Accessibility

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At Frankston Arts Centre we want Every Body to access the arts. We are an inclusive venue and welcome people of all ages, abilities and circumstances.

Parking Bays

wheelchair access icon Frankston Arts Centre

Accessible parking bays are located on each level of the car park - please ensure relevant permits are on display. Lift access to the foyer is accessible from all levels of the car park.

Patrons are also welcome to use main Davey Street entrance driveway as a drop-off point for passengers before continuing to the car park.

Strictly no parking on the main entrance driveway.

Accessible parking bays are located at:

 Davey Street (1 space)
 Playne Street (2 spaces)
 - access the FAC foyer via lift behind the Library
 FAC Car Park (3 spaces on Level 3 and 2 spaces on other levels)
 - access FAC foyer via lift on each level

 

More information on parking here.

Wheelchair & Mobility Aid Accessibility

wheelchair access icon Frankston Arts Centre

Wheelchairs in Main Theatre

Our main theatre features two permanent spaces in row J dedicated to patrons using a wheelchair. These spaces can now be booked directly online, and feature a wheelchair icon as shown below. An additional seat next to the wheelchair space is allocated for patrons attending with a wheelchair user and can be identified by the people icon. Additional wheelchair spaces may be arranged, upon request to the Box Office.

FAC wheelchair space in theatre

Should you prefer to transfer from your wheelchair, the seats at the end of rows G and H have movable armrests which allow for easy transfer from wheelchair to seat.

Wheelchair access is not available for the Dress Circle.

E-Mobility Scooter Recharge Points
Frankston City Council, in collaboration with Monash University Occupational Therapy students, have introduced new recharge points for electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Due to the nature and fluidity of the Arts Centre foyer there will not be a permanent recharge location. Please ask a staff member who can direct you to the best available point. 

Mobility Aids

Walking frames and other mobility aids are not permitted to remain within the auditorium during performances. However, they are permitted into the auditorium for use by patrons to access their seat. Mobility aids will then be relocated to a nearby location by ushers. Mobility aids will be returned to patrons upon the closing of the performance, or should the patron need to leave the auditorium at any other time. 

 

Toilets

accessible toilet icon Frankston Arts Centre

Frankston Arts Centre provides toilet facilities that cater for limited mobility and wheelchair access. Our accessible toilets are gender-neutral.

Children & Infants

access baby change facilities icon Frankston Arts Centre

There are two Baby Change areas located within the accessible toilets.

Prams/pushers/baby capsules/large bags/etc are NOT permitted in the auditorium during performances due to Emergency Evacuation policies.

All large items will be stored while you attend one of our performances. Baby carriers/slings are permitted. Please remove all valuables before storing. Should you require access to your large items at any stage throughout the performance, please ask one of our friendly staff members for assistance.

 

Deaf / Hard of Hearing

assisted listening access icon Frankston Arts Centre

Audio Assistance

For those who are hard of hearing, we have a number of Audio Assistance Devices available for complimentary loan. When attending a performance, please ask Box Office should you wish to access a device. 

You are welcome to bring your own headphones or borrow a set. If bringing your own headphones or earphones it will need a standard 3.5mm audio jack to plug into our devices.

Our Audio Assistance Devices are also available with a hearing loop which is compatible for hearing aids that have a T-switch.

Captioning and Auslan signed translation is also offered at selected performances.

Auslan icon Frankston Arts Centre

Auslan Interpreted

Auslan Interpretation is suitable for people who are deaf and communicate using Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Auslan Interpreters are available for select performances. Please inform Box Office if you would benefit from this service when booking your ticket to ensure you are seated near the interpreter.

More information provided at Deaf Australia or Deaf Children Australia

Open captioning access icon Frankston Arts Centre

Live Theatre Captioning

Performances incorporating Live Theatre Captioning will have dialogue displayed on a plasma screen close to the stage as it is spoken. 

 

Blind / Low Vision

Access blind or low vision icon Frankston Arts Centre

To enhance the live performance experience for people who are blind or have low vision, Frankston Arts Centre offers Audio Description or Tactile Tours for selected performances.

Access audio description icon Frankston Arts Centre

Audio Description

Audio Description is a live verbal commentary given through a headset to assist patrons who are blind or have low vision. At these select performances, a trained Audio Describer will be located at the back of the theatre with a view of the stage and will describe the visual aspects of the performance between dialogue.

Tactile Tours

Tactile Tours allow people who are blind or have low vision the chance to touch and feel key elements of a performance (such as props, sets, and costumes) prior to commencement.

Relaxed Performance, Social Scripts, Autism & Sensory Concerns

Relaxed Performances at FAC

Relaxed Performances

Relaxed Performances are designed for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or those living with anxiety. During these performances there is a relaxed attitude to noise. Doors remain open and house-lights, while dimmed, remain on. You can leave the auditorium at any time to take a break, and a designated quiet area is available. The performance itself will essentially remain the same as a non-relaxed performance, with some minor modifications to sensory elements such as lighting and sound. 

Social Stories

Social Stories can be helpful for people of all abilities who might feel anxious about a visit to Frankston Arts Centre. They are also often helpful for those on the Autism Spectrum. We have developed two Social Stories, one for visiting the Theatre, and the other for visiting Cube 37. These stories and their videos are available here.

Arts Access Classes & Workshops

The Frankston Arts Centre is an inclusive venue providing arts opportunities for Every Body!

Explore the Arts Access classes and workshops we have available in our What's On section, designed to foster your own creativity.

Assistance Animals

Assistance Companion Animal access icon Frankston Arts Centre

Assistance Animals are permitted within the venue. Please advise Box Office when booking your ticket to ensure your selected seat has appropriate space for your Assistance Animal.

Companion Cards

companion card access icon Frankston Arts Centre

Companion Card holders are eligible for a complimentary companion ticket to Frankston Arts Centre events and performances. Companion Card tickets are able to be booked online, over the phone or in person. Please have your companion card with you as you will be asked for details.

 

Interpreter Assistance

Should you require the assistance of a language interpreter, please phone 131 450.

Ticket Subsidy Scheme

Frankston Arts Centre aims to ensure that everyone within the Frankston community and beyond has the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the arts. 

The Ticket Subsidy Scheme assists people in financial hardship to attend performances by offering tickets to selected events at a lower cost than the advertised concession price.

To apply for Subsidised Tickets, please fill out a Subsidised Tickets Application Form.