Row G is the back row of the section of seating nearest the stage, usually priced as Premium or A Reserve. The entire section can be removed for special events such as the 24-hour Book Sale or dinner events. The seven permanent wheelchair spaces are stage left in the back section and usually have a lower ticket price than the front section.

In a visit shortly following the 2011 renovations, Arts Access Aotearoa staff commented that the upgrades had made the Regent Theatre one of the most physically accessible venues in the country. Ms Anderson says she is very pleased to be able to continue improving the theatre-going experience for patrons.

Wheelchair access to the lower auditorium is via a lift from the foyer. Given the steepness of the Circle (upper auditorium), it is generally recommended that patrons with mobility difficulties take seats in the Stalls. There are 1617 seats in the Regent Theatre including wheelchair seating.

To book wheelchair and companion seating, please call the Regent Theatre Box Office on 03 4778597 or visit the theatre Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm or Saturday 10.30am-1pm.

For more information

Sarah Anderson
Regent Theatre Director
03 477 6481 extn 3